• Rabbi's visit canceled amid abuse allegations, - Judaism.
DES MOINES (IA): A Des Moines orthodox synagogue has canceled the appearance of a prominent New York rabbi scheduled to speak this weekend, after the Des Moines
Jewish community was barraged with e-mails suggesting the guest speaker
had a history of child abuse.
Rabbi Ari Sytner of Beth El Jacob Synagogue had invited Rabbi Ephraim Bryks of Richmond Hill, N.Y., to speak at an event today. Bryks had spoken twice before in Des Moines at Sytner's invitation.
Members of a victims advocacy network found the announcement on DesMoinesRegister.com and sent messages to the newspaper and members of the Iowa Jewish community, said a member of that network.
Bryks would not speak to a Register reporter Thursday, but in a May article in a New York newspaper denied the allegations, which are more than 20 years old. Despite the fact that he's never been charged with child abuse, Bryks said in the article that the allegations are like a ghost trailing him from city to city, school to school.
And to Des Moines.
-- Des Moines Register, "Rabbi's visit canceled amid abuse allegations,"
(http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4788993/22759493.html)
By Shirley Ragsdale, Register Religion Editor
(This is the first of the Poynteronline Abuse Tracker edition for Sunday, November 16, 2003 .)
(Posted by Kathy Shaw, Poynter Abuse Tracker)
• Father-in-law's tip leads to arrest of ex-youth pastor [2003].
ROCKFORD (IL): A former Rockford youth pastor is free on bond after turning
himself in Monday on charges of allegedly fondling a 17-year-old girl at
his ministry.
As a condition of his bond, Bradley Bounds, 28, is not allowed to have any
contact with anyone younger than 18. He is charged with two counts of
aggravated criminal sexual assault.
Bounds was hired five years ago as student ministries pastor at Rock
Church, 6732 Harrison Ave., and was fired Aug. 24, when he returned from a
vacation, two days after officials learned of his alleged misconduct.
Winnebago County Chief Deputy Sheriff Kurt Ditzler said detectives started
an investigation Oct. 15 after an anonymous tip reached the Illinois
Department of Family and Children Services by way of the Carrie Lynn
Children's Center.
That tip came from Rock Church's senior pastor, the Rev. John D. Sprecher,
whose daughter Rachel is married to Bounds.
-- Rockford Register Star, "Ex-youth pastor arrested,"
(http://www.rrstar.com/localnews/your_community/rockford/20031107-1297.shtml)
By Mike Wiser
• Priest pleads not guilty to sexual abuse charges. [1988]
WISCONSIN: The Rev. James Stein pled not guilty to three counts of felony second
degree sexual abuse of a child at an arraignment hearing Friday morning.
Stein, 43, is accused of fondling a 14-year-old boy in the hot tub and
shower area at the St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere on three separate
occasions in August or September of 1988. At the time, the boy had been
working as a cook's assistant in the Priory, a residency for priests who
taught at Premontre High School (now Notre Dame Academy), and Stein was
serving as head of campus ministry at the school.
A motion hearing was set for Jan. 26 on past records and statute of
limitations issues. The victim, now 29, moved out of the area in 1992 and
only recently moved back. Assistant District Attorney Dana Johnson said
following the Oct. 27 preliminary hearing the statute of limitations could
likely be excluded. If Stein had remained in the area, the claim would not
have been valid in court after six years.
Stein's attorney, Steven Glynn, said he will challenge the limitation by
trying to find out exactly where Stein has been living to determine if he
has been out of state the whole time. Glynn will also file a motion of
past record.
-- News-Chronicle,
(http://www.gogreenbay.com/page.html?article=123044)
By Monique Balas
• Tension of abuse scandal easing for U.S. bishops.
WASHINGTON (DC): The tone and tenor of last week's U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops was reminiscent of the days before the clergy sexual
abuse scandal, when bishops joked easily and chatted informally with
reporters at coffee breaks.
The self-deprecating humor of old was evident after a convoluted
discussion on whether a proposed pamphlet had properly explained
Purgatory, especially the idea of "Purgatory on earth," in which patient
endurance of suffering is said to purify the soul.
As they debated their budget, one bishop asked, "Do you think loyal
participation in this conference is to some degree removing temporal
punishment of sin?"
Bishop Donald W. Wuerl, of Pittsburgh, was glad that "we're returning to
the regular rhythm. Not to have all kinds of extra security and ropes and
tape across lobbies to keep the cameras and microphones from clogging the
doorways -- it was just a welcome relief."
-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette,
(http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03320/240063.stm)
By Ann Rodgers-Melnick
• McQuaid suspends faculty member Fr John Costello, accused of sexual misconduct. [~ 1980]
NEW YORK, BRIGHTON: A longtime faculty member at McQuaid
Jesuit High School has been suspended following allegations of sexual
misconduct 24 years ago involving a student at a New York City school.
