Australian abuse survivors criticise NZ inquiry

New Zealand's plan to leave the Church and other non-state groups out of the Royal Commission of inquiry into abuse is getting some bad press in Australia today. The Newcastle Herald has gone big with a story of Australian survivors of abuse afraid their New Zealand counterparts won't get justice. Joanne McCarthy, the journalist who did in Australia what the Boston Globe's Spotlight team did in the US to break open the clerical sex abuse scandal, has interviewed them. The approach being taken here was "completely unacceptable", she said.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/350980/australian-abuse-survivors-criticise-nz-inquiry 

Australia prelates criticise 'relentless' media campaign against Church

Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney and Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen of Parramatta have both criticised as a "relentless" campaign a series of newspaper articles last week by Fairfax, publisher of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, about the Catholic Church, its purported wealth and its response to victims of child sexual abuse by Church personnel.

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/8589/australia-prelates-criticise-relentless-media-campaign-against-church- 

Sentence for paedophile not enough, victim says

A man who was sexually abused by a Catholic brother when he was six says a 33-year-jail sentence for the paedophile is not long enough. The convicted sex offender Bernard McGrath preyed on children in New Zealand and Australia where he's just been sentenced to decades in prison. Darryl Smith was just six years old when Bernard McGrath began sexually abusing him in the 1970s at Christchurch's Marylands school for boys.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/350782/sentence-for-paedophile-not-enough-victim-says 

Former Port Pirie Catholic Church priest faces in court three boys he abused more than three decades ago

A JUDGE urged a former South Australian priest who used his power, influence and authority to sexually abuse teenage boys more than three decades ago to address his apology to his victims. Charles Alfred Barnett, 72, appeared in the District Court on Monday ahead of sentencing next month after admitting the persistent sexual exploitation of one boy, and indecent assault of two others.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/law-order/former-port-pirie-catholic-church-priest-faces-three-boys-he-abused-more-than-three-decades-ago-in-the-district-court/news-story/86cd47b77d6d4ccd0b4b1622ad12e5d4 

As we ended our hug, we kissed…

Hello my name is Maria. I apologize if my English is not very good. I bumped into your blog a few days ago and since then I have read a lot of stories that remind me of my own. I always thought I was a one in a million, but I found out that a lot of women know exactly like I feel after all. I am 44 years old and I met my priest 10 years ago when my girls went to the school where he was the Director. I started to attend mass at that parish where later I became a catechist for 6 years and a member of the church choir (still am).

https://maltesemarriedcatholicpriest.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/as-we-ended-our-hug-we-kissed/ 

Former care home volunteer found guilty of raping three children

A former children’s home volunteer was yesterday convicted of grooming and sexually abusing three children in care more than 30 years ago. Joe Duffy, 60, from Glasgow, who has been a civilian custody officer with Police Scotland for 20 years, was convicted of raping two young sisters and and sexually abusing a young boy at a Glasgow home run by nuns in the 1980s.

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/former-policeman-care-home-volunteer-12039572 

Did an Australian Archbishop Call Pedophilia a 'Spiritual Encounter With God'?

In 2017, after a five-year investigation into child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in Australia, a specially-appointed Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse published their findings. The report included a section on criminal justice reform, including a recommendation that clergy members become legally-mandated reporters of abuse, even if they obtain the information during the rite of confession.

https://www.snopes.com/archbishop-pedophilia-spiritual-encounter/ 

Bernard McGrath is one of the most notorious members of one of the most notorious Catholic orders.

ONE of the most notorious members of one of the most notorious Catholic orders in Australia will sit in the dock of a court on Friday to be called to account for multiple child sex offences – for the fourth time. St John of God Brother Bernard McGrath was 18 when he joined the order in 1965 after his father – who once trained to be a Catholic priest – ordered him to, according to McGrath.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5232197/crimes-of-the-brother-st-john-of-gods-bernard-mcgrath-to-be-sentenced/ 

Reform or die: money investigation shows church must open up the books

Confronted at the recent royal commission about the Catholic Church's habit of minimising compensation to victims of child sex abuse, officials pursed their lips and cried poor. Could the church not afford to pay more, its It would be difficult, they said; would require "adjustments" to programs the church offered.
Perhaps we could close some programs suggested another, redirect the money. senior money men from Sydney and Melbourne were asked?

https://www.theage.com.au/national/reform-or-die-money-investigation-shows-church-must-open-up-the-books-20180213-p4z063.html 

Evidence shows Pope Francis is a ‘principal in a cover-up’ of clergy sex-abuse in Chile: Expert

Those familiar with Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina before he became Pope Francis say it is a “classic” move of his to provide “mercy” to clergy who are sexual predators while asking everybody else to simply “move on,” said attorney and child advocate Elizabeth Yore on an EWTN show last week. “I think this is a misplaced mercy. It is mercy for the predator priests,” she told EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo on the February 8 episode of World Over.

