Women who claim to have been victims of sex abuse by Catholic priests begin hunger strike

Two women who claim they were once abused by employees of the Catholic Diocese of Albany marched on the sidewalk outside the headquarters of the Catholic Diocese of Albany on Monday. The women, who asked that their names not be published, are requesting to meet with Albany Bishop Edward Scharfenberger.

“I was molested, I was abused as a kid at a suburban parish in Albany County. I reported that to the Diocese about five years ago,” one woman said.

http://cbs6albany.com/news/local/women-who-claim-to-have-been-victims-of-sex-abuse-by-catholic-priests-begin-hunger-strike 

Age casually smears Pell. Again

It is astonishing how casually The Age smears Cardinal George Pell. It even repeats an improbable and disproved claim against Pell, in reporting in the resignation of Father John Walshe:

Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart called for Father John Walshe's resignation long before the controversial priest stepped down, a spokesman for the Melbourne archdiocese has confirmed.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/blogs/andrew-bolt/age-casually-smears-pell-again/news-story/42bd161e22c3a035c16d960f7edc23a7 

The sex abuse case against Father Anthony J. Cipolla

On the morning of Tuesday, August 30, 2016, the former Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Roman Catholic priest, Father Anthony Joseph Cipolla, 73, died of a cardiac arrhythmia before his speeding car struck a tree at a dangerous curve near the Warren Bible Methodist Church in Warren, Ohio. He was declared dead at the scene of the accident. Behind the tree was a church sign that read "Faith means continuing to run the race confident you will get your second wind."

http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/engel/161128 

Australian Jehovah’s Witnesses protected members accused of child abuse, report says

Over the course of six decades, more than 1,000 members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses were accused of sexually abusing Australian children, according to a new report. Victims were ordered to keep quiet. Not one of the alleged perpetrators was reported to the police.

Now, a royal commission in Australia has found that the church demonstrated a “serious failure” to protect children from the risk of sexual abuse and relied on outdated policies and practices to respond to such allegations.

http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/australian-jehovahs-witnesses-protected-members-accused-of-child-abuse-report-says-wp-1055-words-i 

The Child Sexual Abuse Crisis In English Soccer Is Getting Worse

An explosive interview has lead to a new wave of allegations and calls for further investigation. English soccer’s organizing body, the Football Association, publicly announced Sunday that it had opened a review into nearly two dozen players’ allegations of child sexual abuse while the players’ union boss, Professional Footballers’ Association CEO Gordon Taylor, told the Guardian, “I’m expecting there will be more.”

http://www.vocativ.com/falsestart/378964/child-sexual-abuse-crisis-english-soccer/ 

How the Catholic Church in Australia aims to enhance anti-abuse efforts

In Australia, the Catholic Church has established a new independent non-profit to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse.

“Catholic bishops and religious leaders in Australia are determined to do all in their power to ensure that abuse, in any form, should never again occur in the Church,” said a Nov. 22 FAQ on the new company. “The setting of consistent national standards and auditing compliance with them is a key element in this.”

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/how-the-catholic-church-in-australia-aims-to-enhance-anti-abuse-efforts-73642/ 

Louisville Priest Denies Alleged Abuse at 1970s Camp

A Louisville priest accused of sexually abusing a man who attended a Catholic summer camp in the 1970s says he did not abuse the man, who was 10 at the time.
The Rev. Joseph Hemmerle is testifying Tuesday in Meade County, which was the site of a summer camp he ran for three decades beginning in the 1970s. Michael Norris, a camper at Camp Tall Trees in 1973, says Hemmerle stood him on a stool with no clothes and sexually abused him in Hemmerle’s room. Norris went to the room for poison ivy treatment.

http://www.wtvq.com/2016/11/29/louisville-priest-ran-summer-camp-faces-sex-abuse-trial/ 

Concerns over nationwide child abuse HQ after door left unlocked

Massive probe is being investigated over series of security gaffes that also saw victim's private letter detailing ordeal sent to wrong address.  THE national child abuse probe HQ was left unlocked overnight in a security blunder.

Staff discovered the lapse at the Edinburgh site where highly sensitive information on victims is kept.

THE national child abuse probe HQ was left unlocked overnight in a security blunder. Staff discovered the lapse at the Edinburgh site where highly sensitive information on victims is kept. 

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/234642/massive-probe-into-nationwide-child-abuse-is-being-investigated-over-series-of-security-blunders/ 

Victims advocate: Altoona-Johnstown diocese 'retrenching' in wake of abuse report

An alleged victim of child sexual abuse, who came forward shortly after a grand jury report was released that accused the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown of orchestrating a decades-long coverup of pedophilia within its ranks, now finds himself at odds with the diocese over a proposed settlement.
The now 34-year-old man claims he was abused by Brother Stephen Baker from approximately 1996 to 1998 ,when both were at what was then called Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown.

http://www.tribdem.com/news/victims-advocate-altoona-johnstown-diocese-retrenching-in-wake-of-abuse/article_6f5d5982-b681-11e6-ba55-7bcc90f1dec4.html 

Who Is Bishop Parkes and How Will He Treat Our Children?

In a somewhat surprising announcement, Pope Francis announced yesterday that Bishop Gregory Parkes of Pensacola-Tallahassee will be the new bishop of St. Petersburg.  Parkes will be installed as the fifth bishop of the local diocese since its founding in 1968 on January 4, 2017 in St. Petersburg.
In any transition of power, many questions arise in terms of how will the new authority figure govern?  What changes will be made?  What will be his priorities?  As a child abuse advocate and a priest abuse lawyer, I wonder how he will handle abuse allegations.  Will he be transparent and deal with sexual abuse survivors in a compassionate and just manner? 

http://pinellas.legalexaminer.com/uncategorized/who-is-bishop-parkes-and-how-will-he-treat-our-children/

Tenth victim files sex abuse complaint

Shortly after Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes made his first public comments to local media, yet another victim of alleged child sexual abuse filed a complaint with the Superior Court of Guam.
Fifty-six-year-old Inarajan resident Anthony Vegafria filed his complaint yesterday shortly before 5 p.m. accusing Rev. Louis Brouillard of molesting him as a child when he was an altar boy at the Malojloj Parish in the early '70s.

http://www.postguam.com/news/local/tenth-victim-files-sex-abuse-complaint/article_e7ed9a5e-b54d-11e6-97fa-93beaaab0906.html 

Crown Office expects flood of new sexual offence cases

The Crown Office is expecting a flood of new sexual offence cases associated with the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse inquiry as more victims come forward.
Catriona Dalrymple, procurator fiscal for police and engagement said that the courts can expect a spate of new cases: “We already deal with cases of historic and institutional abuse, but because of the ongoing Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry we may receive more of these cases or inquiries from survivors about their cases,” she said.

http://www.scottishlegal.com/2016/11/28/crown-office-expects-flood-of-new-sexual-offence-cases/# 

A former WA Anglican priest has been found guilty of historic child sex offences against five boys dating back to the 1950s.