Father John Costello, chairman of the religion department, taught nearly
nine years off and on at McQuaid over the past 18 years. He was suspended
from teaching and performing priestly duties on Thursday by the New York
Province of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. McQuaid
announced the suspension Saturday.
There have been no complaints of sexual contact with McQuaid students
during his time there, said James E. Whelehan, president of the private
school.
Whelehan said that the school mailed out letters on Friday to parents of
all students, informing them of the suspension. On Monday, the school will
post a letter to its 7,500 alumni on its Web site, he said.
-- Democrat & Chronicle,
"McQuaid suspends faculty member accused of sexual misconduct,"
(http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/1116SR2CCA0_abuse16_news.shtml)
By Matthew Daneman, Staff Writer, Nov 16 03
• Ex-priest faces sex trial in NZ.
NEW ZEALAND: Former Wellington priest Alan Woodcock is set to be extradited here to
stand trial on 19 charges of sexually abusing boys.
The move comes after an English court refused Woodcock's appeal against
returning.
The 55-year-old former Catholic priest, who left this country many years
ago, lost his latest fight against extradition in a high court decision on
Friday.
It paves the way for Woodcock to face 19 charges of sexual abuse relating
to 12 complainants, which date back more than 20 years.
Inquiry head detective sergeant Murray Porter yesterday said the
complainants would be relieved the accused was now poised to face the
accusations in the Upper Hutt District Court.
-- Stuff,
(http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2727934a11,00.html)
16 November 2003
• Timothy Crowley: Timeline of priest's abuses, association with Anchorage
Archdiocese. [1982 on]
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, USA:
1949 - Born in Jackson, Michigan.
1976 - Ordained
1979-80 - Assistant chaplain at St. Patrick, Brighton.
1980-82 - Assistant chaplain at Holy Rosary, Flint.
1982-84 - Becomes assistant chaplain at another church.
1982 - Begins assaulting his 10-year-old victim.
-- Anchorage Daily News,
(http://www.adn.com/front/story/4385997p-4390837c.html)
November 16, 2003
• Bishops say Father Timothy Crowley, archdiocese spokesperson, had "one time" event -- but accused previously in three Michigan parishes. [1983-91]
ANCHORAGE (Alaska ): For seven years, Catholic Church officials in Anchorage and Michigan protected the Rev. Timothy Crowley, quietly moving him from Ann Arbor,
Mich., to Alaska without informing parishioners of his long history of
sexually abusing a child there. Crowley lived at Our Lady of Guadalupe
church in the Turnagain neighborhood, sometimes celebrated Mass, and
served as a spokesman for the Anchorage Archdiocese.
Even when forced to expose Crowley under the new "zero-tolerance" policy
adopted by American bishops last year, church officials in Michigan
minimized his wrongdoing as a "one-time" event while leaders of the
Anchorage Archdiocese praised his work as "invaluable to us in many, many
different ways."
But recently released documents by Michigan police paint a far more
sinister picture of Crowley than any of the characterizations drawn by his
bishops.
Among those documents is the sworn statement of the victim, now a
30-year-old police officer in a small Michigan city, who said Crowley
began molesting him when he was 10 and didn't stop until he turned 18.
The series of sexual contacts at churches and a residence continued as Crowley
progressed through three Michigan parishes before the relationship ended
and Crowley acknowledged his sin to his bishop, but not authorities.
-- Anchorage Daily News, "Priest's past comes to light,"
(http://www.adn.com/front/story/4385997p-4396374c.html)
By Nicole Tsong,
Published: November 16, 2003
• Case against Catholic Church allowed; survivor wants to know how Church allowed molesters to continue.
LOUISVILLE (KY): A judge has allowed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville to proceed even though the church says it was filed too late.
Jefferson Circuit Judge Thomas Wine on Thursday denied the archdiocese's
motion for summary judgment in the case of Kyle Burden, the only plaintiff
who opted out of the $25.7 million settlement of sexual-abuse lawsuits.
The judge ruled that the church failed to prove that Burden hadn't filed
his lawsuit in a timely fashion.
Burden said he hopes his lawsuit will bring answers to the questions he
has for Archbishop Thomas Kelly.
"I want to know how he could allow this to happen to so many people," he
said. "I want to know how he could let priests who victimized children
continue to operate in the archdiocese."
-- WAVE,
"Suit Against Catholic Church Allowed To Proceed,"
(http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=1526542&nav=0RZFJ8wn)
Saturday, November 15, 2003
• Priest Accused of Sexual Abuse. [1979]
ROCHESTER (NY): A priest at McQuaid Jesuit High School is accused of sexually abusing a former student. On Saturday school officials announced that the teacher
Father John Costello has been suspended. The alleged abuse happened 24
years ago at a school in New York City. The alleged victim in the case
just recently came forward. McQuaid was told about the allegations earlier
this week.
