Catholic clergy abuse review boards made ineffective by bishops who hide cases from them

National Catholic Reporter - June 11, 2011

What's a review board to do?

By Joshua J. McElwee


Catholics in Kansas City, Mo., learned in May something that Nicholas Cafardi has known for some time: “A review board” -- the confidential consultative body each bishop is supposed to have for advice on cases of sexual abuse by clergy -- “is only as good as the cases a bishop puts before them.”

And the bishops have “a bit of wiggle room” about when the review boards are to be used, said Cafardi, who was a member of the original National Review Board established by the U.S. bishops in 2002.

Jim Caccamo, who serves on the review board of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese, told NCR that he knew nothing about Fr. Shawn Ratigan, the priest arrested on child pornography charges, until he read about it in the newspaper, even though Finn had removed the priest from parish ministry in December.

Finn acknowledged at a press conference May 27 that he did not inform his diocesan review board of the concerns presented about Ratigan. His spokeswoman, Rebecca Summers, explained that the bishops’ 2002 charter says diocesan review boards should be convened only “when you have a specific allegation of abuse” by a priest or other person in diocesan ministry.

“We did not have that,” Summers said. “The charter did not address a situation such as this.”

Yet the associate director of the U.S. bishops’ Office of Child and Youth Protection told NCR that while child pornography is not specifically mentioned in the 2002 charter, it is covered in it as a “violation against the sixth commandment.”

“If anybody’s in possession of it or knows somebody in possession of it, it needs to be reported,” said Mary Jane Doerr, who said she did not have information on the specifics of the Kansas City case.

At the May 27 press conference, Finn said that he had asked the board, as a result of this case, to “expand its role in receiving and evaluating reports of misconduct with children.”

In February, Ana Maria Catanzaro, chair of the Philadelphia archdiocese’s review board, also learned that archdiocesan officials had been selective in the cases they had presented to the board. She learned this from a grand jury report that said 37 priests were in ministry in that archdiocese despite credible allegations of abuse.

Following that report, the former secretary of clergy in the archdiocese was arrested for failing to protect children from dangerous priests. Cardinal Justin Rigali also placed 21 other priests on administrative leave March 8 pending review of allegations of abuse.

Writing about the experience in Commonweal, Catanzaro said the Philadelphia board “had been advised only about allegations previously determined by archdiocesan officials to have involved the sexual abuse of a minor -- a determination we had been under the impression was ours to make.”

According to Cafardi, while the U.S. bishops’ 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People mandates that each diocese have a review board to act “as a confidential consultative body to the bishop,” the charter only specifies that the functions of the individual boards “may” include advising the bishop, reviewing diocesan policies, and offering advice on cases of sexual abuse by clergy.

That language, said Cafardi, is what gives the bishops that “bit of wiggle room.” But Cafardi quickly added: “It seems to me if [a bishop] sets up a board and gives it this task, he can’t change the task midstream.”

Cafardi is a canon and civil lawyer and dean emeritus of Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh.

“A review board is only as good as the cases a bishop puts before them,” he said. “The point of the review boards was that the bishops realized that their own judgment in these matters may not be sufficient. They’re to help the bishop. You can’t help somebody who doesn’t ask for your help.”

Beyond questions of the review board structure, Finn’s delay in notifying others about Ratigan’s troubles may have also violated norms in canon law, Cafardi said.

Changes made in May 2010 to the apostolic letter Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela identified “the acquisition, possession, or distribution by a cleric of pornographic images of minors under the age of fourteen” as a “grave offense” subject to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

That means, Cafardi said, that as soon as Finn had knowledge of the material on the priest’s computer “he was supposed to notify” that congregation.

“I wonder if he did that,” Cafardi said.

This article was found at:

http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/whats-review-board-do

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG

 

Irish bishops withhold over 200 abuse cases from its own child protection board and impede national audit of clergy crimes  

 

New Vatican rules rely on Bishops to deal with clergy crimes before reporting to police, still don't protect children

Only one US bishop has resigned for neglect during decade of clergy crimes, Kansas City bishop unlikely to join him

Lawsuit against Kansas City diocese alleges Bishop neglected to protect children from priest who made child pornography

Missouri diocese ignored school principal's warning about predator priest who was arrested a year later for child pornography

Italian priest in diocese of Cardinal assisting Pope on child protection reforms arrested on pedophilia and drug charges

Philadelphia cardinal and bishops hid problem priests from clergy abuse review board, put church law before civil law

Credibility of US bishops' reformed child protection policies challenged by Philadelphia clergy abuse scandal

Bishops were warned of abusive priests as early as the mid-1950s

1963 letter by church expert on pedophile priests shows Pope Paul VI and Vatican officials ignored warnings to expel problem priests

Jesuit priest being considered for sainthood among order's leaders who protected "the Hannibal Lecter of the clerical world"

Jesuit leaders concealed 40 years of warnings about pedophile priest who became spiritual adviser to Mother Teresa

New Vatican rules rely on Bishops to deal with clergy crimes before reporting to police, still don't protect children

New rules on clergy sex abuse shows there is still no moral awakening in the Catholic church

Catholic reform groups hold conference in Detroit, Archbishop warns priests who attend could be defrocked

Dublin Archbishop admits frustration over failed effort to promote major reforms in Catholic Church

Leaked confidential letter reveals Vatican's intention to prevent reporting of abuse to criminal authorities

US bishop's report on clergy abuse puts focus on sociological factors instead of church leaders who covered up crimes

Inquiry finds US Catholic hierarchy still endangering children and fighting justice for clergy abuse survivors

Catholic theologian says secrecy, misogyny and resistance to reform in wake of clergy sex scandals will doom the church

Retired Archbishop blames protective church hierarchy for clergy abuse scandal

Australian Archbishop says church culture responsible for deep-rooted child abuse crimes and cover-ups

Former Benedictine monk says church has not yet addressed child abuse crisis, most bishops still mired in obfuscation and deceit

Is the Catholic church in state of denial over clergy abuse, or is it honest and transparent?

Hundreds of admitted or credibly accused pedophile priests who escaped justice are unsupervised by church or police

9 Minnesota clergy abuse cases being settled for $1.7 million

Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis failed to check credentials of fake deacon accused of sex abuse

Lawsuit forces Minneapolis Catholic prep school to release names of 17 monks credibly accused of child sex crimes

Cover up of sex crimes by Chilean priests an example of how the church has handled abuse allegations globally

Malta priest condemns media for exposing clergy abuse but says nothing about perpetrators of child sex crimes

The Malta Independent - May 9, 2011

Yes to divorce, no to child abuse

by Stephen Calleja

It was one of those school activities I hate attending, but feel duty-bound to go to. I was about to doze off but I perked up when I heard the priest delivering the talk mention the media. What others think about my profession always interests me. Soon enough, however, my blood was boiling.