After facing a five-day District Court trial, a jury today found Raymond Sydney Cheek guilty of assaulting the boys, who are not known to each other, between 1955 and 1985.
Mr Cheek was convicted of two counts of indecently dealing with a child under age 14, two counts of indecent assault and one count of committing an act of gross indecency with a male person.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/33347607/former-priest-guilty-of-alter-boys-sex-abuse/#page1 

Former Anglican priest Raymond Cheek convicted of child sex abuse

A former Anglican priest has been found guilty of sexually abusing five boys over a 30-year period in Western Australia's south.

Raymond Sydney Cheek was found guilty of committing an act of gross indecency and two counts each of indecent assault and indecent dealings with a child between 1955 and 1985.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-28/retired-priest-raymond-cheek-convicted-of-child-sex-abuse/8063766 

Victims caught in legal catch-22s after reporting sexual abuse to authorities

The royal commission examining institutional responses to child sexual abuse has heard from survivors who were caught in a legal "catch-22s" after they reported their abusers.
The inquiry is looking at how aspects of the legal system could be reformed to provide better outcomes for abuse victims, without prejudicing the right of the accused to a fair trial.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-28/reporting-sexual-abuse-can-be-a-double-edged-sword/8072564 

Apuron's canonical trial now ongoing, Byrnes says

Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron’s canonical trial at the Vatican has started, newly-arrived Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes said Monday afternoon. Apuron, 71, is the highest leader of the Catholic Church on Guam for 30 years.
The Vatican placed Apuron on leave on June 6, a few weeks after former altar boys started publicly accusing Apuron of sexually abusing or raping them when he was the parish priest at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Agat in the 1970s.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2016/11/28/byrnes-apurons-canonical-trial-now-ongoing/94531432/ 

Jehovah's Witnesses children at risk: RC

Children are not adequately protected from sexual abuse in the Jehovah's Witnesses, an organisation that wrongly relies on a rule with 2000-year-old biblical origins when handling complaints, the royal commission says.
It also says victims may face an impossible choice between staying in an organisation that protects their abuser or being "shunned" and cut off from family and friends.

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/11/28/11/15/children-not-protected-by-jehovah-s-rc

Report into Jehovah’s Witness organisations released

The Royal Commission’s report of Case Study 29: The response of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Australia Ltd to allegations of child sexual abuse was released today.
The report follows a public hearing held in Sydney in July and August 2015 which examined the experience of two survivors of child sexual abuse within the Jehovah’s Witness organisation, as well as the systems, policies and procedures in place within the organisation for raising, responding to and preventing child sexual abuse.

http://childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2016-11/report-into-jehovah%E2%80%99s-witness-organisations-releas 

Church law requires Pell to resign

Australia's most senior Catholic cleric Cardinal George Pell will tender his resignation to Pope Francis today.
But this does not mean the controversial churchman, who has given evidence three times at the child abuse royal commission, will leave his job as the Vatican's Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy - Vatican treasurer - any time soon.

http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/church-law-requires-pell-to-resign/ar-BBtXmub?ocid=sf

Archdiocese of Baltimore Gives $40,000 To Reported Childhood Multiple-Rape Victim

November 2016 – Reading, Pa. – After more than 40 years of struggling to get the Catholic Church to “acknowledge the crimes” that were committed against her, a Pennsylvania woman who says she was raped by two priests and a policeman while attending a Catholic high school in Baltimore was recently awarded more than $40,000 from an Archdiocese of Baltimore funding program aimed at “promoting healing for . . . victims of abuse.”
The $40,000-plus payment was accompanied by a letter of apology from an Archdiocesan official who wrote to the victim: “I am sorry for the pain you have experienced.”

https://insidebaltimore.org/2016/11/05/archdiocese-of-baltimore-gives-40000-to-reported-childhood-multiple-rape-victim-apologizes-for-pain-you-have-experienced/ 

Archbishop Listecki says the Church's mission goes on despite bankruptcy

Following lawsuits levied by those sexually abused by members of the Church, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee filed for bankruptcy in 2011. Despite their financial situation, Archbishop Jerome Listecki says the Church's mission goes on.
"Whatever we had, whether its ten cents or one hundred million dollars. This is our mission given by Christ," says Listecki.  Listecki says he's the first Archbishop of the Archdiocese to be in debt.

http://www.wtmj.com/news/archbishop-listecki-says-the-churchs-mission-goes-on-despite-bankruptcy 

Govt. keeping close eye on self-proclaimed Pope

GEORGETOWN, Guyana--Guyana’s self-proclaimed Pope, Philbert London, and his Beacon Ministries Church are anxious to get past his embarrassing sex scandal, but the Government hints that the religious leader is not off the hook just yet.
At least three Government Ministers say they are scrutinising the incident. Earlier this month, several pornographic photographs of London and various women made the rounds on social media.

https://thedailyherald.sx/regional/61820-govt-keeping-close-eye-on-self-proclaimed-pope 

Disgraced Ottawa priest accused of sexually assaulting yet another minor

If the priest and nuns... believed in God and Jesus Christ...  would they not be frightened to lie... as we were in their prisons of hell on earth... they have NO fear of God... like we did as children... their lies go on for years... as if they became priest and nuns... so as they could rape innocent children... who would lose their faith in God... they have so much to face God with... the rape of children as well as our lost of our faith... in God and man... even faith within ourselves...  Ann

=========================

A retired Ottawa priest, who has admitted he suffered from a powerful attraction to adolescents as a young cleric, appeared in court Friday on historical sexual assault charges.
Rev. Barry McGrory, 82, faces two counts of gross indecency and two counts of indecent assault in connection with offences alleged to have occurred in the late 1960s. The charges are based on the Criminal Code as it existed at that time.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/former-ottawa-priest-accused-of-historical-sexual-assault 

Guam church vows to curb sex abuse

Amid mounting lawsuits filed by former altar boys against the clergy, the Archdiocese of Agana vows to prevent the recurrence of sex abuse by men of the cloth under its new leadership. At the same time, the archdiocese urged all victims of clergy sexual abuse to seek counseling from a church-organized newly formed support group.

http://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/91003-guam-church-vows-to-curb-sex-abuse 

How David Marr smeared George Pell

No journalist has tried harder than David Marr to smear Cardinal George Pell as a liar who covered up for pedophile priests and even enabled their crimes. The evidence against Pell is actually melting away. 

Now Gerard Henderson exposes 13 of Marr's worst false claims, omissions and baseless smears. Please read it all.
Here are some highlights, so to speak, from Henderson's fact-checking of Marr's most comprehensive smear sheet on Pell - his extended essay The Prince – Faith, Abuse & George Pell (Black Inc, 2014):

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/blogs/andrew-bolt/how-david-marr-smeared-george-pell/news-story/9f3057887f9e8d5ac62bc0688c0fa81b

Dear Brother O’Neill . . . a former Christian Brothers pupil writes... A MUST READ for all.

There is nothing ‘historical’ about the child abuse I suffered 45 years ago – the kind your order now seems to want to forget all about. My anguish continues.

A reader writes an open letter to Br Hugh O’Neill, superior general of the Congregation of Christian Brothers, in Rome

Dear Superior General, – Only last year, in my late 50s, I woke up to the exact nature and general effects of abuse I suffered at the hands of two of your Christian Brothers here in Ireland before I was 12. One is dead, the other alive in Ireland and living a secular life outside your congregation. 