Costello was suspended Thursday. Jesse Malgieri was
looking forward to having Father Costello as an English teacher next
trimester, however that may not happen now.
New York Jesuit school officials have suspended Costello. The officials
say they based their decision on quote "credible" allegations. They say
his alleged victim was a 15-year-old male student and the supposed abuse
took place 24 years ago. Malgieri says Costello was like an unofficial
guidance counselor always ready to listen to students and give advice.
Malgieri's mother still trusts Costello too. She does feel heartache
because even allegations can shatter innocence.
School officials want parents to talk to their kids about this incident.
News 10NBC found out the school sent a letter home on Saturday, detailing
the allegations. The letter says the situation will be addressed in
school first thing Monday morning. The decision to suspend Costello is
out of McQuaid's hands. Again Jesuit officials who are investigating the
case did that. McQuiad officials say the New York City district is
looking into the matter as well.
-- WHEC,
(http://www.10nbc.com/news.asp?template=item&story_id=9463)
• Sex-abuse plaintiff speaks out.
STOCKTON (CA): A Stockton man spoke out Friday about the lawsuit he has filed against
the Roman Catholic Church's Stockton Diocese, saying the abuse drove him
to drugs and alcohol and contributed to the downfall of his marriage.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with a representative of Survivors Network
of those Abused by Priests [SNAP], Luis Godinez said the abuse took place at the
hands of the late Fernando Villalobos, a Franciscan priest who served at
St. Mary's of the Assumption and as the chief of Spanish ministries in the
diocese.
"I have suffered greatly in silence for a very long time," Godinez said.
"I have been disgraced and humiliated to say the least, and as a result of
the abuse have had to deal with alcohol and drug abuse throughout my
life."
Godinez, who once considered joining the priesthood, left a seminary after
eight months. An insurance adjuster, he is married, though he and his wife
are separated.
-- Record,
(http://www.recordnet.com/articlelink/111503/news/articles/111503-gn-4.php)
By Linda Hughes-Kirchubel,
Published Saturday, November 15, 2003
• 14 from diocese accused of abuse in last 53 years.
SPRINGFIELD (IL): There have been 43 credible allegations of sexual abuse of minors against 14 priests in the Springfield Catholic diocese during the last 53 years,
according to results of a report disclosed Friday by the diocese.
The information was submitted to researchers at the John Jay College of
Criminal Justice in New York in response to a call by bishops nationwide
for a survey to determine the nature and scope of known sexual abuse of
minors by Catholic clergy, said Kathie Sass, director of communications
for the Springfield diocese.
"We are trying to get a picture of this issue on a national level," she
said. "Every diocese had to dig and look at the last 50 years to get the
information."
She said the local report wasn't available to the media.
-- State-Journal Register,
(http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/printfile/9896.asp)
By Abbey Brown
(Posted by Kathy Shaw, Poynter Abuse Tracker)
//////////////////// End of www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=46, Sunday, November 16, 2003
########## Poynteronline Abuse Tracker, www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=46,
Monday, November 17, 2003 edition follows:- • SNAP spokesman cautiously optimistic.
MILWAUKEE -- One of the most vocal critics of the Milwaukee Archdiocese's
pastoral mediation process for victims-survivors of clergy sexual abuse is
cautiously optimistic about Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan's plans to revise
outreach efforts to abuse victims.
Peter Isely, regional coordinator of Survivors Network for those Abused by
Priests, said Archbishop Dolan's decision to create a new dispute
resolution system was a welcome move. However, he is concerned the program
director has ties to a Catholic institution.
-- Catholic Herald,
(http://www.chnonline.org/current/newsstory3.html)
By Sam Lucero, Catholic Herald Staff
(Posted by Poynter Institute)
• Victim paid, but priest still in ministry, say leafleters; $21m paid to 40. [1970s]
BRIDGEPORT (CT): Protesters handed out leaflets Sunday outside St. Augustine Cathedral and a New Fairfield church in opposition to an active priest accused of
molesting a young teenage girl.
David Clohessy, national director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those
Abused by Priests, joined members of local victims' support groups in the
protest of the refusal of the diocese to suspend Monsignor Martin Ryan.
"We are distraught over Bishop William Lori's decision to keep an admitted
molester in active ministry, thus violating the charter and his pledge to
put the safety of children first," Clohessy said as he handed out leaflets
outside the cathedral Sunday afternoon. "Lori's decision is a gross
violation of the zero tolerance policy toward sexual abuse Lori and other
church leaders have promised."
Ryan, pastor of St. Edward the Confessor parish in New Fairfield, has been
accused of molesting the girl in the 1970s when she was a member of the
Catholic Youth Organization at St. Theresa's Church in Trumbull.