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/evidence-shows-pope-francis-is-a-principal-in-a-cover-up-of-clergy-sex-abus

Cardinal Sins

BLACK humour sets the tone for this one-man show, as comedian and child-sexual abuse survivor Frank Hampster delivers the second instalment of his Cardinal Sins series.
This is a man who went through what no child should have to suffer at the hands of a Ballarat Catholic priest, and much of the one-hour delivery is a take-no-prisoners slap down of the church, its convicted paedophiles and Cardinal George Pell, who currently faces multiple charges of historical sexual offences.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/adelaide-fringe/comedy/adelaide-fringe-review-2018-cardinal-sins/news-story/62bfef60e70130f72510e99ec46e6bb6 

Pennsylvania Catholics Plan Protest of Cdl. Roger Mahony

ChurchMilitant.com) - The Pope's decision to appoint as his envoy a leading California prelate known for covering up sex abuse is troubling Pennsylvania Catholics.
On January 13, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis appointed Cdl. Roger Mahony, former archbishop of Los Angeles, his special envoy at a 150th anniversary Mass for the diocese of Scranton. The Pontifical Mass will occur at 3 p.m. on March 4 in the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton.

https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/cdl.-mahonys-appointment-worries-concerned-catholics 

What I learned from the survivors of child sex trafficking in Kenya

As I held her little hand walking to school in the African dusk, we kicked up the red dust around us. Even with the language barrier, it was hard not to instantly fall in love with little Sara,* her massive brown eyes and ear-to-ear smile.
We reached the school and she darted off with her teacher, purple princess backpack bouncing. It was nearly easy to forget the tragic circumstances that had lead her to the St. Bakhita’s Home for Girls.

https://www.shemazing.net/hope-for-tomorrow-what-kenyas-child-sex-trafficking-survivors-taught-me/ 

Paper Cuts by Stephen Bernard review – a powerful memoir of sexual abuse

As a child, Bernard was repeatedly abused by a Catholic priest. Now an Oxford literary scholar, he has written a remarkable account of the damage done. Starting in 1987, when he was 11 years old, Stephen Bernard was sexually abused by Canon Thomas “Dermod” Fogarty, the priest who was, supposedly, helping him with his French and Latin.
This was in Midhurst, Sussex, in the diocese of Arundel and Brighton, then headed by Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, the future leader in England of the Roman Catholic church. A few years ago, reading about Murphy-O’Connor’s reaction to other cases of abuse in the 80s, Bernard “wanted to die” – he’d already been in hospital more than once after previous suicide attempts – but decided, this time, to go to the police.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/feb/16/paper-cuts-stpehen-bernard-review 

Bernard McGrath is one of the most notorious members of one of the most notorious Catholic order

ONE of the most notorious members of one of the most notorious Catholic orders in Australia will sit in the dock of a court on Friday to be called to account for multiple child sex offences – for the fourth time.
St John of God Brother Bernard McGrath was 18 when he joined the order in 1965 after his father – who once trained to be a Catholic priest – ordered him to, according to McGrath.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/5232197/crimes-of-the-brother-st-john-of-gods-bernard-mcgrath-to-be-sentenced/ 

Letter: Pass Child Victims Act to affirm survivors' rights

As someone advocating passage for the Child Victims Act, the addition of Jason Gough, former TV meteorologist and survivor of childhood sexual abuse, to our ranks is welcome. He is sure to be a strong spokesperson.
I am part of Call to Action, a lay Catholic group, which views sexual abuse of children as a moral issue that must be confronted in our churches, synagogues and in our larger society. We are also part of a coalition of like-minded organizations and survivors of childhood abuse that has fought for this legislation for more than a decade.

https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Letter-Pass-Child-Victims-Act-to-affirm-12618223.php 

Calls to drop criminals' redress exclusion

Australia is the only country to have created a second class of child sexual abuse victims deemed unworthy of compensation because they have committed a serious crime, a Senate inquiry has heard. Australia's major churches joined victims' supporters in demanding the federal government drop the exclusion under the planned $3.8 billion national redress scheme.

No other government scheme blocks survivors based on their criminal history, an international expert on institutional child abuse redress said.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/2018/02/16/09/07/counsellors-urge-family-access-to-redress 

Cardinal George Pell's barrister: loud, socially progressive and an avowed atheist

Robert Richter is not the obvious choice to defend Catholic Cardinal George Pell against historical sex charges. But the celebrity silk’s reputation for skewering witnesses – and winning cases – has delivered him the most high-profile case in his long and storied career.
In October 2016, the Melbourne-based defence barrister Robert Richter packed a pair of sunglasses and his panama hat and boarded a plane to Rome. Autumn is especially magical in the Eternal City: the colours are out and the crowds are down. If you're lucky, you might even be able to stroll through St. Peter's Square without being trampled. But sightseeing wasn't on Richter's to-do list. Rather, he was there to see the man at the centre of the most important case of his career, Cardinal George Pell.

http://www.smh.com.au/good-weekend/cardinal-george-pells-barrister-loud-socially-progressive-and-avowed-atheist-20180205-h0tso9.html 

Filipinos call to include religious bodies in child abuse inquiry

The government needs to consider expanding its planned Royal Commission into child abuse to include religious organisations, Filipino community leaders say. Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Gary Domingo has written to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asking for an expanded Royal Commission of Inquiry.
Example of Denis McAlinden He cited the case of the pedophile priest Denis McAlinden who spent time in the Philippines and other countries as well as a year in New Zealand in the 1980s.

http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/filipinos-call-to-include-religious-bodies-in-child-abuse-inquiry/ 

How unusual is it for a priest to be arrested?

Before Harvey Weinstein, there was Cardinal Bernard Law. While Law’s sin was covering up for pedophile priests in Boston not allegedly assaulting actresses, his ouster some 15 years ago paved the way for today’s torrent of takedowns of powerful men like Weinstein who have been accused of sexual harassment and worse. Law died Wednesday at The Vatican. Sex-abuse victims see a direct line from Law to Weinstein and other recently accused abusers.

https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2018/02/15/how-unusual-priest-arrested/341017002/ 

Diocese again pushes back deadline to file clergy sexual abuse claims

The second phase of the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program has begun, and will allow more survivors of sexual abuse by clergy members to seek financial compensation.
Victims who had previously notified the diocese that they had suffered abuse by a member of the clergy were invited to participate in Phase One of the program. Phase Two was set up to allow those who had never reported abuse to apply. To receive monetary compensation, victims must agree that they will not pursue legal action against the church in the future.

http://liherald.com/stories/diocese-again-pushes-back-deadline-to-file-clergy-sexual-abuse-claims,99875 

Important to confront the dark secrets of child abuse

Like in so many other nations, children in Australia have suffered at the hands of men in positions of moral, educational and administrative authority, subjected to systemic sexual, emotional and physical abuse by dark figures in the Roman Catholic church and its hierarchy.

