News Story of the Day
SNAP's evolution evident at gathering, in wake of departures
By by Tom Roberts, National Catholic Reporter, August 21, 2017
ALEXANDRIA, VA. — SNAP, the organization that has become synonymous with uncovering the clergy sex abuse scandal, may be outpacing its acronym.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, established in 1988, has been at the forefront of advocating for victims of clergy abuse and at pressing for accountability by church leadership. However, it was evident at a gathering of 300 victims, advocates and supporters Aug. 11-13 in Alexandria, Virginia, that the organization is in the midst of change.
Catholic Church and local authorities criticised for claiming child sex abuse victims 'consented'
The Catholic Church and local authorities have been criticised after trying to claim child sex abuse victims "consented" in a bid to avoid compensation payouts.
Lawyers who represent some of the victims have told the Sunday Telegraph that the defence is more frequently being used by private schools, religious groups and local authorities when trying to defend compensation claims.
Sex abuse prevention experts: Brentwood Academy student policies may send troubling message
At the center of allegations that a 12-year-old boy was raped in 2015 in the locker room of an elite Brentwood Christian school are questions about how school officials respond to student misconduct.
A review of a Brentwood Academy student handbook reveals a biblical-based approach to student conduct.
MARIST BROTHERS: SCHOOL DIRECTOR ADMITS ABUSING STUDENT
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- The general director of an elite school founded by the Marist Brothers in Argentina has admitted he sexually abused a student 38 years ago, an official for the order said Thursday.
Gonzalo Santa Coloma, the order's official for protecting children in Buenos Aires province, told The Associated Press that Brother Angel Duples acknowledged the abuse after the order began an investigation following a report by a former student who had talked with the victim.
He molested a child twice in a church van and now a former pastor gets his day in court
By Jeff Clark, August 16, 2017, SunHerald
A former pastor at a Pearl River County church is facing jail time after pleading guilty to two sex crime charges in Hancock County.
Children of Catholic priests live with secrets and sorrow
By Michael Rezendes | Photos by Suzanne Kreiter | Videos by Emily ZendtAugust 16, 2017
This is the first of a two part Spotlight series.
Bishop Seane in shameful sex sandals
By Tsaone Basimanebotlhe, August 11, 2017, Mmegi Online
Reverend Valentine Seane’s alleged insatiable sexual needs are behind his sudden and seemingly unceremonious resignation as Bishop of Gaborone. Seane has been at the helm of the local chapter of the church for eight years
Magdalene abuse must not go unpunished, UN tells Ireland
August 12 2017, The Times
Members of the Catholic Church must be prosecuted and punished for their role in the Magdalene laundries, the United Nations has said.
The UN committee against torture has unequivocally dismissed the state’s investigation into the institutions and claims damning documents showing church and state collusion against women have been ignored.
Paedophile Remains a Priest
Chris Morris, August 11, 2017, Otago Daily News
The Catholic Church is defending its decision not to defrock a paedophile priest who abused boys in Dunedin.
It was confirmed this week Magnus (Max) Murray, now aged 90, is in the care of a Catholic-owned rest-home in Auckland. Despite admitting 10 charges of sexual offending against boys in Dunedin, dating back to the 1950s, Fr Murray has retained his status as a priest following his conviction in 2003, the church has confirmed
Lafayette, diocese has history of sex offenses by priests
Accusations of sex crimes involving Roman Catholic priests and Acadiana children might date back some seven decades, court records reveal. They also include two notorious court cases in the past few years.
The case of the Rev. F. David Broussard, whose scheduled Aug. 14 court appearance has been delayed until Nov. 27 in St. Martin Parish, is the most recent occurrence. Broussard is not accused of sexual contact with children, but the former Breaux Bridge pastor, 51, was charged in July 2016 with 500 counts of possession of child pornography. Some 500 images of children were found on his personal computer.