The diocese recently agreed to pay the woman as part of a $21 million
settlement to 40 people who claimed they were abused by priests in the
-- Connecticut Post, "Protesters: Accused priest should not be in active ministry,"
(http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1413,96%7E3750%7E1772242,00.html)
By Daniel Tepfer
• Exiled Texas cleric faces new allegation, removal.
TEXAS: An additional accuser has come forward to say that he was molested by
expatriate Texas priest Father Alfredo Prado, now a member of a Costa
Rican religious cult.
That accusation comes as the Oblate Fathers, Prado's religious order, have
served final notice on the 73-year-old priest that he is about to be
removed from the priesthood.
Prado, former pastor of St. Timothy's Catholic Church in San Antonio,
became a fugitive from the Oblate Fathers earlier this year when he defied
orders to enter a retirement home. Instead, he left the United States and
joined a reputedly violent Central American doomsday group.
The priest, who is legally blind and has had a series of heart surgeries,
has become the chief celebrant and a ward of the Reina y Señora de Todo la
Creado, which translates as "The Queen and Lady of All Creation."
-- Houston Chronicle,
(http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/metropolitan/2223638)
By Evan Moore
• Father Seamus MacCormack praised for exposing priest's pornography.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Sexual abuse victims yesterday honored a former Jaffrey pastor and
prominent critic of Bishop John McCormack, praising him outside the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops' fall meeting in Washington.
The Rev. James A. "Seamus" MacCormack, who has been on a leave of absence
from the Diocese of Manchester since May 2002, was one of six priests from
across the country praised at a news conference by Survivors Network of
those Abused by Priests. The six priests will be the first named to a new
honor roll of "courageous" priests on SNAP's Website, said David Clohessy,
the organization's executive director.
"It's one thing for bishops to talk about transparency and openness,"
Clohessy said. "These are ordained priests who've done it."
MacCormack, now a special education teacher's aide at Conant High School
in Jaffrey, claimed Bishop McCormack removed him from his parish because
of public comments he made about the sexual abuse crisis in the Church.
He sued the bishop in July 2002, saying church officials tried to silence
him about the sexual habits of a deceased Manchester priest, including
allegations that the priest owned a large collection of homosexual and
child pornography.
-- The Union Leader, "NH priest praised by church victims group,"
(http://www.theunionleader.com/Articles_show.html?article=28878&archive=1)
By Scott Brooks, Union Leader Correspondent
• Diocese performs criminal checks.
PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen has begun criminal
background checks on all its priests and deacons and soon will extend the
checks to every diocesan volunteer or employee who works with children.
As part of an effort to fight sexual abuse, fingerprinting began last week
when diocesan employees, including Bishop Paul Bootkoski, submitted their
prints to the state police to check for any criminal history.
When the process is completed throughout the diocese, Monsignor William
Benwell expects more than 10,000 people will be checked.
The Diocese of Metuchen serves more than 500,000 Catholics in Middlesex,
Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties.
Bootkoski sent a letter to the diocese's priests last week informing them
of the policy.
-- C-N.com ,
(http://www.c-n.com/news/c-n/story/0,2111,856713,00.html)
By Jonathan Tamari,
Gannett New Jersey,
Published in the Courier News on November 17, 2003
• Shy victims, and cardinal delaying since 2000.CEBU, PHILIPPINES: Parishioners who accused Compostela parish priest Loreto Jumao-as of sexual abuse, among others, have a problem presenting the victims
because they are "afraid to come out."
Jumao-as, on the other hand, is open to the investigation Cebu Archdiocese
officials will make, as this is where he can disprove his parishioners'
allegations against him.
Jumao-as is also said to be happy with the archdiocese's decision to
investigate him again even if Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal
already investigated him on the same accusations three years ago.
Parishioners of St. James the Apostle parish in Compostela said the
investigation is long overdue.
Jesusa Limbaga, one of Jumao-as' accusers, said they have prepared all
their evidence long before the issue was publicized, "because we have been
waiting for the cardinal to act on this since 2000."
-- Sun.Star, "No 'sex victim' v. Cebu priest to testify,"
(http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2003/11/17/no.sex.victim.v..cebu.priest.to.testify.html)
By Linette C. Ramos
• Bishop grants priest Charles R. Celeste leave. [1980s]
ALBANY (NY): The Little Falls priest who admittedly had a sexual relationship
with a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student in the 1980s was granted
leave Sunday by Bishop Howard Hubbard.
Rev. Charles R. Celeste, pastor of the Holy Family Parish in Little Falls,
requested the leave after Randall Sweringen made the claims about their
sexual interaction public at a press conference held by his attorney, John
Aretakis, on Nov. 6.