The pattern of abuse is similar, whether it be in schools in Australia, residential institutions for First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, in parishes across Ireland, or where depraved and criminal minds were able to carry out their dark deeds under the veneer of doing charitable or spiritual work.

http://gulfnews.com/opinion/editorials/important-to-confront-the-dark-secrets-of-child-abuse-1.2170592 

Troubling allegations against Catholic Dioces

The allegations against a former priest in the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces that are contained in a recent lawsuit are disturbing. The alleged cover-up by church officials, if true, would be beyond disturbing. The lawsuit involves Father Ricardo Bauza, who had previously served as pastor of St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Las Cruces. The allegations in the lawsuit involve complaints made by several people after Bauza had been moved to St. Helena Catholic Church in Hobbs.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/opinion/editorial/2018/02/10/troubling-allegations-against-catholic-diocese/327024002/ 

Two priests fired after alleged sexual abuse and inappropriate contact with minors

The Diocese has announced that two priests, Father David Poulson, 64, and Father Sean Kerins, 27, have been removed from the Erie Catholic Diocese. According to a memo from the Diocese, the two have been "prohibited from any public ministry, as well as from any contact with minors".
They tell us the situations are unrelated. In the case of Poulson, who was the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Cambridge Springs, the Diocese received what they said they believe "to be credible allegations against [him] regarding the sexual abuse of minors". A preliminary independent investigation is ongoing and the matter has been "turned over to law enforcement". Monsignor Robert Brugger, former pastor of Saint Anthony Parish, will take over Poulson's parish, effective immediately".

http://www.yourerie.com/news/two-priests-fired-after-sexual-abuse-and-inappropriate-contact-with-minors/972029303 

Judge allows two claims in diocese sex abuse case to proceed in district court

In the Pacific Northwest, however, the Catholic Church and the Jesuit Order have been accused of using Indian Reservations as their “dumping grounds” for the worst recidivist priests accused of sexually abusing children throughout the 1900s. Wochit A federal judge on Monday granted a motion allowing two claims of sexual abuse by an Absarokee priest in the 1970s and '80s to proceed to conclusion through the state courts.

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/2018/02/12/judge-allows-two-claims-diocese-sex-abuse-case-proceed-district-court/331590002/ 

Lee students blast sexual assault scandals through podcast

“We chose to speak about sexual harassment due to the recent wave of people speaking out as victims of sexual misconduct,” Thoughts of the Round Table co-host Juan Molina said. "It’s deeply unfortunate to hear that this is a problem even in the leadership of the Catholic Church. That shouldn’t happen, but hopefully with the demand for higher standards, the people can make a change.”

http://www.leeclarion.com/news/lee-students-blast-catholic-sexual-assault-scandal-through-podcast/article_e422f770-0e93-11e8-ba0b-1be37a600341.html 

Church of England’s reputation damaged by sexual abuse claims

Calls for a “culture change” are growing as the Church of England now faces 3,300 sexual abuse claims, with one-fifth directed against clergy and other church officials. Denial is no longer an option as recent inquiries highlight “the continuing need for a culture change within the church,” Roger Singleton, a member of the Anglican Church’s national safeguarding panel, told The Guardian.

https://international.la-croix.com/news/church-of-england-s-reputation-damaged-by-sexual-abuse-claims/6930 

Filipinos call to include religious bodies in child abuse inquiry

The government needs to consider expanding its planned Royal Commission into child abuse to include religious organisations, Filipino community leaders say.
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Gary Domingo has written to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern asking for an expanded Royal Commission of Inquiry. Example of Denis McAlinden He cited the case of the pedophile priest Denis McAlinden who spent time in the Philippines and other countries as well as a year in New Zealand in the 1980s.

http://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/filipinos-call-to-include-religious-bodies-in-child-abuse-inquiry/ 

Kennedy Catholic Chaplain removed, prohibited from contact with minors

The Diocese of Erie has removed two priests, one from Kennedy Catholic High School, both now prohibited from contact with minors and prohibited from any public ministry.
According to a press release sent to our NBC affiliate WICU and other media outlets Tuesday, Father Sean Kerins, 27, was removed as chaplain at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage. He was also assigned to Church of the Good Shepherd Parish in West Middlesex.

http://www.wfmj.com/story/37499835/kennedy-catholic-chaplain-removed-prohibited-from-contact-with-minors 

No more hiding sexual abuse

The fire raging at Michigan State University is unique in scope and in the overdue public accounting that is now underway. But for untold thousands of sexual abuse victims, the stories of preventable abuse and re-victimization by a callous bureaucracy are all too familiar.
They know how hard it was to gather their courage; to bring their pain to a trusted authority figure. They know how it felt to be dismissed; to see justice trampled in the name of self-preservation. They know how this destroys faith.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/opinion/2018/02/14/hiding-sexual-abuse/110435608/ 

Cardinal Cupich defends Pope’s record on doctrine and abuse

Cardinal Cupich called for a 'paradigm shift' in pastoral practice and said that the Pope recognised the need to 'listen' to abuse survivors Cardinal Blase Cupich has defended Pope Francis’s record and called for a “paradigm shift” in Catholic practice.
Addressing the Von Hügel Institute at St Edmund’s College, Cambridge, under the title “Pope Francis’ Revolution of Mercy: Amoris Laetitia as a New Paradigm of Catholicity”, Cardinal Cupich called for “a major shift in our ministerial approach that is nothing short of revolutionary”.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/02/10/cardinal-cupich-defends-popes-record-on-doctrine-and-abuse/ 

Andrew MacLeod: Aiding alarming abuse

Shocking revelations on BBC’s Newsnight on Friday 9 February saw former Oxfam head Dame Barbara Stocking admit that she “knew for years” after an internal Oxfam investigation that sexual exploitative behaviour has been going on at Oxfam.
The behaviour included hiring prostitutes in earthquake-torn Haiti — who may have been underage — and downloading illegal material. It was revealed that the aid workers involved in such acts moved from aid job to aid job with spotless references.