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/dear-brother-o-neill-a-former-christian-brothers-pupil-writes-1.2879416

Melbourne priest resigns after sex abuse allegations

A Melbourne Catholic priest has resigned after allegations he sexually abused a trainee priest 30 years ago.

The ABC revealed that in 2012, the Catholic Church paid $75,000 in compensation to an 18-year-old former student priest, who alleged he was abused by Father John Walshe in 1982. Father Walshe strenuously denied the abuse and said the relationship was consensual.

http://thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/vic/2016/11/26/melbourne-priest-resigns-sex-abuse-allegations/ 

Byrnes files complaint in Superior Court

While the newly appointed Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes is set to arrive on Guam next Monday, Nov. 28, he has already taken steps to address some concerns of the island's Catholic faithful.
Last week Wednesday, Nov. 16, Byrnes formally annulled the deed restriction placed on the Redemptoris Mater Seminary property in Yona, removing any doubt under whose patrimony the former Hotel Accion resides.

http://www.postguam.com/news/local/byrnes-files-complaint-in-superior-court/article_21168f4e-b2dc-11e6-a77b-77471d6399f3.html 

Catholic priest Father John Walshe resigns after sex abuse allegations

 Remember that this is the same priest ... who stood up for PELL... abusers always stick together...  Ann

 ============================

A Melbourne Catholic priest has resigned after allegations he sexually abused a trainee priest 30 years ago.

The ABC revealed that in 2012, the Catholic Church paid $75,000 in compensation to an 18-year-old former student priest, who alleged he was abused by Father John Walshe in 1982. Father Walshe strenuously denied the abuse and said the relationship was consensual.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-26/catholic-priest-resigns-after-sex-abuse-allegations/8060284 

Kentucky priest to stand trial on charges of sex abuse and sodomy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky priest will go on trial on Monday, almost 15 years after allegations emerged that he sexually abused a child.
Reverend Joseph Hemmerle faces charges of sexual abuse and sodomy. In 2001, a man accused the priest of molesting him when he was younger at a Catholic summer camp in Meade County back in the 1970's.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/33800251/kentucky-priest-to-stand-trial-on-charges-of-sex-abuse-and-sodomy 

Pedophile “monster” knee-jerk reaction

One of the strange turns in the history of ideas in the twentieth century and now the twenty-first has been first the identification of sexuality as a key element of personality and in particular the “discovery” of infantile sexuality under the influence of Sigmund Freud (though not only Freud) and secondly the increased awareness of long-term psychological trauma, including trauma which is caused by (adverse) experiences in childhood and adolescence.

https://marcellous.wordpress.com/2007/07/07/pedophile-monster-knee-jerk-reaction/ 

Archdiocese promises to tend to flock

Following two new allegations of sexual abuse by clergy this week, the  “Archdiocese of Agana pledges to do all it can, under new leadership, to ensure that all people in our care, most especially our young and most vulnerable, thrive in a safe and loving environment fully protected from any harm,” a press release stated.
On Wednesday, KUAM News first reported two new complaints were filed in the Superior Court of Guam. 63-year-old Paul Joseph Borja alleged that while he was an altar boy at the Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Catholic Church in Chalan Pago, Fr. Antonio Cruz sexually molested him.  Borja was 12-years-old.

http://www.kuam.com/story/33796515/archdiocese 

Louisville priest who ran summer camp faces sex abuse trial

A Louisville priest is set to go on trial on sexual abuse charges nearly 15 years after allegations first surfaced from a man who said he was molested by the priest at a Catholic summer camp in the 1970s.
The Rev. Joseph Hemmerle will face sexual abuse and sodomy charges at the trial beginning Monday in Meade County, where he ran the boys summer camp for decades. Hemmerle is facing another trial in April over similar abuse allegations from a second alleged victim who attended Camp Tall Trees as a child.

http://www.dailyprogress.com/louisville-priest-who-ran-summer-camp-faces-sex-abuse-trial/article_ed423502-f9b4-55e4-9f8e-05d8f0427b7e.html 

Rape-accused British photographer found dead in Paris home

French investigators probing the death of controversial British photographer David Hamilton believe he committed suicide, just weeks after he was accused of rape, sources close to the inquiry said Saturday.
The 83-year-old, known for his widely published nude images of underage girls, was found dead in his Paris home on Friday with a plastic bag over his head, one source told AFP, adding: "There is nothing at this stage to suggest anything other than suicide."

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/33332769/controversial-british-photographer-david-hamilton-dies/#page1 

National Office for Professional Standards.

 A Must;... Always Contact the police first before the catholic church... this is just a way to get you back into the catholic church... and remember that they will asked you why... you left the church... they always find some way in putting the blame onto you...  don't take the blame onto yourself... you have already done that... with the abuse from the nuns and priest... you are not to blame... you are innocent of their crimes... put the blames where it belongs... the catholic church... they are guilty of these grimes... NOT YOU... Ann

==============================

The bishops and congregational leaders established the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) to oversee the response to complaints of abuse.

The role of the National Office for Professional Standards is to oversee all complaints from the time a complaint is made. The investigation component of the complaint process is carried out by an independent investigator. If a review of process is later requested this will be carried out by an independent person, not the National Office for Professional Standards.

http://www.catholic.org.nz/nzcbc/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=196 

Woman calls violent child abuse 'the best time in her life'

A South Australian stepmother who was complicit in her husband's violent sexual abuse of his young children has described that period as "the best time in her life", a court has heard.  But the woman's lawyer says the comment was made sarcastically to a psychologist as a way of dealing with the difficult subject.
The woman took part as her husband sexually abused his two children, locked them in cages, tied them to trees and slammed their fingers in doors over several years at their remote property north of Port Augusta.

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/top-stories/a/33330750/woman-calls-violent-child-abuse-the-best-time-in-her-life/#page1

 

 

Rubbing salt into the wound for abuse victims

When I think things cannot get worse for my institutional child sexual abuse clients – wham! – another round of trickery is thrust at already vulnerable victims by the highly legalistic and parsimonious hierarchy of the Catholic Church.
Whilst feigning compassion, this hierarchy is nervously propelling unknown millions of dollars at lawyers to help them defend the indefensible and to conceal the truth.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/comment/rubbing-salt-into-the-wound-for-abuse-victims-20161125-gsxi6s.html 

Lawsuit: Hackettstown pastor aimed camera up woman's skirt

A former secretary for Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Hackettstown has sued the church and now-retired pastor, alleging he frequently made sexually-charged comments to her and used a camera in June to take pictures of her chest and under her skirt.
The woman, a Flanders resident whose identity the Daily Record has elected to withhold, sued the church and former Pastor Terrance Herzberg, 67, who accelerated his planned retirement by departing shortly after his administrative assistant claimed that he violated her privacy on June 27.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2016/11/24/lawsuit-hackettstown-priest-aimed-camera-up-womans-skirt-gethsemane-lutheran-church/94340862/ 

Shining the Light on New Zealand’s Historic Child Abuse

Comment by CLAN NZ (a branch of Care Leavers Australasia Network)  The Oscar winning film Spotlight is easily one of the most important, powerful films of the last few years.
Spotlight is the factual drama of how in 2002 a Boston Globe team of investigative reporters exposed more than 200 paedophile clergy in that city alone. It was the first major newspaper reporting on clerical abuse worldwide. It shocked the USA, indeed the world, and brought to public attention the protection of abusers by senior clerics and the silencing of victims and their families by the church and its lawyers.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1603/S00299/shining-the-light-on-new-zealands-historic-child-abuse.htm 

