News Story of the Day

Child sexual abuse victims retraumatised in their fight for justice

He was 12 years old when the abuse started.

The principal at his elite Christchurch Catholic school would call the boys to his office to check their lunch boxes. When J arrived, the principal would take him into his office and tell him his parents had sent him to the school “to help him become a man”.


Boston College investigates prominent theologian after sexual assault allegation

Boston College is investigating the chairman of its theology department following allegations he sexually assaulted a former classmate in 1987.


Vatican trial: Former students recall 'unhealthy' environment at minor seminary

VATICAN CITY — Several former students told a Vatican court that they experienced an "unhealthy" environment at a minor seminary inside the Vatican.

The young men, who had studied at the St. Pius X Pre-Seminary, operated by the Diocese of Como inside the Vatican, took the stand Feb. 24 at the trial in the Vatican City State criminal court against Fr. Gabriele Martinelli, who is accused of sexually abusing a fellow student at the seminary.


Opinion: The Attack in the Judicial Proceedings Committee

After the unnecessary and disturbing mudslinging in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee (JPR) earlier this month, I have been thinking about the role of character and bravery in the work of lawmakers.


Fresno-area priest resigns Catholic church amid lawsuit over misconduct investigation

A Diocese of Fresno priest accused of sexual misconduct but never criminally charged resigned from the church this week.


New Vatican thriller captures the cost of scandal

ROME – How do you measure the cost of a scandal?


Christian Brothers abused children at Fife care home 'with impunity' inquiry concludes

St Ninian’s School in Falkland exposed youngsters to risks of sexual, physical, and psychological danger for almost the entire time it was open.


Salem Film Fest to premiere Richard Sipe documentary

As part of its winter series preceding its festival dates, Salem Film Fest will present the world premiere of the documentary “Sipe: Sex, Lies, and the Priesthood.”


North Dakota House rejects expanding statute of limitations for child sex abuse

BISMARCK —North Dakota lawmakers rejected three bills that would expand the statute of limitations for civil and criminal actions in childhood sexual abuse cases.


New York's Catholic church leaders control billions outside the reach of abuse survivors

ALBANY — The Catholic bishops of New York sold a lucrative insurance business they controlled and stored the proceeds in a foundation they also administer, keeping billions out of the reach of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.


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