This happened at the height of a scandal involving the abuse by priests of children under their care. It was a story that had shocked Malta and rocked the foundations of the Catholic Church. They were soon followed by other stories, not only on this little island, but spread all over the world. All with the same pattern, all with the same ending: priests responsible for vulnerable children or teenagers, male or female, abusing their power, with the wheels of justice – Church and state – then turning extremely slowly, if at all.

When I heard this priest mention the media I knew what was coming. And I wasn’t proved wrong. He embarked on a fully-fledged attack against the media for exposing the scandal, for bringing it to the attention of viewers, listeners and readers, for daring to talk and write about the abuse.

He was unlucky because he did not know that, in his audience, an editor of a newspaper was listening. Had he known, he might have been more careful. Or perhaps he would have said the same things anyway, thinking I would not have the courage to stand up to him; the arrogance of some people knows no bounds.

I let him talk for five or six minutes, during which he never once condemned the behaviour of his colleagues, preferring to concentrate his venom on journalists rather than the real perpetrators. He strongly suggested that the media reports were causing great harm, as if it was the journalists, not the priests, who had committed the crime; and he never once asked for drastic action to be taken against the offenders.

When he had exhausted the argument, and was trying to change the subject, I raised my hand and stood up. He stopped talking and looked at me. The moment I told him who I was and the position I held, I could see his face immediately turning bright red.

“Is it the media that is in the wrong?” I asked. “Are we journalists in the wrong for exposing this story, or is it the perpetrators who are in the wrong for abusing children, physically, sexually and emotionally, destroying their innocence and ruining their life? You have not condemned the behaviour of your colleagues, and yet you condemn us for telling what is happening.”

There followed an exchange, a rather heated one at that, as he continued to defend the mistakes that had been committed, at one point going close to justifying such despicable behaviour, and I continued to point out that it is the media’s duty to talk about these things, and not hide them as if they do not exist.

All the other parents sat in silence. Probably they feared that their children would be discriminated against if they showed some kind of support for me.

When one of them finally did speak up, it was only to try to shut me up, saying that he had not gone there to hear a lecture on how the media works and its duties. I could not believe it. I wonder what he would have thought had his son or daughter been one of the victims.

But I think that everyone has a right to be a Church lackey, after all. Priests use the advantage of never being challenged to ram things down people’s throats, which is what was happening in that school hall that day, and which is what happens wherever priests have the privilege of being leaders in the community.

I was sure that, in the eyes of most parents, I was the one who was doing the wrong thing in confronting the priest. He speaks with authority, I am just an editor.

So I walked out.

* * *

This incident has frequently come back to mind over the past few weeks, for various reasons.

I can’t even begin to imagine how many children have been abused by priests, nuns and other so-called religious people, and how so few of these stories have come to light. I am sure that for every one that is brought to public attention, there are tens that remain unheard.

I just wonder how many of these priests are now going to homes to tell everybody to vote against divorce because it goes against Jesus Christ’s teachings. I just wonder how many of them are saying Mass and giving sermons about the harm they perceive divorce will cause to society. I just wonder how many of them are distributing leaflets against divorce and also refusing to give Holy Communion or absolution to people who say that they will vote “Yes” on 28 May.

What hypocrisy.

The Church is making such a big fuss about divorce. It may seem to many that it is holding back, since its interventions on divorce are well masked through what are its day-to-day activities but, believe me, the Church’s presence in the public debate on divorce is overwhelming.

Now, just compare this with what the Church has said and done about child abuse by its own bishops, priests and nuns, and you will realise that the Church has done so little to combat abuse within its own confines. Has anyone ever heard a priest giving a sermon about child abuse committed by his own colleagues? Well, if any of them did, I am sure that he blamed the media.

If divorce goes against the teaching of Christ, as the anti-divorce lobby group led by the Church is saying, what can we say about child abuse? And yet the Church goes on a crusade against divorce, but keeps silent on the abuse of children by its own officials.

Why is the Church so silent on child abuse by the clergy, and so vocal about divorce? If I, as a citizen, commit a crime against a minor, my name would be splashed across all the newspapers when I am charged in court, long before I am cleared or found guilty. But the Church keeps all accusations of child abuse by priests and other religious people within its four walls, and their names and stories are hidden from the public.

Who knows, maybe your son or daughter is in one of the Church-backed movements for youths, or a volunteer in a parish group for young people, led by a priest who has been accused of molesting children or teenagers, but who has been allowed to continue his pastoral work.

As a parent, wouldn’t you want to know?

This article was found at:

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=124848

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG:

8 years after Malta priests charged for child sex crimes survivors still waiting for justice from state court and Church tribunal


Malta priests charged in 2003 with sex abuse still have not faced justice, survivors tell Pope they are disgusted by church inaction


Christian Brothers school built by sex abused child slaves depicted in film on tragedy of UK's child migration scheme

New York Times article details Benedict's failures to act sooner against child abuse, Catholic apologists 'shoot the messenger'

New York Times' Public Editor responds to Catholic criticisms of its coverage of clergy crimes scandals


Vatican officials and Catholic university students attack the messengers who report abuses and neglect, downplay pope's role


Unholy week of political spin by church hierarchy shielding pope from personal responsibility for failing to protect children


Vatican's exorcist says criticisms of pope prompted by devil, priests who molest & rape children are merely succumbing to worldly temptations


Belgian bishop says media storm triggered his resignation for sex crimes he committed against boy while bishop


As one bishop blames Jews for current criticisms of Catholic church, another blames homosexuality for pedophile priests

Bad Friday: Pope's personal preacher plays persecution card, compares criticisms of church to anti-Semitism

Vatican's top Cardinal blames sex crimes scandals on homosexuality in speech in Santiago, where Chilean priest raped girls

Pope calls on Catholics to repent, but condemns critics, while Vatican attempts to rewrite history


Catholic abuse crisis pits Church against society and moral legacies of two popes against each other


Lawsuit against Australian diocese alleges 20 year neglect of child sex crimes, Bishop's statement revictimizes survivor


Trial of priest charged with sex abuse of boys in Rome as recently as 2008 undermines Pope's promises to protect children


Catholic dissidents protest at Vatican to urge change, Pope calls in priests to celebrate year of priesthood


Pope & Church tested by children's voices crying out for accountability and justice long after childhood


Cover up of sex crimes by Chilean priests an example of how the church has handled abuse allegations globally


Vatican officials, including future pope, refused to defrock "evil, remorseless sociopath" priest until 9 years after his first conviction for sex crimes


Why should the pope and other church officials get away with violating the rule of law and the rights of children?


Pope's promise to restore the purity of Catholicism almost impossible with scandals implicating entire church hierarchy

Canadian Bishop who oversaw historic abuse settlement pleads guilty to importing child porn, asks judge to jail him

Canada.com    -   May 4, 2011

Former Catholic bishop requests jail in child porn case

BY ANDREW SEYMOUR, POSTMEDIA NEWS



OTTAWA — In an extraordinary move, a former Catholic bishop who admitted to importing graphic images and videos of child sexual abuse asked a judge to jail him Wednesday, voluntarily beginning a sentence that will last at least a year.