Sweringen, who is a former monk, met Celeste when he was a freshman at RPI
pledging the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Celeste was the chaplain of the
fraternity. In a statement issued Sunday, Hubbard recognized Celeste's
admission that the sexual contact happened and condemned it.
"Father Celeste has acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate and
wrong. A priest must not violate his vow of celibacy, nor compromise his
position of sacred trust in the community," Hubbard said. "Father Celeste
and I believe that the recent public attention makes it impossible for him
to conduct an effective ministry at this time."
-- Troy Record,
"Bishop grants priest leave,"
www.troyrecord.com ,
By: Kate Perry
• Allegation of Catholic priest's sex abuse surfaces. [1970s]
CHAMBERLAIN, S.D.: A former student at the St. Joseph Indian School
claims he was sexually abused by a priest three decades ago, school
officials said.
And the boarding school, now run by the Catholic order of the Priests of
the Sacred Heart, has begun reaching out to alumni to find out if there
are other cases of sexual abuse.
"I feel an obligation to provide an opportunity for people to talk to us
and to provide assistance to people," said Deacon David Nagel, the
school's executive director. "Where the church has tried to cover up and
hide these things, it hasn't been helpful to anyone."
Leaders first heard the story during a brief contact with the former
student, said Steve Smith, the school's lawyer. In subsequent meetings,
Nagel has come to believe the report is sincere.
The allegation joins a string of stories nationwide of priests abusing
children. The Catholic diocese of Sioux Falls recently made public 38
cases of possible abuse in eastern South Dakota between 1950 and 1992.
-- Pioneer Press,
(http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/states/wisconsin/7279534.htm)
Associated Press
• $1.4m wasted on sexual abuse by 18 in Duluth diocese.
DULUTH (MN): A letter, released Sunday to congregations throughout the Catholic Diocese of Duluth, said that 42 people have made allegations of sexual abuse in
the diocese since 1950.
The allegations were made against 18 priests out of 350 who have served in
the diocese since 1950.
No priests who were accused of sexual abuse are active now, the letter
from Bishop Dennis Schnurr said.
Schnurr said the diocese incurred $1.4 million in costs associated with
the abuse allegations in settlements, legal costs and care of victims and
perpetrators. Insurance paid about $720,000 of those costs.
"While these figures amount to a staggering sum, they pale in comparison
to innocent lives hurt by abuse and the mistrust and alienation of so many
other Catholics," Schnurr wrote. "I sincerely apologize for the hurt and
scandal caused by those who abused their sacred office for sexual
gratification."
The News Tribune was unable to contact a diocese spokesperson for comment
Sunday.
-- News Tribune, "Letter reports on sexual abuse in Duluth diocese,"
(http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/7280192.htm)
By Craig Lincoln
• Bishop: Priest violated vow. [1984-87]
ALBANY (NY): A Roman Catholic priest has taken a leave of absence after he admitted he had sexual relations with an 18-year-old student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and another man in the 1980s, the Diocese of Albany announced Sunday.
The Rev. Charles R. Celeste, the pastor at Holy Family Parish in Little
Falls, asked for the leave of absence after Randall Sweringen, a
38-year-old man who now lives in Berkeley, Calif., went public last week
with an accusation that Celeste sexually abused him from 1984 to 1987,
when he attended RPI.
"Father Celeste has acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate and
wrong. A priest must not violate his vow of celibacy, nor compromise his
position of sacred trust in the community," Bishop Howard Hubbard said in
a statement.
"Father Celeste and I believe that the recent public attention makes it
impossible for him to conduct an effective ministry at this time."
-- Albany Times Union,
www.timesunion.com ,
By Mike Goodwin, Monday, November 17, 2003
• 'We have to regain trust'.
GARY (IN): Thousands of area Catholics who have regular contact with children are
undergoing required training by the Diocese of Gary to help spot child
predators and stem potential child molesting crimes in the four-county
diocese.
The "safe environment" training is one of the reforms mandated by the U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops on the heels of a priest sexual abuse
scandal that rocked the Roman Catholic Church in 2002.
Bishops, including the Most Rev. Dale Melczek of the Gary diocese, heard
an update on the reform initiatives at their annual fall conference last
week in Washington.
Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the bishops conference, warned an
unprecedented study the church commissioned on 50 years of clergy sex
abuse cases will "add to our own sorrow" about predatory priests.
-- Post-Tribune,
(http://www.post-trib.com/cgi-bin/pto-story/news/z1/11-17-03_z1_news_01.html)
By Carole Carlson
• Violent inmates had easy life on the inside.
MASSACHUSETTS: They were living in a dorm on a grassy Bridgewater campus, drinking and cruising in their cars, committing petty crimes and picking up hookers.
But this wasn't some wild, "Animal House"-like college frat.
It was the halfway house at the Massachusetts Treatment Center for the
Sexually Dangerous and the culprits were incarcerated rapists, pedophiles
and killers.