Catholic sexual abuse cases in New Zealand

The first recorded case was in 1900. Allegations of cruelty toward children residing at the Stoke Industrial School, (also known as St Mary's Orphanage) instigated a Royal Commission and the eventual prosecution of two Marist Brothers. Edouard Forrier, ( Brother Wybertus) was charged with five counts of common assault and five counts of indecent assault. The alleged incidents occurred between September 5, 1893 and June 1, 1897. ^[1]
Marist Father Alan Woodcock, abused children at St John's College in Hastings, St Patrick's College in Upper Hutt, Highden in the Manawatu and Futuna in Wellington. After Woodcock left the Marist Priesthood and left New Zealand to live in England, he was extradited back to New Zealand and convicted of 21 sex offences committed between 1978 and 1987. The abuse continued despite the knowledge of Father Michael Curtain and Father Fred Bliss.^[2] Tracking him down abroad was done with the assistance of the Sisters of St Joseph of Nazareth.<sup>[3]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_sexual_abuse_cases_in_New_Zealand</sup> 

Former NZ High Court judge slammed by UK MPs in report

The New Zealand former head of the United Kingdom's inquiry into child sexual abuse has again been slammed by UK MPs and warned she'll be hauled in front of them if she ever steps foot in the country again.

Dame Lowell Goddard has been criticised for refusing to appear before a committee of MPs looking into the work of the troubled inquiry despite receiving almost $NZ840,500 a year in pay and allowances while she was its chair.  She resigned abruptly in August after just 18 months.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/former-nz-high-court-judge-slammed-uk-mps-in-report 

Barry Bennell: Who is man behind football's abuse scandal?

Four footballers have contacted police about former scout Barry Bennell since one of his alleged victims spoke out last week.  For more than a decade Barry Bennell was one of the most respected talent spotters in the game - but his place in football was a front for a perversion the scale of which is only now becoming clear.

The 62-year-old coached and scouted junior players during a career that saw him employed by clubs such as Stoke City, Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra.

http://news.sky.com/story/barry-bennell-who-is-man-behind-footballs-abuse-scandal-10669834 

Child Assault Prevention sessions announced for December

The Office of Child and Youth Protection is announcing CAP (Child Assault Prevention) sessions. CAP is the safe environment training program for adults who have regular contact with minors. Attendance is required in order to comply with the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The policy of the Diocese of Camden is that adults will attend CAP once every five years.
CAP 1 teaches attendees to recognize child abuse and neglect and how to report to the proper authorities. CAP 1 is for new volunteers and employees.

http://catholicstarherald.org/child-assault-prevention-sessions-announced-for-december/ 

Mexico's Pontifical University opens child and youth protection centre

MEXICO CITY – When Father Daniel Portillo set about designing programs to protect children and address allegations of sexual abuse, he quickly encountered a core challenge in Mexico: an unwillingness to acknowledge the very existence of a problem with predatory priests.

"The first aspect to overcome is saying that this does not exist in Mexico. It exists. Pedophilia among priests exists," said Father Portillo, a professor at the Pontifical University of Mexico and the director of the newly formed Center for Investigation and Interdisciplinary Training for the Protection of Minors at the school.

 

http://www.catholicregister.org/home/international/item/23669-mexico-s-pontifical-university-opens-child-and-youth-protection-centre 

Australia’s new ‘top rabbi’

RABBI Yaakov Glasman of St Kilda Hebrew Congregation has become Australia’s new “top rabbi”. He was elected as president of the Rabbinic Council of Australia and New Zealand (RCANZ) at its first annual general meeting in Sydney last week.
The body, representing more than 100 congregational rabbis, was established in the wake of last year’s Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which saw the integrity of a number of senior spiritual leaders being questioned and led to calls for an overhaul of existing rabbinic structures, including the existing Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia.

https://www.jewishnews.net.au/australias-new-top-rabbi/56824 

Former Ottawa priest accused of sexually abusing teenage boy in late '60s

A former Ottawa priest has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy in the late '60s, and police believe there could be more victims.  Ottawa police began an investigation after receiving a complaint in September, the force said in a media release issued Friday.
William Barry McGrory, 82, has been charged with two counts of indecent assault on a male and two counts of gross indecency, which were Criminal Code offences in place at the time. He was expected to appear in court Friday.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-priest-sexual-assault-teen-boy-1960s-1.3867928 

Church Secretary Sues Hackettstown Priest For Alleged Upskirt Photos

A former Hackettstown church secretary is suing Gethsemane Lutheran Church and a retired pastor, whom she said made sexual comments towards her and took pictures of her chest and up her skirt, according to a report.
The woman, a Flanders resident who is married with children, sued both the church and Pastor Terrance Herzberg, 67, who retired early after his administrative assistant claimed he violated her privacy on June 27, the Daily Record reported.

http://patch.com/new-jersey/hackettstown/church-secretary-sues-hackettstown-priest-alleged-upskirt-photos-reports 

Bullying and sexual assault allegations within national child sexual abuse inquiry not being 'taken seriously enough'

Allegations of bullying and sexual assault at the headquarters of the national child abuse inquiry have not been taken seriously enough and the inquiry's response to these claims has been "inadequate", a Commons report has claimed.
A catalogue of problems has "seriously diminished" confidence in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and its ability to deliver on objectives in a "timely and effective way", MPs warned.

http://www.itv.com/news/2016-11-25/bullying-and-sexual-assault-allegations-within-national-child-sexual-abuse-inquiry-not-being-taken-seriously-enough/ 

Kiwi judge's refusal to provide evidence to UK sex abuse inquiry branded 'disgraceful'

A scathing report by a powerful parliamentary committee in the United Kingdom has described Kiwi judge Lowell Goddard's refusal to answer questions in person as "shameful" and "disgraceful". Dame Goddard quit in August as head of the UK inquiry (IICSA) into cases of historical child sex abuse and, in early November, she effectively ruled out appearing in person before British MPs.
She was the subject of intense scrutiny during her tenure, hit out at "malicious defamatory attacks" by some media and said she was disappointed there was "no government defence of me in England" when she resigned

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/86869321/Kiwi-judges-refusal-to-provide-evidence-to-UK-sex-abuse-inquiry-branded-disgraceful 

Melbourne priest Father John Walshe resigns from Mentone-Parkdale parish

Controversial Melbourne figure Father John Walshe has resigned from his position as parish priest in Melbourne's south east, following a parent-led campaign calling for him to step down.
In a bulletin leaked to Fairfax Media on Friday, Father Walsh announced he would be stepping down after nearly 25 years in the job.

 http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-priest-father-john-walshe-resigns-from-parish-20161125-gsxzz9.html

Melb child sex abuse victims interim scheme

Child sexual abuse victims will receive compensation of up to $150,000 under an interim redress scheme set up by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. The Melbourne diocese has decided to establish its own interim redress scheme, ahead of the federal government's proposed national system that begins in 2018 and any Victorian government model. Chancellor Michael Shand QC said the scheme will operate as part of a new independent body investigating sexual abuse complaints. The Melbourne diocese has followed the federal government in setting the maximum compensation payments for child abuse victims at $150,000 under the interim scheme, as well as providing counselling.