Raymond Lahey's detention followed an admission by the man who once oversaw a historic Nova Scotia child sex-abuse settlement that he had tried to bring 588 child pornography images along with 60 videos and numerous stories featuring themes of humiliation, degradation, torture and slavery of young boys into the country following a trip abroad in September 2009.

Prosecutors said Lahey, 70, was travelling alone when he landed at the Ottawa airport on Sept. 15, 2009, on a flight from London, England. His passport showed he had visited Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Germany since 2005.

Lahey was calm, friendly and forthcoming when he approached a customs agent, but his demeanour soon changed when she repeatedly asked if he had any electronic devices, including a laptop computer, according to an agreed statement of facts.

"He was somewhat nervous, quiet, hesitant and avoided eye contact," said Crown prosecutor David Elhadad.

Lahey was sent for a secondary inspection, where another customs agent discovered three images of naked young males, including some engaged in sexual acts. He was also carrying a small blue bag containing "personal sex toys," according to Elhadad.

An Ottawa police investigator then found about a dozen more images of pre-pubescent young males, including one as young as eight. Some were engaged in sex acts with adults.

At the time of his initial arrest, Lahey denied having an interest in child pornography. However, he admitted he had an attraction to young males, particularly around the age of 20 or 21, but also those in their 30s and 40s.

Lahey's computer was seized and he was allowed to leave. He stepped down from his job as bishop in Antigonish, N.S., the next day. A Canada-wide warrant for his arrest was issued a month later.

Ottawa police Det. Andrew Thompson testified that a forensic examination of Lahey's laptop included a review of his Internet searches for terms used by those interested in child pornography. Lahey searched for "Lolita" once, but searched the word "twink," slang for a young-looking gay male, 1,182 times, Thompson testified.

Thompson testified that Lahey's browsing history revealed visits to three websites featuring images that were "close to child pornography," showing boys in their early teens.

The facts were read after a stone-faced Lahey, his arms crossed in front of him, entered his plea in a clear voice.

Lahey could have remained free on bail, but his lawyer Michael Edelson said his client felt deep and profound remorse and wanted to start serving his sentence immediately.

Lahey is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of a year in jail, although Crown prosecutors indicated they might seek a longer term. It was not clear whether Lahey might try to seek extra credit for the time spent in jail prior to his actual sentencing, although the Crown said they expected the time would be considered on a one-for-one basis.

Prosecutors asked Ontario Court Justice Kent Kirkland to order a pre-sentence report for Lahey, who was described by assistant Crown attorney Mihael Cole as a "troubled man."

The judge declined, however, after Edelson argued that prosecutors had intimate details about Lahey's background from an extensive psychiatric and sexual-behaviour assessment conducted by Dr. John Bradford from the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. Edelson also submitted character references from 11 people who knew Lahey well.

"We have nothing to hide," Edelson said.

Elhadad said the Crown intends to challenge portions of Bradford's report and wants to know what kind of risk Lahey might pose once he is released.

Prosecutors also argued that a probation officer could talk to those supervising Lahey.

"A bishop has one supervisor: the Pope," Edelson said. "The Pope is not going to be taking a call from the probation supervisor."

Following Lahey's plea, the Vatican pledged it would take action against Lahey.

The Vatican said it was considering "appropriate disciplinary or penal" action against Lahey — who retains the rank of a bishop emeritus in the Church — and condemned child sexual exploitation of all kinds.

In addition to the criminal charges, Lahey is also accused in a civil lawsuit of sexual abuse.

In a statement of claim filed in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Todd Boland alleged Lahey fondled him over his clothes, and that the abuse happened on numerous occasions over several years. The abuse is alleged to have happened in the mid-1980s when Boland was a resident at the infamous Mount Cashel orphanage.

A date for the sentencing hearing is expected to be set May 26.

This article was found at:

http://www.canada.com/news/story.html?id=4724539

*****************************************************************************

Canada.com  -  May 4, 2011

Vatican pledges action against Canadian ex-bishop

by AFP


VATICAN CITY - The Vatican said Wednesday it would take action against a Canadian ex-bishop who confessed to child pornography charges and who is being prosecuted for sexual abuse.

"The Catholic Church condemns sexual exploitation of all kind, in particular when minors are targeted," said a statement released by the Vatican's press service.

It said it was considering "appropriate disciplinary or penal" action against Raymond Lahey, 70, who resigned in September 2009 as bishop of the diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

He was charged with possessing and importing child pornography following an investigation after a search at the Ottawa airport of his laptop computer uncovered graphic photographs of males who authorities suspected could be as young as eight years old. Sentencing will be announced later.

Lahey also faces accusations in a civil suit of sexually abusing an orphanage resident in the early 1980s.

The Mount Cashel Orphanage in St. John's, Newfoundland was closed in 1990 after it was revealed that staff had systematically abused some 300 residents over several decades.

Pope Benedict XVI has met with victims of child-molesting priests three times since 2008, in Australia, the United States and most recently in Malta last year, when he expressed his "shame and sorrow" over the scourge.

This article was found at:

http://www.canada.com/news/Vatican+pledges+action+against+Canadian+bishop/4726496/story.html

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG:

 

Canadian Catholic Bishop facing child pornography charges denies abuse allegations in civil suit

Nova Scotia Bishop resigns two months after historic clergy abuse settlement

Catholic bishop behind recent historic clergy abuse settlement in Nova Scotia is charged with child pornography

Witnesses say they reported Catholic Bishop recently charged with child porn to police 20 years ago

Canadian Bishop charged with child pornography possession travelled extensively to source countries

Nova Scotia diocese won't pay legal bills of former Bishop charged with child porn possession

Catholic family counselling group offering free services to parishioners in wake of Bishop's child pornography charges

 

 Celibate Canadian Bishops lecture Catholics on sexuality, warn young people against sex outside marriage and masturbation

Catholic Church found liable for abuse of Newfoundland altar boys

Christian Brothers school built by sex abused child slaves depicted in film on tragedy of UK's child migration scheme

Fresh allegations of historical sex crimes prompts new inquiry into Christian Brothers order in U.K.

