News Story of the Day

Costa Rica orders ex priest held on sex abuse charges

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A Costa Rican court on Friday ordered a priest facing sexual abuse charges held in custody for six months while awaiting trial.


Marist Brothers Catholic order hid abuse by member who helped run Chicago school in the 1970s, suits say

After Brother Robert Ryan died in 2017, a relative posted an online tribute, calling him “the favorite uncle” who “lived a giving life” and “selflessly” served God.


Former Treme church pastor files defamation suit against rape accuser

A New Orleans Catholic priest removed from service in January, when allegations surfaced that he raped a young boy in 2008, has sued his accuser for defamation.


Bishop Weldon lawsuit against Springfield Diocese continues allegations of cover-ups by top officials

A recent lawsuit alleging clergy sexual abuse and a cover-up by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield — which the diocese is seeking to have dismissed — recalls a similar case the church faced and settled in 2009.


Alleged Massachusetts Abuse Victim Requests Outside Judge in Suit, Citing Diocese’s Influence

Springfield, Mass. — Lawyers for an alleged abuse victim in the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts have asked the state’s chief justice to assign a special judge from outside western Massachusetts to the case, citing a potential for undue influence from people associated with the diocese. 


When sin runs deep: One Puyallup church, two priests, one awful legacy of child abuse

Twice in the past two years, a Catholic parish in Pierce County has found itself on a list of sin, scandal and modest compensation for great pain. It’s a list that no church wants to show up on.


Wisconsin to investigate state's Catholic dioceses over clergy abuse

MILWAUKEE — Attorney General Josh Kaul plans to launch an investigation into clergy sexual assault across Wisconsin's five Catholic dioceses, perhaps as early as next week.


Former Vermonter files sexual abuse lawsuit against Weston Priory

Aformer Vermont resident has filed a civil lawsuit in Windsor County Superior Court, alleging the Weston Priory and the Jesuits religious order were negligent in allowing him to be sexually abused as a teenager in about 1970.


Victims rally in Harrisburg for bill on sexual abuse lawsuits

Survivors of sexual abuse by priests, teachers and others rallied outside the Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday, calling for legislation that would create a window in the statute of limitations, allowing lawsuits over long-ago sexual abuse by clergy and others.


Editorial: Pennsylvania Senate must stand up for victims of abuse

Getting just about any piece of substantial legislation passed in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly is likely to be a roller coaster ride for the lawmakers and activists who support it. That’s just the nature of the institution.


SNAP Network is a GuideStar Gold Participant