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/vic/2016/11/25/melb-child-sex-abuse-victims-interim-scheme.html 

Blue Card and Foster Care System review Expert Panel

The Blue Card and Foster Care System review will be driven by the Principal Commissioner Cheryl Vardon supported by Commissioner Tammy Williams together with an Expert Panel consisting of:

Linda Apelt, former Director-General of the Department of Communities, CEO of Montrose

Linda Apelt has made significant contributions to improving service delivery across the human services sector as a former long-serving Director-General with responsibilities spanning Housing and Community Services. Linda is currently CEO of Montrose Therapy and Respite Services, a specialist allied health organisation.

https://www.qfcc.qld.gov.au/blue-card-and-foster-care-system-review-expert-panel 

Pope Francis and Abortion

Re “Pope Extends Priests’ Ability to Forgive the ‘Grave Sin’ of Abortion (news article, Nov. 22):

There could be no better or more appropriate conclusion to Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy than the permanent extension of the power to forgive the sin of abortion, which the church has always regarded as involving an intrinsically evil action, to all priests, always and everywhere.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/opinion/pope-francis-and-abortion.html?emc=edit_tnt_20161123&nlid=63876270&tntemail0=y&_r=1 

Amber Rudd told to 'get a grip' over child sex abuse inquiry

The Home Secretary is criticised for not turning up to answer questions after a series of child abuse inquiry setbacks.  A Labour MP has criticised Home Secretary Amber Rudd for not appearing in the Commons to answer an urgent question on the national child sex abuse inquiry.

It was left to Home Office minister Sarah Newton to respond to a series of queries from Lisa Nandy, who accused Prime Minister Theresa May of hiding "behind a smokescreen of independence".

http://news.sky.com/story/amber-rudd-told-to-get-a-grip-over-child-sex-abuse-inquiry-10666622

Judge refuses to allow rebuttal evidence in Rev. Brent Hawkes trial

The Crown had wanted to bring forward witnesses who would say that Hawkes made alcohol available to students who visited his home, but says the defence seems to be suggesting that it was available.

While he lost an application Tuesday to bring forward rebuttal evidence, the Crown attorney in the Brent Hawkes trial says he thinks he was able to get his point across because of admissions the defence made during the application.

 

https://www.localxpress.ca/local-news/judge-refuses-to-allow-rebuttal-evidence-in-rev-brent-hawkes-trial-471157 

Queensland criminologist Paul Wilson found guilty on child sex charges

High-profile Queensland criminologist Paul Wilson has been found guilty on four child sex charges dating back to the 1970s. The 75-year-old was convicted on four counts of indecent treatment of a child under the age of 12.
He had been accused of playing sex games with a young girl at his Brisbane home.  Wilson had pleaded not guilty. A Brisbane District Court jury deliberated for less than half a day before returning with the guilty verdict. Wilson will be sentenced tomorrow.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-23/queensland-criminologist-paul-wilson-guilty-child-sex-offences/8051180 

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in the Newcastle Anglican diocese day 16

3.00pm: Chairman of the Royal Commission Justice Peter McClellan has formally adjourned case study 42 – the Newcastle Anglican diocese – describing it as the longest of all of the case studies undertaken by the commission.

He said it was significant not only for the Anglican church but as an examination of how institutions may “fail or succeed in responding to allegations of child sexual abuse”.

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/4313535/live-coverage-day-16-of-the-royal-commission-public-hearing-into-newcastle-anglican-diocese/

Cardinals Burke, Pell officially removed from Congregation for Divine Worship

VATICAN, November 23, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – Cardinals Raymond Burke and George Pell will not remain members of the Congregation for Divine Worship, the Vatican has confirmed in a list of the liturgical office's new members.
Burke and Pell are known for their Catholic orthodoxy and strongly pro-life and pro-marriage stances. Burke is one of the four cardinals who has formally requested that Pope Francis clarify whether Amoris Laetitia is at odds with Catholic moral teaching. After the cardinals' request went unanswered for two months, the cardinals went public with their concerns. Burke has said cardinals will need to make a "formal act of correction" if Pope Francis doesn't clarify the serious errors related to the exhortation.

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/cardinals-burke-pell-removed-from-congregation-for-divine-worship 

Survivors of abuse deserve far more than a ‘deafening silence’

IT’S THE biggest sex abuse case ever taken against an individual in this country. Some of it happened in the biggest church on the island. But it doesn’t matter because the Church is not Catholic.
Patrick O’Brien’s up to 1,000 counts of abusing young boys in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin over 40 years is not a national story because it can’t be used to tell the story of adults from Catholic homes and because they are the majority they are the only people who count.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/columnists/victoria-white/survivors-of-abuse-deserve-far-more-than-a-deafening-silence-430877.html 

Let child abuse inquiry do its work, says victim

Chris Tuck, who is on inquiry’s survivors’ panel, says most victims support process but critics are putting it at risk.
A member of the victims’ panel on the national child abuse inquiry is calling for critics to let the investigation do its work for the majority of survivors in England and Wales. Chris Tuck, writing in the Guardian, revealed she has suffered vicious trolling on social media amid continued criticism of the management and working of the inquiry. It was, she said, “cruel and cowardly” and was hard not to take personally.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/24/let-child-abuse-inquiry-do-its-work-says-victim-chris-tuck 

Church of Ireland hit by child abuse allegations

The #Church of Ireland, the Irish branch of the Anglican Communion, has been the latest institution forced to deal with the issue of child sexual abuse after 77-year-old Patrick O'Brien, a lay volunteer at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, was jailed for 13 years for abusing 14 boys over 40 years.
The issue is an uncomfortable one as Ireland's largest religious minority has largely been spared the spate of abuse cases which hit the majority Roman #Catholic Church, a key factor in the decline of weekly Mass attendance in the Republic from 91% in 1973 to 35% at the most recent survey in 2012.

http://uk.blastingnews.com/europe/2016/11/church-of-ireland-hit-by-child-abuse-allegations-001272959.html 

Is it too little too late for the Catholic Church to apologise for its role in the Genocide?

The Catholic Church in Rwanda has finally acknowledged the role played by some of its members in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in which over a million innocent lives were exterminated. This was featured in a statement signed by nine bishops representing all dioceses, which was reportedly read in all the churches country-wide last Sunday as the end of the year message of the jubilee of God’s mercy. This is big-time news!

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2016-11-25/205693/

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS INSIDE A CATHOLIC CHURCH?