Leader of Christian Brothers based in Rome refuses to talk about his role enabling pedophile priest to continue abuse

Christian Brothers cry crocodile tears, say sorry for child abuse

 
Church of England vicar sentenced to nine months for downloading child pornography

Infamous pedophile priest who was subject of film Deliver Us From Evil arrested in Dublin for child pornography

After credible child abuse allegations or convictions most Catholic priests vanish from public view with no oversight or accountability

Clergy abuse survivor tells Delaware court that church officials blamed him for tempting pedophile priest

Diocese faces new abuse suit

Church in Wales vicar imprisoned for child pornography gets additional sentence for serial sex abuse of girl

Vicar is jailed over child porn

Church in Wales launches major child protection review

Mexican bishop adds internet porn, erotic TV and loose morals in society to list of excuses for why priests commit sex crimes

Catholic priest jailed for child sex offences

U.S. 'missionary' jailed in Canada for trafficking massive amounts of child pornography

Canadian pastor gets only 15 months for creating pornographic video inciting people to rape teen church member

Utah Boy Scout leader pleads guilty to child sex abuse

Garrido "talked a lot about Jesus" to his 1976 victim after raping her repeatedly over 5 hours

Alaskan church youth leader gets 5 years for sexually abusing an autistic 12-year-old boy

Grace Christian Fellowship pastor, formerly Baptist pastor, charged with child porn and sexual torture

Former Mormon Bishop jailed for child porn

St Stanislaus' College "a pedophile paradise"

Irish clergy abuse survivors criticize misleading compensation statement by Christian Brothers

North Dakota sex abuse lawsuit is the tenth one against Christian Brother school teacher who has never been charged with a crime

Catholic orders plead poor in abuse compensation cases, but hold billions in sheltered assets

Ontario diocese settles with 10 victims of pedophile priest who sexually assaulted them in the confessional booth

Jesuit leaders concealed 40 years of warnings about pedophile priest who became spiritual adviser to Mother Teresa

California children's minister with history of sex crimes to stand trial for molesting his foster children and neighbor's girls

KFSN-TV          Fresno, California        April 29, 2011

Madera County minister accused of molestation in court

by Sara Sandrik



MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Madera County children's minister who has been a foster parent for more than 15 years will go to trial on child molestation charges.

Cameras were not allowed inside the courtroom for Friday's hearing. But behind these doors, two Madera County deputies delivered gut wrenching testimony about five girls who have all accused Alberto Rodriguez of sexual abuse.

According to authorities, the victims in this case say the abuse happened when they were as young as nine years old. Three of them were foster children in Rodriguez's Madera County home. Two of them were neighbors who often visited the house. One of the girls told investigators Rodriguez first touched her inappropriately inside the Valley West Christian Center where he worked as a children's minister.

In each of the cases, the girls described trusting Rodriguez like a father and being assaulted while doing innocent things like watching cartoons or playing video games.

Michael Keitz said, "Whenever you see someone, especially in a trusted position in a case such as this and you've got victims who come forward and allege conduct of one sort or another that's inappropriate you know your heart just goes out to these people."

The defense attorney in the case did not want to speak on camera, but he told Action News his client is not guilty. However, the judge ruled there is enough evidence to send Rodriguez to trial. Prosecutors say they plan to request consolidating this case with that of a sixth alleged victim.

The judge also nearly doubled the bail for Rodriguez to one million dollars. He's scheduled to be back in court in two weeks.

This article was found at:

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=8103706

*************************************************************************

KFSN-TV          Fresno, California        October 19, 2010

Despite sex crimes Madera man licensed for child care

by Sontaya Rose


FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A North Valley children's minister who has been a foster parent for more than 15-years was able to get a license to care for children despite a conviction for a sex crime.

48-year-old Alberto Rodriguez was arrested earlier this month after Madera County Sheriff's investigators say he molested children in his care.

60 kids have been through the Rodriguez home, since he became a foster parent. The foster agency that he accepted children from says they knew about his past, but petitioned to get him certified anyway. Until a few weeks ago, Rodriguez was up to date and licensed as a foster parent who met the requirements.

Court records obtained by Action News show Alberto Rodriguez was charged in four separate incidents, dating back to the early 1980's. They involved various women who claimed he tried to have sexual contact with them against their will. Rodriguez spent two years in state prison after agreeing to a plea deal for the felony crime of first degree burglary with the intent to commit sexual battery. We asked state licensing officials how someone with a criminal background could pass a background check.

Rodriguez worked through the foster care agency, Valley Teen Ranch. The CEO declined an on camera interview. She told Action News quote: "I'm very aware of the situation. I am cooperating with everyone. It's awful."

Rodriguez and his wife live in Madera County. According to Valley Teen Ranch officials, he went through the process to become a foster parent in 1994 and was granted an exemption after writing a letter and submitting letters from others noting his upstanding character. State officials say it is possible to have a criminal past and still receive a license to legally take in foster children.

Rodriguez also worked as a children's minister at Valley West Christian Center in Madera. Church leaders say he also passed a department of justice background check they conducted. Once church staff heard about the allegation, Rodriguez was removed from his pastor position.

Rodriguez was licensed along with his wife. She has not been charged with any crimes. Church leaders say she was unaware of any alleged abuse. Alberto Rodriguez is charged with several counts of lewd acts with a child.

This article was found at:

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=7734316

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG:

More U.S. children are abused by Protestant ministers than by Catholic priests


California pastor gets life for sexually and physically abusing her adopted daughters aged 4 to 11


Calvary Chapel pastor charged with sexual abuse of minor who lived with him, wife's suicide may have been related


Christian evangelists in US plan to increase use of international adoptions to spread gospel and indoctrinate children


Leaders of prominent Presbyterian church neglected teen girls sexually and spiritually abused by youth director


Assembly of God pastor arrested for rape, rape by instrument and forcible sodomy of three children


Married Iowa youth pastor prayed as he sexually abused teen boys to spiritually purify them


Married Baptist youth pastor charged with sodomy after abusing girl in his Virginia church group


Baptist officials made 15-year-old raped by church member apologize to congregation for getting pregnant, then sent her away


Baptist youth Bible studies teacher, former Scoutmaster, charged with sex abuse of 5-year-old girl


Baptist pastor and three elders charged with failing to report child sex abuse, prosecutor says shameful conspiracy


Sexual abuse of 14 year old girl by youth minister latest scandal exposing clergy neglect in Southern Baptist churches


Southern Baptist youth minister found guilty of molesting 13 year old girl, forcing oral sex


Former Southern Baptist pastor pleads guilty to sexual abuse


Grace Christian Fellowship pastor, formerly Baptist pastor, charged with child porn and sexual torture


Fort Worth pastor arrested on child sex charge


Former Baptist youth worker pleads guilty to molestation charge

How can Pope John Paul II be a saint when thousands of children were raped or molested by priests under his leadership?

Time - April 28, 2011

Pope John Paul's Path to Sainthood: A Rush to Judgment?

By Stephan Faris


When hundreds of thousands of Catholics gather in Rome Sunday for the beatification of Pope John Paul II, not everyone will be celebrating. For the victims of sexual abuse by predatory priests, the ceremony — a major step towards sainthood — is too much too soon for a Pontiff they say failed to adequately confront the crimes committed by members of his church. "It's the rubbing of salt into the already deep and still fresh wounds of thousands of victims," says David Clohessy, national director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "The signal that his beatification basically sends to church employees across the globe is that no matter how many children are harmed because of your inaction, your clerical career won't suffer."