"They were out, six days a week, doing whatever they wanted," said former
therapist Paula Erickson. "It had gotten so out-of-control." ...
The troubled program was run until 1989 by Stephen Robitaille and Lisa
Casani.
The two, who later married, left the center amid a probe of the release
house and both still work for the state. The Rev. Donald Turlick, who has
come under fire for his ties to accused killer Paul Nolin, took over for
Robitaille in 1990.
-- Boston Herald,
(http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/sex211172003.htm)
by Dave Wedge and Jessica Heslam,
Monday, November 17, 2003
• Set free to prey: Released sex fiends went on to kill, rape.
CAPE COD (MA): A Cape Cod priest entangled in a Falmouth murder probe was a central
figure at a Bridgewater treatment center more than a decade ago during a
mass exodus of hardcore criminals set free only to murder and rape again.
The Rev. Donald Turlick and a group of psychologists and counselors, some
of whom are still treating and testifying today on behalf of sex
offenders, paved the road to freedom for three future killers, two accused
killers, at least three repeat rapists and other offenders from the
center's 12-bed halfway house from 1989 to 1992, a Herald review of court
documents and interviews with former employees found.
"I don't believe they should ever be released. I don't think they were
rehabilitated at all," said Linda Kenney, whose teenage son, Jason
Marble, was killed in 1991 by William Locke, a serial rapist set free in
November 1989.
Some of those same therapists - including Turlick - had a hand in the
release of alleged murderer Paul Nolin, who was released from the
Massachusetts Treatment Center in 1995, records show.
The therapists' conclusions during those controversial years continue to
have devastating ramifications, highlighted by the Sept. 20 killing of
20-year-old Jonathan Wessner, allegedly by Nolin, a convicted child
rapist.
-- Boston Herald,
(http://www2.bostonherald.com/news/local_regional/sex11172003.htm)
by Jessica Heslam and Dave Wedge, Monday, November 17, 2003
(Posted by Kathy Shaw, Poynter Institute Abuse Tracker)
//////////////////// End of www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=46, Monday, November 17, 2003
•
Court ruling lets Fr Neville Creen keep 3 1/2 years gaol for 20 girls, including confession and at a wedding. [1973-81]
-- Catholic News, "Court ruling angers pedophile priest's victim,"
(http://www.cathnews.com/news/311/83.php) ,
17 Nov 2003
BRISBANE, Queensland, AUSTRALIA:
A victim of convicted pedophile, Neville Joseph Creen has lashed out at the Court of Appeal's decision not to increase the former north Queensland priest's jail time.
The Court of Appeal found it was unable to increase Creen's sentence because it was bound by a finding of fact by the sentencing judge.
Last September in the Brisbane District Court Judge Ian Wylie sentenced Creen to 3 1/2 years' jail after he admitted 34 counts of indecent dealing with girls, between 1973 and 1981. However, Judge Wylie suspended the sentence after 14 months for four years to reflect mitigating factors in the case.
Creen, 63, now of Sydney, was a parish priest in Mount Isa when he molested the girls, aged six to 12, in a variety of places including their homes during visits, on church youth camps, during confession and once at a wedding.
Victim Kathryn, 42, said she was "blown away" by the court's decision.
"They've taken into account he was naive sexually, but this man was in no way naive. He enjoyed every minute of it."
Attorney General Rod Welford had gone to the Court of Appeal to seek an extra seven months behind bars for Creen, who had molested 20 girls.
The court found Mr Welford had not shown the sentence was manifestly inadequate, in particular because the sentencing judge had found Creen was genuinely rehabilitated.
But Kathryn, who said she was molested by Creen on three occasions when she was 11, said Creen had fooled the justice system.
Kathryn said she was offended by one of the judge's comments about how long it took for victims to come forward.
"In my mind he has no comprehension of how the effects of child abuse work on a child."
Justice Geoff Davies said the sentencing judge was entitled to take into consideration the factors of rehabilitation, Creen's new adult relationship, his good work in the community and that Creen had not reoffended for more than 20 years. Kathryn has appointed lawyers to pursue civil action against the Diocese of Townsville and said she hoped more of Creen's victims would come forward.
SOURCE:
Angry victim of pedophile priest blasts court ruling (The Courier-Mail 15/11/03) Ex-priest loses challenge (The Age 15/11/03) LINKS:
Former Townsville priest in court on abuse charges (10/9/03) Priest 'chosen by God' for sex crimes (Courier-Mail) Ex-priest admits abusing 20 girls (Courier-Mail) Catholic parishes to pay more to archdiocese (Indianapolis Star) Diocese of Townsville • Ex-priest Alan Woodcock from NZ loses extradition fight in Britain.
