When lawyers for the Colorado bishops came before a Senate committee hearing a bill that would open a 2 year window on the sexual abuse statute of limitations, their arguments grew more desperate as the testimony wore on. At one point, a church lawyer actually stated that the church had fixed the sexual abuse problem by 1991! Incredible as it may seem, the church seems bent at going to any lengths to insulate itself from the criminal behavior of its priests. Fortunately, the state Senators were unimpressed with their arguments and voted 5-1 in favor of opening the statute of limitations. The one dissenting voter continued to focus on the costs of litigation and implied that this was a trial lawyer ruse. The other members of the committee were not so swayed. The full Colorado Senate will hear the bill in the near future.
Sex Abuse in the Church
Colorado Sex Abuse Victims Plead Their Case and Win
In more than 7 and a half hours of emotionally draining testimony from victims of sexual abuse, the Colorado Senate State Affairs Committee voted 5-1 to allow sexual abuse victims to pursue justice in the courtroom. The bill will now go to the full Colorado Senate for review.
Arbishop Chaput on a Crusade to Protect the Church not the Victims of Sexual Abuse
Archbishop Chaput, head of the Archdiocese of Denver, has mounted an all-out assault on sexual abuse victims and their quest for justice. The Colorado legislature will hear Senate bill 143 on Monday that proposes lifting the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. The bill, if passed and signed into law, would open a two year window that would revive ole sex abuse cases involving non-profits and churches that otherwise would be protected by the statute. Chaput argues that the legislation unfairly targets the Catholic Church. According to Chaput, “I want to protect the church from an unjust law, and I’m concerned that this legislation is aimed at the Catholic Church. We want to be treated like everyone else.” Chaput continues his non-sequitur harangue when he says that he believes the church is being singled out “to silence and punish her” for the church’s stance on abortion, traditional marriage and other values issues.
What about the value of protecting innocent children? What about the value of justice for victims who’ve had their innocence taken from them by Catholic priests?
Chicago Priest Indicted on 3 Counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
Rev. Daniel McCormack, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago, was indicted on three sexual abuse charges Friday. The priest is scheduled to be arraigned on March 1st. One count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse carries with it a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
A Bishop Speaks about Sexual Abuse
Bishop Joseph Imesch, soon to be retired bishop of Joliet Illinois, spoke out (sort of, he was compelled to testify under oath in a deposition) on the sexual abuse of a 14 year old girl by one of his priests. When questioned why he didn’t go to the police when he first learned of the accusation, he stated that he wasn’t going to do that because he didn’t have enough information. When pressed on the issue, he stated he didn’t know who to tell. Finally, he gave the same, lame excuse his brother prelates have given: years ago, church officials didn’t know about sexual abuse. His excuses and rationalizations didn’t change the fact that a 14 year old girl was raped by a Catholic priest.
Colorado Legislature to Hear Victims’ of Sex Abuse
The Colorado legislature will hear statements from victims concerning sexual abuse and how that abuse has impacted their lives. The hearings will be held Monday, February 13, 2006 in the state capitol. Colorado is cosidering opening a window on its statute of limitations laws so that sexual abuse victims may come forward and seek justice through criminal or civil action. Members of the survivor advocacy group SNAP plan a large press conference prior to the legislative hearings.
Gary Diocese Defends Not Investigating Fr. Daniel McCormack
Before Fr. Daniel McCormack was ever accused of sexual abuse of a minor, he concelebrated mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Crown Point, located in the Diocese of Gary Indiana.
Cardinal George Moving Swiftly to Shut Barn Door
In an apparent move to not lose face with his flock, Francis Cardinal George is moving swiftly to make a subtle yet important change to the Archdiocesan abuse policy. In response to the mounting allegations of abuse against Rev. Daniel McCormack, George has stated that “next time” he will notify authorities immediately instead of waiting to investigate the allegations.
Top Legion Priest Cleared by Vatican
Rev. Marcial Maciel , the controversial founder of the Legionaries of Christ, has been cleared of sexual abuse allegations by the Vatican. The investigation had been delayed during the latter part of Pope John Paul’s pontificate only to be re-started by Pope Benedict XVI. It remains unclear whether a true investigation was ever undertaken. It may be that Benedict re-opened Maciel’s case just to close it.
Archdiocese of Miami Turns on Abuse Victim
In a hardball public relations maneuver, the Archdiocese of Miami released a statement concerning the sexual abuse of a minor dating back to the 1970’s in which the Archdiocese argued that damages to the victim were caused in whole or in part by the victim’s own negligence. This strategy had been commonplace prior to the incidents in Boston. However, since that time, most dioceses across the country have tried to appear more sympathetic. Not the Archdiocese of Miami-in spite of numerous accusations against the priest Neil Doherty, they attack the victim.