Nobody denies the accomplishments of the famously charismatic pope, who died in 2005: his confrontation of the Soviet Union, his travels in the name of evangelism, and his courage under the ravages of Parkinson's diseases. But when it came to confronting the rot within his own institution, says Clohessy, the late pope was all but absent: "In his more than 25 years as the world's most powerful religious figure, we can't think of a single predatory priest or complicit bishop who experienced any consequences whatsoever for committing or concealing heinous child sex crimes."

For much of John Paul's papacy, the church's sex abuse crisis bubbled mostly underground. But when it did break through the surface, the pope's response was most noticeable for its absence. Hans Hermann Groer, an Austrian cardinal accused of abusing more than 2,000 boys over several decades, was made to retire as bishop of Vienna when the scandal broke in 1995, but was never punished or forced to apologize. (Groer died in 2003.) The Mexican priest Marcial Maciel Degollado continued to receive John Paul's support after allegations emerged in the late 1990s that he had abused seminarians. [see related articles below]

"Time and again, John Paul simply refused to take the hard decisive steps that a visionary leader would take," says Jason Berry, author of Render unto Rome: The Secret Life of Money in the Catholic Church, and two books on the sex abuse scandal. "The way he responded to the accusations against Father Maciel by basically ignoring them, acting as if they didn't even exist, is not only a sign of a terrible denial on his part, but also an unwillingness to confront the full impact of evil." Maciel remained unpunished until after the John Paul's death in 2005, when Benedict XVI ordered him to leave the ministry for "a life of penitence and prayer." Maciel died in 2008.

John Paul's admirers acknowledge that the pope could have done more, but they say that his failings during the sex abuse scandal fail to blot out his greater virtues. "Do I think he could have done better?" says Phil Lawler editor of CatholicCulture.org. "Yes. But the idea that all of it comes home to roost at the Vatican is an idea that I've never found persuasive. He was in a position where he had limited options and limited power. If you consider the man's whole life as a body, that's in the negative column, and there's so much in the positive column."

John Paul II's accelerated path to sainthood — beatification usually takes decades — means that the late pope is being honored even as his legacy regarding his handling of the sex abuse case continues to be examined. A report by the Irish government is expected next month on recent failures by the church to confront sexual abuse in the rural diocese of Cloyne. The bishop in charge during the period under examination previously served as a private secretary to three popes, including John Paul II.

The Polish pope's ascent toward canonization can be compared to another papal candidacy for sainthood. Pope Pius XII was also revered during his lifetime, but has since become a much more controversial figure for his public silence in the face of the Holocaust. More than 50 years after his death, he remains on the path towards sainthood, but his case the process faces increasing opposition and he has not yet been beatified. "I don't think that John Paul was ever taken to full account by the news media during the last decade of his life," says Berry. "Hagiography at this point is premature at best and at worst an insult to the many people who have been harmed. There's a good chance it could backfire."

This article was found at:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2067918,00.html

*****************************************************************************

The Independent  -  Ireland    May 2, 2011

'He didn't do enough to help victims of clerical sex abuse'

By John Cooney Religion Correspondent



A PROMINENT survivor of clerical child sexual abuse last night said many victims would not still be suffering if Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Sean Brady had done their jobs properly.

Dubliner Andrew Madden was responding to comments made in Rome at the beatification ceremony which defended the late Pontiff from criticisms that he did not deal quickly and adequately with paedophile priest scandals that came to light during his reign.

Entering the controversy, the Primate of All-Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady said: "I don't know how much he knew about the abuse. Perhaps he should have done more. I don't know."

But Dr Brady, who last year resisted calls for his resignation over his role in pledging to secrecy young victims of paedophile monk Brendan Smyth, insisted that if Pope John Paul "felt that he should have done more, he would have done it".

Dr Brady added: "So I think we will just have to leave that to the mercy of God."

But Mr Madden, who was the first Irish victim to make public his abuse by the notorious former priest Ivan Payne, said he had spent the day thinking of the victims who suffered from the ''cover-ups'' of Pope John Paul and Dr Brady.

"It was a day when it came into my mind the welfare of all clerical sex abuse victims which need not have happened if John Paul and Cardinal Brady had done the right thing," he told the Irish Independent.

Meanwhile, last night at a special Mass in Dublin's Pro-Cathedral in celebration of Pope John Paul, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin prayed for renewal in the church.

This article was found at:

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/he-didnt-do-enough-to-help-victims-of-clerical-sex-abuse-2634865.html

********************************************************************

The Bay Citizen   -   San Francisco     May 1, 2011

Amid Celebration, Abuse Victims March on SF Mass

By TREY BUNDY


As the Catholic church moved closer to declaring Pope John Paul II a saint, a handful of Bay Area residents who were sexually abused by priests gathered Sunday outside St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. They came to tell church members that there is still a crisis in the Catholic Church.

“Our message today is to remind people of the importance of protecting children in light of the speeded-up beatification of the pope,” said Tim Lennon, a victim of clergy abuse and the San Francisco leader of SNAP, the Survivor’s Network of those Abused by Priests. “The speeded-up sainthood of the pope, to us, is merely a publicity action to regain some of their good name that they’ve lost because of all the thousands -- maybe tens of thousands -- of victims of clergy abuse.”

After John Paul II died in 2005, his successor, Pope Benedict XVI waived the traditional five-year wait before beginning the late pope’s canonization process. Sunday’s beatification marked a major step toward sainthood.

But critics of the church’s handling of the global sex-abuse crisis, which broke open during John Paul II’s tenure, say he was complicit in the long-suspected church practice of covering up instances of abuse and reassigning rather than punishing predatory priests.

“If nothing else, he failed in the absence of doing anything,” Lennon said.

The demonstration was part of a worldwide action over the weekend that took place in 60 cities in seven countries. It was a quiet gathering in San Francisco, not so much a protest as a solemn statement to church members in the midst of their celebration.

Lennon, some of his relatives and four other abuse survivors stood on the sidewalk near the church during Sunday’s 11 o’clock mass, handing out flyers asking parishioners to pledge that they will report suspected child abuse in the church or anywhere else they find it.

Halfway through Sunday’s mass, George Wesolek, communications director for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, stepped outside and strolled across the empty sun-washed plaza that separates the cathedral from the sidewalk along Geary Blvd., and introduced himself to Lennon. Both commented on the lovely spring weather before Lennon traded a flyer for one of Wesolek’s business cards.

As he walked back across the empty plaza, Wesolek read over the pledge.

“We’re supportive of the concept, definitely,” he said, nodding his head and reading on. “It’s great. It’s most worthy that they’re doing this.

Lennon and more than a dozen Bay Area abuse survivors have been meeting with the Archdiocese of San Francisco in recent months to demand the church improve its policies around sex abuse of children. Local bishops have taken the group’s proposals under advisement but have yet to decide whether they will take any action.