CathNews, "Ex-priest from NZ loses extradition fight in Britain,"
(http://www.cathnews.com/news/311/83.php),
AND see (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s989751.htm),
17 Nov 2003
BRITAIN:
. . . a former priest must return to New Zealand from the United Kingdom to face 19 charges of sex abuse after losing his extradition challenge at the High Court.
Alan Woodcock, 55, had claimed that it would be unjust or oppressive to send him back because many of the charges involving 11 different boys related to events more than 20 years ago. He claimed it would be impossible for him to have a fair trial.
Lord Justice Simon Brown said in a ruling in London that there may never have been a case where someone has been extradited after a lapse of 15 years from the alleged commission of offences.
"In my judgment, however, there can be no cut-off point beyond which extradition must inevitably be regarded as unjust or oppressive."
The judge said he had also taken into account that the charges related to "grave offences" - mostly against minors involving a serious abuse of Woodcock's position of trust as a priest and teacher.
Woodcock became a priest in 1972 and from 1982 worked as a teacher at St Patrick's College, Silverstream, Wellington. He moved to London in 1990, trained as an adult therapist before taking a job providing counselling and crisis intervention for passengers and staff at Heathrow Airport.
Woodcock, who lived at Lymer Avenue, Crystal Palace, south London, had not practised as a priest since 1995 and gave up the priesthood last year.
SOURCE: Ex-priest from NZ loses extradition fight in Britain (ABC) ########## Poynteronline Abuse Tracker, www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=46,
Tuesday, November 18, 2003 edition follows:- • Diocesan harassment charged. [2003]
GREENFIELD (MA): A former housekeeper at a parish rectory in Lee who said a
priest fathered her unborn child has filed a complaint against the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Springfield saying she was the victim of harassment
and discrimination.
During a press conference yesterday, Josephine DiZoglio said she filed a
complaint Friday with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
Besides the diocese, the complaint names the Revs. Paul C. Laflamme, Gary
M. Dailey and George A. Farland. In the complaint DiZoglio said she was
sexually harassed, discriminated against and unfairly fired.
The diocese issued a press release stating its legal counsel is reviewing
the claims.
"At the same time, Bishop (Thomas L.) Dupre remains committed to assisting
Ms. DiZoglio by addressing the needs she had raised during her meeting
with him. The Diocese remains in dialogue with Ms. DiZoglio. There is
little doubt this is an unfortunate situation for which Bishop Dupre is
truly sorry," the release said.
DiZoglio said she was the subject of sexual harassment by Laflamme, whom
she said is the father of her unborn child. Laflamme, who admits having
had a sexual relationship with DiZoglio, has been placed on an indefinite
administrative leave.
Dailey, the pastor of St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee and
Laflamme's immediate supervisor, is accused by DiZoglio of making
degrading comments about women and about her Italian heritage and verbally
abusing her while she was a housekeeper. She said he prevented her from
attending church and seeing Laflamme and fired her while she was in the
hospital following a suicide attempt in the wake of a second sexual
encounter with Laflamme.
-- The Republican,
(http://masslive.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-6/1069145495120080.xml?nnse)
By Bill Zajac, wzajac@repub.com , Nov 18 2003
• Clergy abuse inquiry on hold.
CINCINNATI (OH): A grand jury investigation into clergy sexual abuse was put on hold Monday as Hamilton County prosecutors and lawyers for the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati discussed a possible settlement.
The postponement came just hours before officials from the archdiocese
were expected to testify to the grand jury about their handling of sexual
abuse allegations involving priests. Prosecutors have been investigating
clergy abuse for 18 months and completed their first grand jury
investigation earlier this year.
That grand jury examined the behavior of individual priests, but the new
grand jury was expected to focus on how archdiocese officials responded -
or failed to respond - to abuse allegations that date back years or even
decades.
Attorneys on both sides would say only that they were "in discussions"
throughout the day Monday.
"I can confirm they are having discussions," said archdiocese spokeswoman
Tricia Hempel. "They are still trying to come to some terms."
-- The Cincinnati Enquirer,
(http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/11/18/loc_loc1abuse.html)
By Dan Horn, Nov 18 03
• Archdiocese, prosecutors agree to dismiss appeal.
CINCINNATI (OH): After spending much of the weekend and Monday in discussions, the Hamilton County Prosecutor's office and Archdiocese of Cincinnati agreed Monday to
dismiss an appeal of their fight over what documents prosecutors may view.
Both sides "mutually" agreed, archdiocese attorney Mark VanderLaan said,
to dismiss the appeal. Monday had been the deadline for each side to
submit written arguments supporting its position to open or seal the
documents.
That agreement to withdraw the appeal came after Prosecutor Mike Allen and
assistants worked over the weekend negotiating with archdiocese attorneys.
"I know they are discussing some kind of a settlement. What kind, I don't
know," archdiocese spokeswoman Tricia Hempel said. "They said if something
breaks, it should be at the end of the week."