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/6832fcd8-f10d-4e2d-9783-a001e24cacd8.aspx 

Call for church to acknowledge priest was woman's father

An Auckland woman is breaking a half century of secrecy around her father. It's believed to be the first time in New Zealand that the child of a supposedly celibate Catholic priest has gone public. This comes after an international support website told RNZ a week ago, that half a dozen New Zealanders have contacted it saying they are the children of priests.
The priest, who has since died, had a high profile in the Auckland Diocese. RNZ has seen the evidence he is the father - as has Bishop of Auckland Patrick Dunn.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/101349584/vatican-must-accept-priests-children--ex-official 

The sound of silence: sexual abuse in Cambodia’s Buddhist pagodas

An unregulated pagoda environment, the status of monks and the downplaying of male rape means that abuse of children in the monkhood is likely more widespread than anyone dares to admit
At first he was nice to me,” Samnang says, his eyes far away. “He made me feel important; made me feel special.”

http://sea-globe.com/the-sound-of-silence-sexual-abuse-in-cambodias-buddhist-pagodas/ 

The Americas Venezuela’s economy is so bad, parents are leaving their children at orphanages

“Would you like to see the little ones?” asked Magdelis Salazar, a social worker, beckoning me toward a crowded playground. We were at Venezuela’s largest orphanage, just after lunch. The yard was an obstacle course of abandoned children.
A little chunk of a boy, on the cusp of 3, sat on a play scooter. He was called El Gordo — the fat one. But when he was left here a few months ago, he was skin and bones.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/venezuelas-economy-is-so-bad-parents-are-leaving-their-children-at-orphanages/2018/02/12/8021d180-0545-11e8-aa61-f3391373867e_story.html?utm_term=.61b39a2e234e 

Winter Olympic boss reveals Fr Malachy Finnegan physical abuse

The leader of the Irish Winter Olympics team has spoken about his experience at the hands of a Co Down based priest later exposed as a child abuser. Co Down native Dominic McAleenan revealed that he was physically abused by former priest Fr Malachy Finnegan.
Fr Finnegan taught in St Colman's College in Newry from 1967 to 1976 and was president there from 1976 to 1987. He died in 2002.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/2018/02/13/news/winter-olympic-boss-reveals-fr-malachy-finnegan-physical-abuse-1254520/ 

Reform or die: money investigation shows church must open up the books

Confronted at the recent royal commission about the Catholic Church's habit of minimising compensation to victims of child sex abuse, officials pursed their lips and cried poor. Could the church not afford to pay more, its senior money men from Sydney and Melbourne were asked?
It would be difficult, they said; would require "adjustments" to programs the church offered. Perhaps we could close some programs suggested another, redirect the money.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/reform-or-die-money-investigation-shows-church-must-open-up-the-books-20180213-p4z063.html?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed 

Native American Boarding School Abuse Victims Seek New Law

South Dakota lawmakers are considering establishing a three-year window for victims of childhood sexual abuse at Native American boarding schools to file lawsuits against organizations like schools and churches, a move that supporters say would allow survivors to have their stories heard.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-dakota/articles/2018-02-12/native-american-boarding-school-victims-seek-sd-law-change 

BOMBSHELL UN DOSSIER UN aid workers raped 60,000 people as it’s claimed organisation employs 3,300 paedophiles

In it, Professor Macleod also estimated there are 3,300 paedophiles working for the world body’s various agencies alone. Thousands more “predatory” sex abusers specifically target aid charity jobs to get close to vulnerable women and children.
And there has been an “endemic” cover-up of the sickening crimes for two decades, with those who attempt to blow the whistle just getting fired.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/politics/5562215/un-aid-workers-raped-60000-people-as-its-claimed-organisation-employs-3300-paedophiles/ 

Evidence shows Pope Francis is a ‘principal in a cover-up’ of clergy sex-abuse in Chile: Expert

February 12, 2018 (LifeSiteNews) – Those familiar with Jorge Bergoglio in Argentina before he became Pope Francis say it is a “classic” move of his to provide “mercy” to clergy who are sexual predators while asking everybody else to simply “move on,” said attorney and child advocate Elizabeth Yore on an EWTN show last week. “I think this is a misplaced mercy. It is mercy for the predator priests,” she told EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo on the February 8 episode of World Over.

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/evidence-shows-pope-francis-is-a-principal-in-a-cover-up-of-clergy-sex-abus 

Taking a stand

Former gymnast Rachael Denhollander describes difficult split with her church in midst of Nassar sex abuse case. Like so many others in the United States and Canada, I was profoundly moved by Rachael Denhollander’s powerful victim impact statement at the trial of convicted sexual abuser Larry Nassar.
But as I listened to Denhollander — one of the first women to go public with accusations against the former USA Gymnastics national team doctor — one short phrase caught me. In a list of things she lost through the experience, she said, was "my church."