Shocking revelations by former priest upset the Christian clergy

A couple of years ago, Sister Jesmi, a nun who retired as professor in a women’s college in Kerala left the Catholic Church and wrote the book “Amen: Autobiography of a Nun” which exposed the life of Christian Priests and Nuns.
Recently father K P Shibu after serving as  priest in Vincentian Congregation of the Catholic Church for  24 years quit the Church and wrote the revealing book ‘The Heart of a Priest’ (Oru Vaidikante Hrudayamitha) exposing the inner secrets of life in a monastery.  In his book, he reveals that sexual perversion and lust for power and money are rampant among the clergy. The hunger for power and money makes them corrupt, cunning and cut throat.

http://www.haindavakeralam.com/what-really-happens-inside-a-catholic-church-hk883 

Catholic Church sex abuse scandals around the world

The Catholic Church has faced a raft of allegations of child sex abuse by priests and an inadequate response by bishops. Here is a round-up of some of those events:

BELGIUM

The bishop of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, resigned in April 2010 after admitting that he had sexually abused a boy for years when he was a priest and after being made a bishop.

http://www.bbc.com/news/10407559 

Father of victim reveals she is distraught following the scandal and says 'For this to happen there of all places is astonishing'

The woman allegedly sexually assaulted at the headquarters of the child abuse inquiry by its top lawyer has been left distraught by the scandal, her father has revealed.

He said it had taken a huge toll on his daughter, threatening her future and financial security after the inquiry refused to investigate her allegations. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3955350/For-happen-child-abuse-inquiry-astonishing-Torment-woman-groped-QC-abuse-probe-HQ-bombshell-letters-sent-MPs.html 

Catholic Church 'knew' about crimes of paedophile priest but did nothing for four decades, court hears

A Supreme Court justice has ordered that lawyers for the Catholic Church and two women suing it over their alleged child sexual abuse attempt to settle the case outside court.

Two sisters, known for legal reasons as LG and MG, are suing both the estate of the late Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Leo Clarke — who was in charge at the time of the alleged crimes — as well as trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-21/paedophile-priest-allegedly-offended-for-four-decades/8042410 

A priest tells us how he fell in love with his woman

Finally…..we have a priest admitting of falling in love. So many female readers have asked for a priest to tell his point of view of falling in love. How does a priest feel, falling in love with a woman? Well today you should be so happy as one priest is prepared to spill all the beans about his love story with this wonderful woman. Enjoy your reading!
It is so heartbreaking reading all these messages from broken hearted women in these difficult circumstances. I am Patrick, a 43 yr old catholic priest.. I was ordained at 24 years of age so I am 19 years in the priesthood.

https://maltesemarriedcatholicpriest.wordpress.com/2016/11/21/a-priest-tells-us-how-he-fell-in-love-with-his-woman/ 

Vatican confirms Francis did not renew terms of Burke, Pell on worship congregation

Vatican City The Vatican office that handles affairs relating to the Catholic church's liturgical practices has confirmed that Pope Francis has decided not to renew the terms of several of its bishop-members, many of whom are known for preferring a more traditionalist practice of liturgy.
Francis had appointed 27 new bishops to serve as members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on Oct. 28. But the announcement of the appointments did not make clear whether the previous members’ terms had been renewed.

https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/vatican-confirms-removal-burke-pell-worship-congregation 

Zero tolerance for abuse: Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Wuerl’s approach to abuse survivors was, ‘I’m their bishop, and I need to respond to their pain’

Then-Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Wuerl helped convince the nation’s Catholic bishops in 2002 to adopt a “zero tolerance” policy toward priests who had sexually abused minors, which meant that they were no longer allowed to serve in ministry as priests. 
The grand jury investigating how allegations of child sexual abuse were handled by six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania will review the record of Cardinal Donald Wuerl during his 18 years as bishop of Pittsburgh. Those records will reveal that he was a champion of zero tolerance.

http://www.cathstan.org/Content/News/News/Article/Zero-tolerance-for-abuse-Pittsburgh-Bishop-Donald-Wuerl-s-approach-to-abuse-survivors-was-I-m-their-bishop-and-I-need-to-respond-to-their-pain-/2/2/7460 

Mount Cashel victims wait for justice as case heads back to court in December

A 76-year-old former Mount Cashel resident is waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John's that was filed in 1999.
The man — who can be identified only as John Doe because of a publication ban — is one of 80 to 90 former residents suing the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John's for abuse dating back to the 1940s and 1950s.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/mount-cashel-victims-court-1.3860567

Woman Claiming Sexual Abuse By Father Maskell Speaks Out

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The accusations against Father Joseph Maskell, who served as the guidance counselor at Archbishop Keough High School, date back to the 1960s and 70s.
At least a dozen victims who claim they were sexually abused by Maskell have received settlements from the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Donna Von Den Bosch, who says she suffered unspeakable abuse, got $40,000.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/11/21/woman-claiming-sexual-abuse-by-father-maskell-speaks-out/ 

Child sex abuse victims boycott inquiry meeting in anger over order to sign up to code of conduct

Victims have begun a boycott of the Government’s child sex abuse inquiry after being ordered to sign up to a code of conduct if they want to attend meetings.
The demand has so infuriated one survivors’ group, its members are refusing to go to a discussion group with senior members of the inquiry.
The landmark Victims and Survivors Forum is due to take place in Cardiff on Thursday in an attempt to allay fears of abuse victims after a series of damaging blows to the inquiry.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/11/22/child-sex-abuse-victims-boycott-inquiry-meeting-anger-order/ 

The Catholic Church: When an apology isn’t an apology

When an apology isn’t an apology... this question should of being asked years ago... their apologizes are empty words... many a time when the Nazareth house order of nuns apologized to us... they always said and written in the news papers... that there was NO WRONG DOING... by their order of nuns... if this is their way of saying Sorry... they sure now know where they stand with me... they wonder why I have kept in at them... until their apology is written and said to me... and to the other men and women they abused as children... without the rest of the words they add on when they think... we will not see or hear about them...   
will I give in... NEVER...  I will not go away until then... the apology means everything in the world to me... it still means that they do not care about our feelings... an apology isn't apology because they re-abuse us... in the way they talk down to us still... and calling us... those sort of people... that alone lacks respect for us... and they said that on TV and in the papers... and the worst part of the so called apology is that... they have NOT acknowledge to the abuse they did to us while in their care... as children... we are still the unwanted children of the catholic church...  Ann

 ================================

 “Even though the Church sent no body to do harm, we, the Catholic clerics in particular, apologise, again, for some of the Church members, clerics, people who dedicated themselves to serve God and Christians in general who played a role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi”.
As reported by both local and international media, the above sentence was part of a multi-page communiqué, co-signed by all the Catholic bishops in the country, which was meant to be read out in all the parishes across the country on Sunday.
 
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/article/2016-11-23/205617/

Mail Print More Local I-Team: Victims Claim Church Covered Up Child Abuse

Victims claim Immanuel Baptist Church covered up their reports, and that cover-up caused as much if not more damage than the actual abuse. Victims rights advocates agree. One well known group, SNAP, sent the Local I-Team a statement about the alleged abuse.

New information on an investigation the Local I-Team broke Monday night. Three men claim Memphis library worker Chris Carwile sexually abused them as teens nearly 20 years ago when he was an associate youth minister at Immanuel Baptist Church in Germantown.