This article was found at:

http://www.baycitizen.org/blogs/pulse-of-the-bay/amid-celebration-abuse-victims-march-sf/

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG:

Jesuit priest being considered for sainthood among order's leaders who protected "the Hannibal Lecter of the clerical world"

Canada's newest Catholic saint belonged to order under investigation for widespread sexual crimes against students

Best city in the world honours man who protected notorious Catholic child abuser

Vatican refuses to shut down corrupt Legionaries order for fear of imposing ideas on others, yet indoctrinating kids ok

Mexican Legionaries damage families, take away children in order to brainwash and control them

Son of priest-founder of Catholic Legionaries sues order for fraud and negligence, says his father sexually abused him

Vatican finally decides to reform Legionaries years after founder exposed as immoral religious fake

Conservative Catholic order admits 5 years after investigation that founder, who fathered 3 children, was abusive pedophile

TV report from 1990s shows then Cardinal Ratzinger slapping reporter for asking awkward questions about evil child abuser Marciel Maciel

On Sex Abuse: The Pope, the Bishop and the Mexican Priest

Mexican reports reveal more children sired by founder of conservative Catholic cult Legionaries of Christ

Corrupt Legionaries exposed

Founder of influential, conservative Catholic order fathered a child and molested seminarians

Catholic Legionaries founder praised by Pope John Paul II sexually abused seminarians and raped his own children

Vatican investigates sexual abuses by founder of conservative Catholic cult, Legionaries of Christ

Vatican names Spanish archbishop to investigate cult of consecrated women associated with disgraced Order

Former members of Catholic women's group Regnum Christi allege cult-like practices of psychological and spiritual abuse

Pope's promise to restore the purity of Catholicism almost impossible with scandals implicating entire church hierarchy

Hundreds of people in U.K. are abandoned, secret children of Catholic priests

Pope's 2010 Christmas message reveals broken moral compass, again fails to adequately address clergy abuse and cover-up

Pope's messages are vague where clarity is needed, Church hierarchy fails to address the real issue

New book by UN judge says Vatican should be treated as a rogue state until it abandons canon law and stops protecting abusers

Humanists ask UN to hold Vatican accountable for violating children's rights by shielding abusers & obstructing justice

 

Pope & Church tested by children's voices crying out for accountability and justice long after childhood

If the Pope is infallibly moral why did he enable and cover-up the systematic rape of children across the globe?

Why should the pope and other church officials get away with violating the rule of law and the rights of children?

Pope's promise to restore the purity of Catholicism almost impossible with scandals implicating entire church hierarchy

Catholic abuse crisis pits Church against society and moral legacies of two popes against each other

New York Times article details Benedict's failures to act sooner against child abuse, Catholic apologists 'shoot the messenger'

New York Times' Public Editor responds to Catholic criticisms of its coverage of clergy crimes scandals

Hitchens says Pope responsible for obstructing justice & enabling the rape & torture of children, an apologist responds

Vatican officials, including future pope, refused to defrock "evil, remorseless sociopath" priest until 9 years after his first conviction for sex crimes

“God’s Rottweiler”, Ratzinger, punished peaceful priest, but not pedophile priests; turned deaf & dumb to abuse of 200 deaf boys

Unholy week of political spin by church hierarchy shielding pope from personal responsibility for failing to protect children

Of course popes, cardinals and bishops covered up crimes against children, but can the Church be reformed while leaders are in denial?

Catholic abuse crisis pits Church against society and moral legacies of two popes against each other

Retired Archbishop blames protective church hierarchy for clergy abuse scandal

Irish priest calls for Archbishops and investigators to pinblame on Vatican for central role in global clergy crimes crisis

Irish priest says all priests must take blame for clergy child abuse, comparing it to the Holocaust

Former Benedictine monk says church has not yet addressed child abuse crisis, most bishops still mired in obfuscation and deceit

Catholic hierarchy's response to child abuse cover-up is about retaining power that corrupted the church

Pope's attack on atheists reveals fear of secular pluralistic societies that accommodate all believers and non-believers

Pope calls on Catholics to repent, but condemns critics, while Vatican attempts to rewrite history

Case of pedophile priest protected by UK's top Catholic puts lie to apologist claims that clergy sex crimes are all historic

Pope John Paul authorized 2001 letter to all bishops praising French bishop for hiding rapist priest from authorities

1963 letter by church expert on pedophile priests showsPope Paul VI and Vatican officials ignored warnings to expel problem priests

As Vatican cardinal defends pope and church, African bishop says sex crimes of priests there not yet exposed

Pope's passive apology fails to admit personal responsibility for protecting pedophile priests instead of children

Pope refers to sex crimes against children as "sin within the Church" requiring prayer and penance rather than prison

Vatican's exorcist says criticisms of pope prompted by devil, priests who molest & rape children are merely succumbing to worldly temptations

Mexican bishop adds internet porn, erotic TV and loose morals in society to list of excuses for why priests commit sex crimes

Vatican officials and Catholic university students attack the messengers who report abuses and neglect, downplay pope's role

Unholy week of political spin by church hierarchy shielding pope from personal responsibility for failing to protect children

As one bishop blames Jews for current criticisms of Catholic church, another blames homosexuality for pedophile priests

Bad Friday: Pope's personal preacher plays persecution card, compares criticisms of church to anti-Semitism

Vatican's top Cardinal blames sex crimes scandals on homosexuality in speech in Santiago, where Chilean priest raped girls

Bishop Santa Claus accuses pope of failing to practice Christian principles and Catholic catechism by not protecting children

Clergy crime survivors protest at meeting of cardinals in Rome, say Vatican's response not enough to protect children

Pope's call for one day sex abuse summit with cardinals met with scepticism by survivors tired of talk and little action

Catholic survivors of clergy crimes protest at Vatican, systematic sex abuse of children is crime against humanity

Pope is all talk, no action, over Irish clergy abuse and cover-up by Church hierarchy

Sinead O'Connor says Vatican is nest of devils, Pope and top tier should report to police and ask to be prosecuted

Irish head of Amnesty International says addressing past human rights violations prevents future abuse 
 

Irish priest calls for Archbishops and investigators to pin blame on Vatican for central role in global clergy crimes crisis

 
Head of church-backed probe into Belgian clergy crimes says the Pope must set an example and resign
 

Thousands of children raped by priests is a human rights atrocity, Pope should resign to give survivors more than mere words

Catholic Church ignores Amnesty International's call to comply with international children's rights law

 

 

Mormon church leaders claim clergy privilege and say they had no duty to report sex abuse of teen to police

The Arizona Republic  -   April 24, 2011

Experts: Church erred in Brock sex case

Church leaders held back key details, officials say

by Laurie Merrill | The Arizona Republic



Law-enforcement authorities said local leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints never reported information to police that could have protected a teenager abused by Susan Brock, wife of Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock.

Church spokeswoman Kim Farah said leaders did report the abuse, but she declined to provide details on who was told and when. The LDS church, based in Salt Lake City, would let Farah be quoted only for this story. Farah said the actions of the church were appropriate.

Susan Brock, 49, was arrested after the victim's parents reported to Chandler police on Oct. 22 that their son told them he had been abused for three years. Brock was sentenced on April 8 to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of attempted sexual conduct with a minor.