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/faith/taking-a-stand-473585843.html 

In the Church, The Problem is not Pedophilia but Homosexuality

The scandal of sexual abuse in Chile is now a loose cannon that threatens to explode even in Rome. The facts are now well-known and revolve around the extensive cover-up – in Chile above all, but now also in Rome – of a famous Chilean priest, Fr. Fernando Karadima, leader of a community from which various priests and bishops have come, among which is the highly controversial Juan Barros, at the center of the story that now also involves Pope Francis as a protagonist.

https://catholiccitizens.org/views/77597/church-problem-not-pedophilia-homosexuality/ 

Pope Francis, a brewing crisis and 'feminine genius'

The biggest error Catholic leaders have made regarding the church’s response to priests abusing children has been the exclusion of women leading the policy-making process. The last couple of weeks have not been what anyone in his or her right mind would call the most brightly shining moment in the current pontificate.
First, the cardinal in charge of the Roman Curia’s office on the laity blocked Ireland’s former president, Mary MacAleese, from speaking at an International Woman’s Day event originally scheduled to take place inside the Vatican. In response, the organizers simply moved the venue to the nearby Jesuit headquarters.

https://international.la-croix.com/news/pope-francis-a-brewing-crisis-and-feminine-genius/6914 

Children raping children.

It is much easier to talk about collective rapes when y happen on a bus from India and we can agree that leap from misery to Internet age in underdeveloped societies generates difficult-to-control dysfunctions. The free bar of pornography in that country of sexist tradition and without sexual revolution is difficult to assimilate.
This was analyzed by most interesting press in India and not clergy of any church or owners of any truth. The difficult — creepy — is analyzing what happens when collective rape takes place in recess of a Spanish school at hands of 12-to 14-year-olds and victim is a small of just nine. As a first reaction, you want to summon finest Indian analysts.

http://www.turkeytelegraph.com/business/children-raping-children-h15633.html 

Church's legal procedures for abuse cases need changing, expert says

Even though the Catholic Church has all the necessary norms and laws in place to safeguard minors from abuse by clergy, the problem continues to be a lack in understanding or caring about those rules and guidelines and applying them effectively, said one Jesuit expert.
But what must change, "without a doubt," are church procedures for handling accusations of abuse, said Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, head of the Pontifical Gregorian University's Center for Child Protection.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/accountability/churchs-legal-procedures-abuse-cases-need-changing-expert-says 

The Bristlecone Project expected to help survivors come forward

An installation telling the stories of male survivors of sexual abuse is expected to help other men open up about their own trauma. The Bristlecone Project exhibition, featuring black-and-white photographs of 24 New Zealand men abused in childhood, opens at Canterbury Museum on Monday.
"People have been trying to hide this for so long, and now it's going to be in the public's face," said Ken Clearwater, manager of the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/98514199/the-bristlecone-project-expected-to-help-survivors-come-forward 

Former school principal who sexually violated students granted parole

A former school principal who sexually assaulted his pupils 35 years ago says he is "obsessed" with keeping himself and the community safe. Linton man Paul Roger Herrick was released on parole in January after satisfying the Parole Board he was not an undue risk.
He was jailed in late-2016 for sexual offending against seven children during his time as a teacher and principal at Awamoa School, south of Oamaru. That offending took place between 1980 and 1983, and he managed to cover it up through various means, including threatening his victims' siblings.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/100368409/former-school-principal-who-sexually-violated-students-granted-parole 

Victim of Rene Naufahu speaks out: 'No sentence can reflect the damage done'

A victim of sex offender Rene Naufahu says "no sentence can reflect the damage done" by the former Shortland Street star. Naufahu, 47, was sentenced on Tuesday to a year of home detention for indecently assaulting six acting students.
He had pleaded guilty to six charges of indecent assault in September 2017, after denying the allegations for months. The charges relate to six female complainants who Naufahu assaulted between 2010 and 2013. The offending occurred when they took private acting lessons from him.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/100816764/victim-of-rene-naufahu-speaks-out-no-sentence-can-reflect-the-damage-done 

The priest and the schoolgirl — and an abortion

Broken Rites is doing further research about a Sydney Catholic priest, Father Kevin Cox, who sexually abused vulnerable girls. For example, one victim (Broken Rites will refer to her as "Mandy") has revealed that Father Cox sexually abused her for six years from the age of eleven. Furthermore, the sexual abuse resulted in a pregnancy at age 17 — and then the priest paid for an abortion.
But the church continued to protect Father Cox. Church leaders and fellow-priests continued to regard Father Cox as a church hero. After abusing "Mandy" for six years, Father Cox reluctantly apologised to the family for his sexual abuse of the girl. He also reluctantly admitted the sexual abuse to his bishop. However, the diocese granted him a transfer to another parish and allowed him to continue working as a priest for the next 15 years, until Mandy finally reported the sexual abuse to the police when she was nearly 32.

http://www.brokenrites.org.au/drupal/node/181 

Background article: Disabled boys were abused in a Catholic institution in NSW

One of Australia’s Catholic religious orders – the St John of God Brothers – has specialised in accommodating boys who have an educational (or intellectual) disability. One of these institutions was the "Kendall Grange" boys' home in Morriset, near Newcastle in New South Wales.
This Broken Rites article is about Brother Bernard Kevin McGrath, who committed crimes against disabled victims in Australia and New Zealand. McGrath has already served jail terms in both countries, and in 2018 he will be sentenced again for more of his Australian crimes. Bernard Kevin McGrath (born 22 May 1947) grew up in New Zealand. In the 1960s, aged 18, he joined the St John of God Brothers (SJOG), a Catholic religious order which was conducting residential institutions in Australia and New Zealand. For his training, he went to Sydney where the SJOG order has its headquartes for Australia and New Zealand. Most of McGrath's working life has been spent at SJOG institutions in Australia and New Zealand.