 

http://www.localmemphis.com/news/local-news/local-i-team-victims-claim-church-covered-up-child-abuse 

UK child abuse inquiry hit by sex assault scandal

London - A woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted at the headquarters of a child abuse inquiry by its top lawyer has been left distraught by the scandal, her father says.
Ben Emmerson, QC, lead counsel to Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), is facing an investigation by his own law firm into claims that he groped the woman at the inquiry's office. His lawyers say he ‘categorically denies’ the claim.

http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/uk-child-abuse-inquiry-hit-by-sex-assault-scandal-2091765 

Mariano: Remember the good they do

The only good that they do... is fulling their pockets with money... with power and control over their people...  Ann

======================================

In years past, people in authority were given deference and treated respectfully. Teachers, politicians, religious leaders and others were assumed to be acting in our best interests. All that has changed. Now, we often assume the worst.
If a church is going to close, like Our Lady of Mount Carmel, we assume someone is lying. Fighting to keep a beloved church together is a labor of love and faith. Mt. Carmel has been my parish for decades and I cried when it closed. Those struggling to keep it open should be applauded. But questioning the integrity of the pastor, a very good man, or being disrespectful to someone who has served all of us in that community should not.

http://worcester.ma/2016/11/mariano-remember-the-good-they-do-monsignor-scollen-father-madden/ 

Melbourne Response: Catholic Church's suppression of report fails abuse victims

The catholic church plays her games so well... and that is with people's minds... she has done this from the first day... she started to talk to the children... well before they went to school... as soon as the children... started to go to church... and well before that time... she worked on the children's minds through their parents... with all their dos and dont's... which the church should of given a good example... but NO... she had already got the children in her power and control... and that last right up through the children's childhood... teens and until they die...  Ann

==================================

Why does the Catholic Church continue to prefer playing public relations games over keeping its promises to victims of paedophile priests?
For more than two years, sexual abuse victims and their families have been waiting for the release of an independent investigation into the controversial Melbourne Response compensation scheme.

http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/melbourne-response-catholic-churchs-suppression-of-report-fails-abuse-victims-20161118-gsstmw.html 

Hundreds of patients forced to have ECT in Victoria without legal representation

Since being diagnosed with drug-induced bi-polar disorder, Lisa*, has been forced to undergo Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) more times than she can remember.

As an involuntary mental health patient, she has had security guards wheel her down to the treatment room and been held down to stop her escaping.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-20/patients-forced-to-have-ect-without-legal-representation/8030996 

Catholic Church sets up new standards body

anything done by the catholic church... and the people she picks out... you can not TRUST... I have already being through so many of their people... and seen that they also get paid by the catholic church... they will ONLY DO what they think will please that catholic church... you can not watch every thing... that the catholic church put towards you... it is just another way to cover up.... what is already in place from them... just go to the police... because this is another way... to stop the survivors / victims... going to the police... it is always better to have some one else with you through all of this...
 just be very careful of the catholic church... when it comes to the abuse of children... the catholic church as always... is thinking about herself... and how she can avoid facing the survivors... the people are paid by the catholic church... so their number one concern is for the catholic church... you are just 2nd best... not even that... throughout the 14years i was going to see these people they picked out for me... I was re-abused again and again... and they also picked the counselors I was told to go to see... most of the time... it was just as bad as being raped by them... they took no notice of what I was telling them... I could see in their face... that they did not care about my concerns... so with this new thing they are talking about... I would not TRUST them... it is just another way of controlling us... remember these few words... power... control... greed and money is all they are interested in... money is their god...   Ann

=====================================

An independent company will "name and shame" Catholic Church entities that fail to adhere to new national standards to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Catholic Professional Standards Ltd will hold the Catholic Church in Australia accountable as the church seeks to rebuild the trust destroyed by its handling of the widespread sexual abuse of children by priests and other clergy.

 

https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/33282952/catholic-church-sets-up-new-standards-body/?cmp=st#page1 

Washington archdiocese forgives parishes’ debt during Year of Mercy

Why don't the nazareth house order of nuns do the same... they have our family home... they are nothing but money grabbing... LOAN SHARKS... Ann

 ================================

Long-standing debts at 27 parishes are to be substantially reduced A church in Maryland will be one of 27 parishes benefiting from a new parish debt forgiveness programme instigated by the Archdiocese of Washington for the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Fr Francisco Tovar, the new pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, said he was “speechless, very much moved and grateful,” on learning that the archdiocese would be forgiving $341,797 of his parish’s debt.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2016/11/18/washington-archdiocese-forgives-parishes-debt-during-year-of-mercy/#.WDOVTxXBbhc.facebook 

Catholic Church to establish new, 'functionally independent' company to name and shame code of conduct violators

EMILY BOURKE: The Catholic Church is to set up an independent company to publicly name and shame church bodies that that fail to abide by a new code of practice to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Catholic Professional Standards is being established in the wake of a litany of failures by church authorities, identified through the child abuse Royal Commission.

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2016/s4579302.htm?site=brisbane 

Newcastle-Maitland Catholic Church sexual abuse case settles out of court

The code of Silence... Ann

=========================

The Catholic Church has reached a confidential settlement with two sisters who say they were sexually abused by a priest in the Maitland-Newcastle diocese in the 1970s and 80s.

The sisters, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said they were abused by Father Dennis McAlinden, who died in a nursing home in 2005 without ever being charged.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-22/nsw-catholic-church-sexual-abuse-case-settles-out-of-court/8044574

Time limit to go in Tas child abuse claims

Tasmania will become the latest state to make it easier for child abuse victims to sue for damages by removing time limits.

The government is drafting new laws to abolish limitation periods for civil claims for damages for victims of child sexual and physical abuse, Tasmanian Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said on Monday.

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/time-limit-to-go-for-tas-child-abuse-suits/news-story/79b68daa6ff76ab89f9f76e4500f1dd5 

Senior lawyer Aileen McColgan 'quits child sex abuse Inquiry'

Aileen McColgan has reportedly quit the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. It is understood the senior lawyer resigned from the investigation due to concerns over its leadership, according to BBC2's Newsnight.
An inquiry spokeswoman did not confirm or deny her departure. She said: "We have a large legal team comprising a number of junior counsel, senior counsel and solicitors.

http://www.itv.com/news/2016-11-16/senior-lawyer-aileen-mccolgan-quits-child-sex-abuse-inquiry/ 

Hawkes witness 'very emotional, very clear'

KENTVILLE, N.S. — His face streaked with tears, the middle-aged man put his head in his hands and breathed heavily.

Testifying about an alleged sexual encounter with Brent Hawkes as a teen more than 40 years ago, his face was red with emotion. The man declined suggestions, however, that he should take a break from the witness stand. "I think this is as good as it's going to get," the man quietly said of his emotional state Tuesday. 

http://www.bramptonguardian.com/news-story/6970437-hawkes-witness-very-emotional-very-clear-/ 

Uruguayan Church hotline unearths dozens of abuse cases

Back in April, the Uruguayan bishops set up a dedicated phone-line to allow victims of sex abuse by priests to step forward and make complaints. At their plenary meeting Wednesday, the bishops announced that as a result dozens of cases have come to light.

Four Uruguayan priests have been suspended for sexual abuse of minors following a Church-led investigation that has uncovered 44 accusations against 40 priests over 70 years.

https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2016/11/18/uruguayan-church-hotline-unearths-dozens-abuse-cases/ 

Guam's Filipino community reacts to Apuron

Multiple sex abuse allegations against priests and questionable church leadership decisions have fractured a deeply Catholic Guam, but some members of the island’s Filipino-American community say these challenges have made their faith stronger rather than weaker.
They also say an imminent leadership change bodes well for an even greater church.