The parents initially expressed their concerns in October 2009 during a meeting with the Brocks and Chandler Stake East President Mitch Jones, police records show. The stake president is a lay leader at an intermediate level of the church, representing a group of congregations.

Armed with an order of protection against Susan, the parents said she was having an inappropriate relationship with their son, giving him expensive presents, texting and phoning him and bringing him lunch at school. During the meeting, the father asked Susan, "Are you having sexual relations with my son?" She replied, "No, I am not."

Police and court records say that Susan had been sexually abusing the boy for two years at that point and that the abuse continued for another year.

In October, Susan Brock admitted to Bishop Matthew Meyers that she had molested the teen three times, the records show. The bishop is the lay leader of the local ward, or congregation.

Still, the bishop did not go to police, Deputy Pinal County Attorney Jason Holmberg said during Susan Brock's April 7 presentence hearing.

On Oct. 19, the father and his son went to Bishop Troy Hansen and told him the abuse was far worse and extensive than Susan Brock had acknowledged, the records show. But the crimes were not reported until Oct. 22, when the father, "tired of waiting," took his son to the Chandler Police Department, Holmberg said.

October '09 meeting

The victim's parents suspected something was wrong in October 2009 and expressed their concerns to Jones and the Brocks, police records show. At this point, scholars and church members said, Jones had the option of bringing the boy in for questioning.

"Missing . . . is any indication that (the boy's parents), or the stake president, or anyone else, actually confronted (the victim) in October 2009 with a suspicion that he had been intimately involved with Susan," said Armand Mauss, in response to a description of events.

"The boy might well have admitted the relationship then and there, saving a year's time in the arrest of Susan," said Mauss, a sociologist known for his expertise on the Mormon Church.

For six years, Mauss has taught courses in Mormon studies as adjunct faculty in the School of Religion of Claremont Graduate University in California.

Barbara Dorris, outreach director of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, based in Chicago, concurred.

"What is missing here is nobody put the needs of the child first," Dorris said. "This is not a normal relationship (the boy and Susan's). I have six kids and I have never brought lunch to any kid any day.

"Then there was the secret cellphone," she said, referring to a phone Susan had given the teen that the boy's mother returned to her in October 2009. "All those red flags are there."

Former U.S. Attorney Mel McDonald of Phoenix, who has worked on church-sex cases, disagreed, saying he doesn't think the stake president had a duty to report.

Whether the president should have interviewed the boy is a judgment call, said Lisa Davis, an investigative journalist and author of "The Sins of Brother Curtis: A Story of Betrayal, Conviction and the Mormon Church." Church leaders in such situations "are not required to," said Davis, who lives in the San Francisco area.

October 2010

Police say Susan committed her last act with the victim on Oct 5.

On Oct. 8, she gave the boy's cellphone to his girlfriend and asked her to give it to him. Instead, the girlfriend was "shocked," according to reports, by sexually explicit texts and videos Susan sent the boy. The girl told her mother, who told the boy's mother.

On Oct. 9-10, Susan told Bishop Meyers she molested the teen but did not admit the dozens of acts on which she would later be indicted nor discuss the longevity of the abuse.

This meeting likely would be deemed a "confession," protecting Susan with the clergy-penitent relationship, said several of those interviewed. But the exemption does not apply to the evidence provided outside of confession, such as comments from the boy's father.

"The bishops should have said, 'You call police or we will immediately,' " said Dorris, of the priest-abuse survivors group.

Davis agreed that when the father of a victim comes to a religious leader and says someone has been harming his child, it is not a protected conversation.

"The question is, what happened between the 19th and 22nd (when the boy and his dad reported the crime to Chandler police)?" Davis said. "Was the bishop counseling the father to go to police? If so, he is pretty much in the clear."

Holmberg said the bishop did not contact police.

Protecting the victim

A basic principle of the Mormon Church is to protect any victim, said Lavina Fielding Anderson, described as a Latter-day Saint scholar, writer, editor and feminist.

"The Church's position is that abuse cannot be tolerated in any form," according to "Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops."

"Those who abuse or are cruel to their spouse, children, other family members or anyone else violates the laws of God and man."

Churches and the state give great discretion to the clergy, especially if the information is presented during a confession. Arizona law says clergy "may withhold" information, even child abuse, learned during confession. Without the clergy-penitent privilege, talking to the clergy would be akin to talking to police.

But Jan Shipps, described as a U.S. historian specializing in Mormon history, said "the issue is whether there was a defined responsibility or not."

"Otherwise, it is left to the discretion of the church," said Shipps, a professor emeritus of history and religious studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

The role of clergy

The Brock case is the latest in a long-running debate over the role of clergy in sexual-abuse cases.

In July, two Valley pastors were arrested on suspicion of failing to report reputed sex crimes against two girls in a case that highlighted the state's mandatory reporting rules for crimes against children. That case, involving a church in Glendale, is pending in Maricopa County Superior Court.

In 2003, Bishop Thomas O'Brien, head of the Phoenix Diocese of the Catholic Church, acknowledged that for decades, he had covered up allegations of sexual abuse by priests. O'Brien previously had revealed that at least 50 priests, former priests and church employees had been accused of sexual misconduct with children in the Phoenix Diocese.

Authorities say they are continuing to investigate the Brock case. They have declined to say whether they are considering any legal action involving LDS church leaders.

This article was found at:

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2011/04/24/20110424brock-molestation-case-church-reports.html

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG:

Children's rights lawyer criticizes Mormon church's child protection policies, but church claims it has gold standard 

 Book reveals Mormon church protected known pedophile priest, aggressively fought victims in court

Mormon leaders won't be charged with failing to report baby molester because of Idaho's clergy privilege law

Trapped in a Mormon Gulag

Order to release financial data has LDS Church, courts on collision course

Mormon polygamist who pleaded no contest to child bride sex assault appeals conviction based on search warrant

Mormon fundamentalist leader must testify in tax case and reveal details of polygamy and child brides in Bountiful

Summary of US State legislation on the issue of clergy as mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect

Nevada Supreme Court considers liability of churches in abuse suits; 1st Amendment not a defense in most other states

Child protection policies vary from church to church, but spotty compliance continues to endanger children

Belgian bishop who molested two nephews gets state pension, sent to French monastery for treatment but disappears

The Telegraph  -   UK      April 18, 2011

Child abuse bishop disappears from French monastery

A Belgian former bishop has disappeared from his French religious community three days after he admitted to sexually abusing two of his nephews, its leader said on Sunday.

Roger Vangheluwe resigned as Bishop of Bruges last year after confessing to having sex with his under age nephew, but was not prosecuted as the crimes had taken place several years previously before the statute of limitations.

Last week, he again caused outraged when he gave a television interview in which he also admitted to molesting a second nephew but insisted he did not consider himself a paedophile nor a threat to children.

"How did it start?" Vangheluwe said in the interview. "As in all families: when they came to visit, my nephews would stay over.