http://www.brokenrites.org.au/drupal/node/57 

Guest column: Breaking the silence

Editor’s note: The following column includes sensitive subject matter. — MD How is it possible that more than 150 girls, gymnasts when children, were sexually molested and abused for decades by the team doctor (hereafter, referred to as doctor pedophile)?
How is it possible that no one, absolutely no one else, knew or said they knew? How is it possible that those who were told dismissed the girls’ claims and distress about doctor pedophile’s behavior?

https://www.sequimgazette.com/opinion/guest-column-breaking-the-silence/ 

US charges priest with sex abuse 12 years after bombshell drops

While some of the victims were outraged at having to wait over a decade for some sort of closure others applauded the grand jury’s indictment. Graffiti on a wall depicting a priest chasing two children, denouncing the child abuse scandal that rocked the Catholic Church. (Photo by Milliped)

A Catholic former priest who faces allegations of sexual abuse dating back to Papua New Guinea in the 1980s is now being prosecuted in the small mid-Atlantic US state of Delaware for molesting a teenage girl over 14 years ago.

https://international.la-croix.com/news/us-charges-priest-with-sexual-abuse-12-years-after-bombshell-drops/6889 

What Sen. Flanagan owes N.Y.’s children

The first time I spoke publicly about my sexual abuse as a young adult was May 20, 2003. It was late in the day in Albany, and only two legislators remained at the hearing for my story. It’s a terrifying moment when you open yourself up, as most victims know, and I shook throughout my testimony, despite being determined to share my truth.

I called for the resignations of any and all leaders who helped cover up the sexual abuse of children and teenagers — not seeking any retribution for myself, but in the hopes that I somehow might be able to protect other young people from the horrors I faced. I asked to bring these sexual predators to justice, and to bring forth legislation that would give victims their day in court and shine a spotlight on those hidden sexual predators who remain in our communities.

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/sen-flanagan-owes-n-y-s-children-article-1.3803821 

Fr Malachy Finnegan was 'accused of 12 abuse cases'

A Catholic diocese has settled a claim for sex abuse by a priest accused of abusing pupils at a County Down school, it has emerged. The late Fr Malachy Finnegan, a former teacher, worked in St Colman's College in Newry from 1967 to 1976.
Bishop of Dromore, John McAreavey, said the abuse was "abhorrent" and admitted he made an "error" by officiating at Fr Finnegan's funeral in 2002. The school began to remove the priest's image from its photographs last year.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-42979314 

Attorney: Requests from Metro Government, LMPD to dismiss sexual abuse lawsuit should be denied

An attorney for an alleged victim of sexual abuse by two former Louisville Metro Police officers has asked a judge to deny requests from the city, police and others to dismiss a lawsuit alleging a “massive cover up” of crimes in the department’s youth Explorer program.
The police department and city have argued, in part, that the alleged victim, identified only as "N.C." in court documents, is barred from suing under Kentucky's one-year statute of limitations for personal injuries.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/37451622/attorney-requests-from-metro-government-lmpd-to-dismiss-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-should-be-denied 

Lawsuit alleges Las Cruces Diocese knew of alleged sexual assault involving priest

A priest who served at a parish in Las Cruces for nine years and the Las Cruces Diocese are facing a lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses the Rev. Ricardo Bauza of sexual battery, alleging he sexually abused a victim in the rectory at St. Helena Catholic Church in Hobbs, New Mexico, in 2016, according to court records.

Before becoming a priest in Hobbs, Bauza was a priest at St. Genevieve Catholic Church in Las Cruces from 2005 to 2014. The lawsuit was filed in Las Cruces on Monday, according to court records.

http://kfoxtv.com/news/local/lawsuit-alleges-las-cruces-diocese-knew-of-alleged-sexual-assault-involving-priest 

Marie Collins 'mystified' by Pope Francis response to Chilean abuse letter

This is a situation which the Pope has mishandled, and it’s gone from bad to worse,' Collins told The Tablet A respected advocate for sexual abuse victims has described herself as shocked, mystified and surprised by Pope Francis’ response to a Chilean bishop accused of turning a blind eye to offending.
Marie Collins, an abuse survivor who has served on the Pope’s child protection commission, was speaking after it was reported that Francis had been presented with a letter from a victim of Fr Fernando Karadima detailing both abuse and the fact it had been witnessed by Juan Barros, who the Pope appointed Bishop of Osorno in 2015.

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/8528/marie-collins-mystified-by-pope-francis-response-to-chilean-abuse-letter 

Rohr talks about Apuron's verdict, culture of silence

Catholic issues blogger and businessman Tim Rohr weighed in on the Vatican's verdict in Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron's canonical trial, the Neocatechumenal Way, and what he described as Guam's "culture of silence" that he said could help explain the island's high rates of suicide, child maltreatment, and clergy sex abuse of children. "What's going on in our families?" he asked Rotary Club of Northern Guam members Wednesday at Hilton Guam Resort and Spa. "Beneath the surface of our self-congratulations about what a wonderful family culture we are, everybody knows, everybody does know. It's just that nobody wants to talk about it."