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/local/bayanihan/2016/11/19/guams-filipino-community-reacts-apuron/93580832/ 

People can sniff out greedy priests, Pope Francis says

 In the reading, Jesus accuses the merchants of turning the Lord's house into a "den of thieves."

===============================

VATICAN CITY — Catholics will forgive their priests for almost any weakness, but not for an exaggerated attachment to money or for mistreating parishioners, Pope Francis told 160 priests who work in Vatican nunciatures around the world.
"The people of God have a great nose" for sniffing out priests who serve the god of money more than God the father, he told the priests Nov. 18. Celebrating Mass with them in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis focused on the day's Gospel reading, which was St. Luke's account of Jesus throwing the money-changers out of the temple.

http://www.pittsburghcatholic.org/News/People-can-sniff-out-greedy-priests--Pope-Francis-says--25019591 

Sex abuse inquiry ‘lurching from disaster to disaster’, says Yorkshire MP

MPs have questioned the leadership of the beleaguered national inquiry into child sexual abuse after one of the country’s largest victims’ groups announced it was withdrawing from what it described as “an “unpalatable circus”.
 The Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (Sosa) yesterday delivered a blistering critique of the troubled investigation - describing it as a “stage-managed event” which has “lurched from crisis to crisis”.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/sex-abuse-inquiry-lurching-from-disaster-to-disaster-says-yorkshire-mp-1-8246613 

Abuse inquiry chief targets ‘dark institutional failings’

And this is what all the trouble is about... the world will be shocked... to hear what happened in the orphanages... homes... hospital... institutions worldwide... what they need to hear about... is how they treated us children... teens... and young adults... if you tell you will go to hell... the devil has your soul... and you will be thrown into hell... on the end of the devils pitch fork... this scared me so much... that I believed every word they told me about hell... and what god would do to me also... god had no mercy for children... he would send us to hell...
hell... the devil... and god... were drummed into us... that was our religion teachings... I tell you what... I have never forgotten about these things... they are foremost on my mind every minute of the day and night... How do you get past these evil thoughts... it torments me... it is not only the rape of our bodies did they do to us... what about our souls... and most importantly... what about what they did to our minds??... it still hurts me so much... a child living in my body... who will never be at peace...  Ann

=======================================

The chairwoman of the inquiry into historical sex abuse has hit back at critics and said that some forces did not want “dark institutional failings brought into the light”.
Writing in The Times, Alexis Jay said that the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) had a duty to shine a light on the failures that led to so many being abused and exploited.

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/abuse-inquiry-chief-targets-dark-institutional-failings-zrctw9b8s 

Catholic uproar over pricey lobola

THE Roman Catholic Church – while recognising the importance of lobola/roora/bride price – says greedy parents seeking to get rich by marrying off their daughters are threatening the institution of marriage.
In a pastoral letter on family last month, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference noted the abuse of the practice of paying lobola, which it said was becoming commercialised.

http://www.thezimbabwedaily.com/religion/93938-catholic-uproar-over-pricey-lobola.html 

Indigenous People Of America;

YOUR COMMENT NEEDED: COMMENT ''YES'' if you think this was WRONG !!
How did the US deal with Native Americans? By forcing their children into boarding schools so they could become "civilized."
MAINSTREAM MEDIA DOESN'T SHOW THIS... PLEASE SHARE TO SPREAD THE WORD

https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousPeopleOfAmerica/videos/1319153011448582/ 

Church wants abuse reporting laws changed

Another way to keep covering up rape of children... Ann

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The Catholic Church wants nationally consistent criminal laws covering reporting child sexual abuse, but does not believe institutions should be held criminally liable.

The child abuse royal commission is examining the criminal liability of third parties in reporting abuse as part of a broader criminal justice inquiry that will be the subject of a public hearing in Sydney from November 28.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/33267821/church-wants-abuse-reporting-laws-changed/#page1 

Catholic Church allowed evil to prey on western Victoria’s young

It was just after Easter 1988 that Father Gerald Ridsdale knew the game was up. Not for the first time, the Catholic Church had tried to hide its worst sexual abuser in rural Victoria, this time in the small, biscuit-flat western city of Horsham.

Ridsdale, knowing police were on his trail, turned to his priestly colleague and friend, Frank Madden, and declared he was leaving town. “I have to move on,” Ridsdale said. “My past has caught up with me.” He added that he had been offending against children. “I’ll go to jail over this.’’

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/inquirer/catholic-church-allowed-evil-to-prey-on-western-victorias-young/news-story/332130d7393c4e2c8497a5631b8a03b0 

Child sex abuse inquiry halts Lord Janner probe pending police and IPCC action

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)'s investigation into the handling of the case of late peer Lord Janner has been delayed.

A spokeswoman said the inquiry was committed to holding oral hearings but had postponed proceedings in order to allow the police and Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to continue separate investigations.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-3941034/Another-lawyer-quits-child-sex-abuse-inquiry.html 

How Does the Church in India Still Have the Nerve to Protect Sexual Predators in its Ranks?

“If it comes out, it will be like a tsunami,” nun Manju Kulapuram said earlier this year about the rampant sexual abuse of women by the men of the Catholic church in India. Evidently, Kulapuram was onto something – and it’s across denominations, nor confined just to the Catholic Church. Unlike other work places, which in theory are meant to have set up mandatory internal complaints committees, there is no formal institution in place that addresses sexual abuse inflicted by members of the clergy.

http://theladiesfinger.com/church-india-still-nerve-protect-sexual-offenders/ 

When what is holy is used for what is not

One of the cases that broke open the abuse scandal in the Catholic Church in the United States took place in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. A priest, working at a school for the deaf in the 1950s through the 1970s, abused the boys there. He later admitted that he abused them even during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Now let me repeat this, so it properly twists us apart: a priest abused deaf boys in the midst of confession.
You must know by now that the conversation we are about to have is very difficult.

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/theruleandtheraven/2016/11/18/when-what-is-holy-is-used-for-what-is-not/ 

Toronto pastor takes stand at his Nova Scotia sex-crimes trial

The Toronto pastor accused of sexually assaulting a minor back in the ’70s took to the stand in a Nova Scotia courtroom on Thursday.
Brent Hawkes said there was no sexual activity at his then home, a trailer in the Annapolis Valley, during what a witness described as a drinking party. Hawkes is facing charges of indecent assault and gross indecency.

http://www.newstalk770.com/syn/60/188065/188065 

Breaking Through Power: Mitchell Garabedian on the Power of Tort Law to Break Through Secrecy

The Center for Study of Responsive Law held its second four-day conference on securing long-overdue democratic solutions in Washington, D.C. from September 26-28, 2016.

Melbourne Catholic abuse compo to double

Compensation payments to people sexually abused as children by Catholic clergy in the Melbourne archdiocese are expected to surpass $31 million after the church doubled the maximum available payout.

The compensation cap under the church's Melbourne Response scheme will rise from $75,000 to $150,000, putting it in line with the maximum payment under the federal government's planned commonwealth redress scheme.

http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/melbourne-catholic-abuse-compo-cap-doubled/news-story/37fa6902afc6f116c68b6e1751169bba