News Story of the Day

Abuse victims group calls for diocese action

HOLLIDAYSBURG - David Clohessy stood alone Monday morning on the side of South Logan Boulevard with a handful of laminated portraits of smiling children clutched tightly in his hands.


Bishop's conviction could compound legal problems for Kansas City diocese

The legal arena has become a sort of second home to the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese — but hardly a sanctuary. Bishop Robert Finn’s criminal misdemeanor conviction this past summer for failing to report suspected child abuse involving the Rev. Shawn Ratigan, analysts say, could dramatically undercut the diocese’s defense against mounting civil lawsuits.


Priest on leave after claims of misconduct

A retired priest has been put on administrative leave following allegations of sexual misconduct with minors dating back 19 years, the Archdiocese of Detroit confirmed Sunday.


Group wants larger investigation of Greek Orthodox priest

A group that advocates for the victims of sexual abuse by priests wants a more thorough investigation of a Greek Orthodox priest who pleaded guilty last week to seeking sex with boys.


Thousands Sign Online Petition Urging Resignation of Bishop Finn

(KANSAS CITY, Mo) He is the first leader in the Catholic Church to ever be convicted of concealing a sexual abuse crime.


EDITORIAL: Chaput’s criticism of media ignores facts

Archbishop Charles Chaput, in his latest weekly column written for the 1.5 million Roman Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, seems to blame the media for the church’s recent problems.


Supporting potential victims

“Enough with evading the issue, LMU. Be transparent. Tell us the facts. Hopefully, even with this information, no one at LMU during [Brother William J.] Farrington [S.J.]’s time at the University will come forward. But, with the unfortunate chance that that is not the case, give them the opportunity to tell their story. Reporting abuse takes innumerable levels of strength. Show that you care. Extend your hand.”


Boy Scouts Assert ‘Good Faith Effort’ to Protect Youths

The Boy Scouts of America, facing what could be an avalanche of unfavorable attention in coming weeks from the court-ordered release of internal files about inappropriate sexual behavior by youth leaders, issued a report on Tuesday by a professor who reviewed the files and found what she called “a good faith effort” to protect boys from harm.


Reward offered for info on death of SJ priest

The family of the Jesuit priest who died in San Jose eight years ago is offering a reward for information about his death. Police ruled the death of James Chevedden a suicide, but the family is not convinced of that. They believe it was a homicide and they want police to take a second look.


Fired First Baptist pastor to plead guilty in sex scandal involving 17-year-old

The recently fired pastor of a Hammond megachurch will plead guilty to taking a minor across state lines for sexual activity, federal prosecutors in Indiana said Tuesday.


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