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2018/02/08/rohr-talks-apurons-verdict-culture-silence/314189002/ 

Bishop 'regrets' saying funeral Mass of priest who sexually abused pupils

A Catholic bishop has said he regrets officiating at the funeral of a priest he knew had been accused of sexual abuse at a Co Down school. Dr John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore, said his decision to say the funeral Mass of Malachy Finnegan in 2002 was "wrong".
Fr Finnegan taught in St Colman's College in Newry from 1967 to 1976 and was president of the college from 1976 to 1987. The school has now removed the priest's image from its photographs. Around 10 have been 'airbrushed' and are being put back on display.

http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2018/02/08/news/bishop-regrets-saying-funeral-mass-of-priest-who-sexually-abused-pupils-1251521/ 

Pope Francis’ failure to address abuse allegations jeopardizes his papacy

n the Catholic tradition, the Pope is the Vicar of Jesus Christ. In other words, he acts and ministers in his name. If that’s the case, then Francis must end this scandal now. He must apologize to the victims. He must investigate the claims. And he must transform the Church. (Time magazine)
This week (Feb. 6) it came to light that Pope Francis received an eight-page letter from a Chilean man in 2015 that detailed how a priest sexually abused him, and how other priests ignored and concealed the crime, including then-Father Juan Barros, a man Francis had just months earlier appointed to be the bishop of Osorno, Chile.

https://voicefaithful.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/pope-francis-failure-to-address-abuse-allegations-jeopardizes-his-papacy-time-magazine/ 

Baton Rouge diocese says no evidence to support abuse allegation against Gonzales priest

The Diocese of Baton Rouge has determined that an abuse allegation it received against a Gonzales parish priest could not be substantiated.
Father Eric Gyan, pastor of St. Theresa of Avila Parish, “continues to serve as a priest in good standing and of good reputation,” the diocese said in a news release issued Saturday evening.

http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/article_795a1f92-0932-11e8-b220-7ba17227c5d9.html 

Churchill: For Jason Gough, a cause bigger than the weather

When Jason Gough was eight, he was sexually abused by an aunt. Last winter, the TV meteorologist went public with his story. Gough didn't know it, but the decision would change the trajectory of his life.
Most notably, it would lead him to leave his longtime job at WNYT. "I've decided I can be of more help outside the walls of Channel 13," said Gough, who is 47 and lives in Delmar.

http://www.lmtonline.com/local/article/Churchill-For-Jason-Gough-a-cause-bigger-than-12549291.php 

Mystery and grace in 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri'

The key to understanding Martin McDonagh's latest film, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," appears in the first five minutes. The sequence opens a symbolic door to the mystery of grace that unfolds in a rough story of sinful external signs peppered with cussing, violence and internal wonders of exquisite, ineffable moments of grace that rise to the surface for us to savor. The artist Corita Kent used to tell her students how to watch a film: Don't blink or you'll miss something.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/mystery-and-grace-three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri 

UK film academy ousts Harvey Weinstein over sex abuse claims

Britain's film academy has expelled movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, after suspending him last year over sexual misconduct allegations.
The academy, known as BAFTA, said Friday that "following the suspension of Harvey Weinstein's BAFTA membership in October 2017, BAFTA has formally terminated his membership, effective immediately."

http://www.wpxi.com/news/uk-film-academy-ousts-harvey-weinstein-over-sex-abuse-claims/693276002 

Catholic priest on child rape charges: 'It happened by accident'

John A Sarro, a Catholic priest accused of child rape, responded to the charges by saying it was ‘simply a misunderstanding’ and ‘it happened by accident’, reported The Independent.
A grand jury in Delaware charged the 76-year-old earlier this week, marking the first time criminal molestation charges being put against a Catholic priest in the US state.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/180038-catholic-priest-on-child-rape-allegations-it-happened-by-accident 

Sex Abuse in Catholic Church Blamed on Money, Power Dynamics

In October 1992, Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II on "Saturday Night Live," sparking a huge public outcry and backlash against the artist. O'Connor said she did it to protest the widespread child abuse perpetrated by the Catholic Church. Since then, these claims against the church have been proven accurate, with numerous scandals coming to light — as well as chilling proof of coverups and payoffs.

https://people.howstuffworks.com/sex-abuse-catholic-church-blamed-on-money-power.htm 

How Churches Have Buried a Devastating Legacy of Clergy Sexual Abuse and the Movement Pushing to End the Cycle

At the Historic Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights, New York, the legacy of Henry Ward Beecher, the church's first pastor who died more than 120 years ago, is prominently displayed in monuments celebrating his life.
On a cold Saturday morning this winter, a guide could be heard telling tourists at the church about his great work as an abolitionist.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/how-churches-have-buried-a-devastating-legacy-of-clergy-sexual-abuse-and-the-movement-pushing-to-end-the-cycle-215509/ 

Victims’ Father Lunges at Larry Nassar in Court

A father of two young women who gave victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing of Lawrence G. Nassar was tackled by law enforcement officials when he rushed at the former sports medicine doctor across a courtroom on Friday.
The man, Randall Margraves, had been standing next to his daughters Lauren and Madison in Eaton County Circuit Court in Charlotte, Mich., as they gave statements about Dr. Nassar’s sexual abuse. When they were finished, he asked Judge Janice K. Cunningham if she would give him “five minutes in a locked room” with Dr. Nassar. When she said no, he asked for one minute.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/02/sports/larry-nassar-father-victims.html?emc=edit_tnt_20180202&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y 

NZ abuse inquiry likely to include churches

Whatever shape the new Government’s promised independent inquiry into historical claims of abuse of children in state care takes, the past actions of churches, including the Catholic Church, will come under scrutiny. That was the forecast in December of Bill Kilgallon, who heads the Catholic Church’s National Office for Professional Standards in this country.

https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/2018/02/02/nz-abuse-inquiry-likely-include-churches/

Former Delaware Catholic priest charged in 25-year-old child rape case

In a first for Delaware, prosecutors have brought criminal charges against a former Catholic priest for raping a child more than 25 years ago.
John A. Sarro, 76, a former priest with the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, was indicted this week by a New Castle County grand jury on charges of first-degree unlawful sexual intercourse and second-degree unlawful sexual contact, according to court records.

https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2018/01/31/former-delaware-catholic-priest-charged-25-year-old-child-sex-case/1080900001/ 