"It began as a kind of game with this boy. It was never a question of rape, or physical violence. He never saw me naked and there was no penetration.

"I don't in the slightest have any sense I am a paedophile. I don't get the impression my nephew was opposed, quite the contrary," he added although he also admitted: "I knew it wasn't good, I confessed it several times."

After the first scandal, The Vatican ordered him to seek "spiritual and psychological treatment" at a church community La Ferte-Imbault in France, and to stay out of the public eye.

Following the interview, which outraged many in Belgium and drew a sharp denunciation from the Council of Bishops, there were calls for him to be prosecuted. But on Sunday it emerged that he had gone.

"He left last night," the mother superior of the Brotherhood of Jerusalem told AFP at the community. Asked where he had gone, she said: "I don't know. We are referring all questions to the papal nuncio's office in Belgium."

The case plunged the Belgian Catholic Church anew into turmoil, with several bishops asking the Vatican to act quickly to punish Vangheluwe.

In September 2010, the church was rocked by nearly 500 cases of abuse by priests since the 1950s, including 13 victims who committed suicide.


This article was found at:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/belgium/8457669/Child-abuse-bishop-disappears-from-French-monastery.html

**********************************************************************

Reuters   -   April 18, 2011

Analysis: Belgium looks to Pope to help end abuse crisis

By Tom Heneghan, Reuters Religion Editor


(Reuters) - Belgium's politicians and prelates are looking to Pope Benedict to help end a clerical sexual abuse crisis that is crippling the local Catholic Church and frustrating judicial authorities unable to resolve it.

Calls to punish former Bruges Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, who shocked Belgium last week by publicly excusing abuse cases that caused his downfall last year, have come from the Belgian prime minister, justice and foreign ministers and several senior politicians.

Belgian bishops have denounced Vangheluwe, 74, who quit as bishop of Bruges after admitting to molesting his nephew, and several bishops have made clear they want swift punitive action from the Vatican, which took control of his case this month.

But there is no consensus on what Benedict, who has the final say on Vangheluwe's fate, should do. He has shied away from stiff punishments for bishops caught in the abuse crisis plaguing the Church in Europe and the United States.

Belgian justice cannot intervene because the abuse cases, which Vangheluwe admits to, all occurred before the 20-year statute of limitations for them. Church law has no provision to defrock a bishop although the Vatican has done it in rare cases.

"The Church ... should be much more severe and much more complete than what has been said up until now," Justice Minister Stefaan De Clerck, a Christian Democrat, said on Friday.

Guy Harpigny, the bishop of Tournai, said: "I hope the Holy See understands that we need its help to clear up this affair - it's time for it to get to work."

VATICAN ORDERS TREATMENT ABROAD

Vangheluwe, who had been hiding in Belgium since stepping down in disgrace, moved to a French monastery several weeks ago on Vatican orders for "spiritual and psychological treatment" pending a decision from Rome on what his punishment should be.

Despite pleas from brother bishops, he appeared on Belgian television last Thursday and Friday evening and tried to play down the crisis by calling his abuse cases "a little game."

He outraged Belgians by denying he was a pedophile despite admitting to also molesting a second nephew, arguing predator priests were unfairly treated and showing little understanding of the gravity of the crisis he had triggered.

Since his resignation, about 500 cases of abuse over several decades have been reported. A Church commission studying the cases found that at least 13 victims had committed suicide over the years because the Church ignored their complaints.

Vangheluwe's interviews prompted calls over the weekend for him to be excommunicated, defrocked or locked up in a monastery and barred from further contact with the outside world.

Church law has no provision for defrocking a bishop. But Belgian theologian Rev. Gabriel Ringlet told Belgian television that this should not stop Benedict from taking decisive action.

"The pope should say loudly and clearly, 'I deeply regret that our law does not permit it, but morally I consider that this bishop is no longer part of our family'," he said.

DEFROCKED AND FREE?

Defrocking him, a step many critics outside the Church seem to anticipate, would not be the best solution because the Church would have no more authority over him, some bishops argued.

Antwerp Bishop Johan Bonny said Vangheluwe's interviews had "ruined a lot of our work" to overcome the abuse crisis, but advised against simply throwing him out of the priesthood.

"If you do that, he's a free man," Bonny told the daily De Standaard. "He can come back to Belgium, stay in France or leave for Argentina. What would that do?"

It's not clear how much control the Church has over the rogue bishop now anyway. Officials have confirmed to Belgian media that he will get his 2,800-euro state pension regardless of his standing in the Church.

Vangheluwe's whereabouts are once again unclear. He left the secluded monastery near Orleans on Saturday after it complained about all the media attention his presence had caused, and does not seem to lack options to hide.

"I've received a massive amount of offers of lodging, both from monasteries and from individuals," he boasted in his first television interview. "Hundreds of people have expressed their support by sending a letter or card."

(Editing by Mark Heinrich)

This article was found at:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/18/us-belgium-catholic-crisis-idUSTRE73H1YM20110418

RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS BLOG:

Belgian Bishop who molested nephew admits on TV he abused another but says it was superficial and not pedophilia

Belgian bishop who resigned for sex abuse of nephew sent to Vatican, Archbishop gets pied by protesters


Audio tapes reveal Belgian Cardinal pressuring victim to stay silent about serial sex abuse by his uncle, a Belgian Bishop


Victim of Belgian bishop who resigned for child abuse was his nephew who tried to warn church leaders for 25 years


Belgian priest admits he sexually abused 8 year old cousin, stops campaign to nominate him for Nobel Peace Prize


Belgian archbishop wants mercy for retired pedophile priests but shows no empathy for victims, government starts investigation


Head of church-backed probe into Belgian clergy crimes says the Pope must set an example and resign


Growing number of Belgians join global movement to de-baptize from Catholic church


Belgian prosecutors open judicial inquiry into past sex abuse at institution for children run by nuns


Belgium's Catholic primate faces demands to step down after controversial remarks on pedophile priests and AIDS

Crisis of moral authority and credibility for Belgian Catholic church after decades of clergy abuse that destroyed lives


Head of church-backed probe into Belgian clergy crimes says the Pope must set an example and resign


Belgian Catholic Church claims it feared financial losses as reason for no apology, but culture of secrecy may be main reason


Belgian Archbishop acknowledges widespread rape and abuse in every church sector throughout the nation


Court says evidence seized in Belgian Catholic church raids can't be used, probe finds hundreds of clergy abuse cases


Belgian law enforcement's aggressive raid of Catholic church explained by cultural forces


Belgian bishop says media storm triggered his resignation for sex crimes he committed against boy while bishop


Belgian police raid Catholic headquarters and independent abuse commission over concerns of continuing cover-up by church leaders


Dan Rather exposes Catholic tactics to shield assets from liability in abuse cases, SNAP founder compares Belgium raids to Toledo case


Fugitive priest hiding in Belgium and Lourdes, France sent back to Canadian territory Nunavut to face sex abuse charges