Defendants have yet to be serviced

At least three named defendants in the 160-plus clergy sexual abuse lawsuits have yet to be serviced. Federal court filings show plaintiffs' counsel has asked for at least a two month extension to serve former Saint Anthony Catholic School teacher Ray Caluag, the Capuchin Franciscans, and the Congregration A. Sancta Cruce, better known as the Holy Cross.

http://www.kuam.com/story/37400564/2018/02/01/defendants-have-yet-to-be-serviced 

No More Silence

Sexual abuse rampant, action not so much Jokes have been made for decades about what an aspiring actress needs to do in order to get her big break. Actors were rumored to have slept with this producer or that director in order to get ahead in the entertainment industry — the “Casting Couch.”
In October 2017, The New York Times published an exposé revealing sexual assault and harassment allegations against big-wig producer Harvey Weinstein — and no one was laughing.

http://lamaruniversitypress.com/no-more-silence/ 

Pope criticized for defending sex abuse scandal

Pope criticized for defending sex abuse scandalThe Catholic Church is going out of business. The steep decline in attendance has left leaders desperate to pull more members, particularly amongst millennials. However, Pope Francis’s comments in Chile only pushed them farther away.
According to TIME, Juan Barros was appointed as head of the diocese in Osorno, Southern Chile by Pope Francis in 2015. Though there are no claims of sexual assault against Barros, he is accused of covering up those committed by Father Fernando Karadima, who was found guilty in 2011 for sexually assaulting three minors. The pope’s decision to not only protect but promote a leader who would protect a convicted child rapist infuriated citizens.

http://www.duqsm.com/pope-criticized-defending-sex-abuse-scandal/ 

Failures offer opportunity to improve protection efforts, expert says

Failure and disappointment in the Catholic Church's response to abuse should be an impetus to reassess, refocus and rededicate oneself to improving and expanding efforts in healing and prevention, said a researcher at Rome's Center for Child Protection.
For example, "Pope Francis' infelicitous words — experienced as a 'slap' by those who have suffered abuse — during his recent visit to Chile" raises the question, "is there hope for real change in the church?" wrote Sara Boehk, a member of the center's research team. Her article appeared on the center's blog — childprotection.unigre.it — Jan. 26.

http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/failures-offer-opportunity-to-improve-protection-efforts-expert-says/40704/1 

Are these 66 Catholic schools, parishes ignoring rules meant to stop sex abuse?

More than six dozen parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Newark may be out of compliance with a policy meant to protect children from sexual abuse, documents obtained by NJ Advance Media show.
Sixteen years ago, after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops passed the historic Dallas charter meant to address the allegations of sexual misconduct in the church, dioceses across the U.S. were required to implement background checks and training for all staffers and volunteers working with children.

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/newark_archdiocese_failing_to_enforce_training_tha.html 

NZ abuse inquiry likely to include churches

Keep your fingers and toes crossed every one... we will get there in the end... WE WILL NOT GO AWAY... Ann ======================================= 

Whatever shape the new Government’s promised independent inquiry into historical claims of abuse of children in state care takes, the past actions of churches, including the Catholic Church, will come under scrutiny.
That was the forecast in December of Bill Kilgallon, who heads the Catholic Church’s National Office for Professional Standards in this country. A Royal Commission into historical state care abuse has since been been launched by the Government. It was announced that there is to be an independent inquiry into historical claims of abuse of children in state care.

https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/2018/02/02/nz-abuse-inquiry-likely-include-churches/ 

Judge: Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Phoenix Diocese Can Move Forward

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has ruled that a lawsuit can move forward against the Phoenix Diocese for an alleged cover-up of sexual abuse within the clergy.
The victim's attorney, Robert E. Pastor of law firm Montoya, Lucero, and Pastor, said on Thursday that the ruling is a welcome step. His client will have the opportunity to seek justice for the sexual abuse he suffered as a child, Pastor said.

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/judge-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-against-phoenix-diocese-can-move-forward-10099116 

Priest hit with criminal charges over child rape claims

Delaware prosecutors for the first time have brought criminal child molestation charges against a Catholic priest. An indictment issued by a grand jury Monday charges 76-year-old John A. Sarro with first-degree unlawful sexual intercourse and second-degree unlawful sexual contact.
The charges involve a girl who was under the age of 16. Sarro is accused of fondling her sometime between September 1991 and August 1992 by touching her breasts. Prosecutors allege he later had oral sex with the girl between July 1993 and July 1994.

https://nypost.com/2018/02/01/priest-hit-with-criminal-charges-over-child-rape-claims/ 

Some State Lawmakers Want To Make It Harder For Schools To Keep Sexual Assault A Secret

Some state lawmakers want to make it harder for schools and churches to keep sexual assault cases secret. The legislation was prompted by a stunning case out of Prairie Middle School in Aurora.
According to a grand jury indictment, school administrators there not only didn’t tell police when a 14-year-old girl accused a teacher of sexual assault, they suspended her for lying.

http://denver.cbslocal.com/2018/02/01/state-capitol-sexual-assault-prairie-middle-school/ 

Chilean court dismisses case of bishop accused of abuse

Santiago, Chile, Feb 1, 2018 / 05:00 pm (CNA).- The Iquique Court of Appeals in northern Chile has officially closed an investigation against the Bishop Emeritus of Iquique, Marco Órdenes, accused of rape. A canonical investigation into the bishop is still ongoing.
“There is not probable cause to substantiate the charges made in December 2008,” stated a Jan 26. decision, which confirmed the findings of a five year investigation conducted by a lower court judge, Pedro Güiza Gutierrez.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/chilean-court-dismisses-case-of-bishop-accused-of-abuse-49872