-- Cincinnati Post,
(http://www.cincypost.com/2003/11/18/arch111803.html)
By Kimball Perry
• Anglican Church won't let the 27 victims' cases go through together; CEBS' Robert Brandenburg accused. The Australian, "Church thwarts abuse victims' case,"
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,7908655%255E2702,00.html ,
By Jeremy Roberts, November 19, 2003
ADELAIDE, S.A., AUSTRALIA: The Anglican Church has frustrated alleged victims of sexual abuse in its Adelaide diocese by challenging their right to pursue it through a class action.
In the Adelaide District Court, the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide has
claimed that the 27 alleged victims of former church camp leader Robert
Brandenburg should not be allowed to group their cases together.
The church's move delays the case until early next year. The lawyer for
the alleged victims, Peter Humphries, said the delay would frustrate his
clients.
"Some of these people have been living with memories of serious sexual
abuse for more than 30 years and are keen for the case to be concluded,"
Mr Humphries said.
Argument on the matter was scheduled for March 1, 2004.
Brandenburg was chief commissioner of the Church of England Boys Society
from 1965 to 1981 and it is alleged the church knew of the allegations of
sexual abuse against him 33 years ago.
• Got teenage victim to take his picture; used alcohol; Hawkins . The Mercury, Hobart,
"Picture of evil,"
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,7911343%255E921,00.html ,
By Ellen Whinnett, Chief Reporter,
Nov 19 2003
HOBART, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA: Pedophile churchman Garth Hawkins had photos of himself taken by one of his trusting young victims.
Hawkins had taken young Steve Fisher under his wing as a 13-year-old with
a difficult home life.
For seven years, Hawkins -- who worked as an Anglican priest at East
Devonport, Triabunna and Hamilton -- sexually abused a series of boys he
met through his work.
Frequently he did so after plying them with alcohol.
But throughout the years Steve Fisher kept in contact with his abuser.
Hawkins even baptised the young man and presided over his marriage.
In court yesterday, when Hawkins finally had to face up to his shame, his
lawyer argued that he "parted on good terms" with Mr Fisher.
• Pedophile Anglican minister Hawkins faces the music. [1970s -80s]
The Mercury, Hobart, "Pedophile priest faces the music,"
(http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,7911248%255E3462,00.html)
By Ellen Whinnett, Chief Reporter, Nov 19 2003
HOBART, AUSTRALIA: Steve Fisher went to court yesterday to see the final fall from grace of the priest who abused him.
Mr Fisher, who has become a high-profile campaigner for victims of sexual
abuse, sat in the Supreme Court in Hobart to watch Garth Stephen Hawkins
plead guilty to a string of sexual assaults on young boys -- including Mr
Fisher himself.
"I can hardly believe it has finally come to this," Mr Fisher said after
the court heard of the years of abuse the boys had suffered at the hands
of the Anglican cleric.
In a case that has rocked the Anglican Church, Hawkins yesterday admitted
nine counts of sexual abuse of boys he met through his work as an Anglican
priest at East Devonport, Triabunna and Hamilton.
Hawkins, 58, has admitted sexually abusing seven youths, aged between 13
and 18, over a seven-year period in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The court heard Hawkins had given alcohol to the boys at Anglican
rectories and made sexual and inappropriate comments to them.
• Plaintiff: Abuse caused insanity. [1963-70]
NEW HARTFORD (NY): A New Hartford man who accused a Catholic priest of sexually abusing him decades ago will ask a judge Thursday to extend the statute of limitations because the priest's alleged conduct made him insane and incapable of
suing.
Oneida County Judge Norman Siegel will hear arguments at 10 a.m. on the
Syracuse Diocese's motion to dismiss John S. Zumpano's $150 million suit
against the Rev. James F. Quinn.
The Post-Standard does not identify alleged victims of sexual abuse
without their consent. Zumpano said Monday he wants to be identified.
Zumpano, 54, alleged in his suit that Quinn repeatedly sexually abused him
from 1963 to 1970, beginning when he was a 14-year-old altar boy at St.
Agnes Catholic School, where Quinn was assistant pastor.
Quinn, who was serving as the diocese's director of the Office of Vocation
Promotion when the suit was filed in May, has denied having any sexual
contact with Zumpano.
Diocesan lawyer Paul Hanrahan said Zumpano's suit should be dismissed
because it was not filed within the three-year statute of limitations.
Lawyer Frank Policelli has asked the court to allow Zumpano's suit to
proceed because he said Quinn's sexual assaults left Zumpano insane and
unable to sue.
-- Post-Standard,
(http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/news-13/1069149582296101.xml)
By Mike McAndrew, Staff writer, November 18, 2003
• Appeals court considers new rules on secrecy in priest cases.
LOS ANGELES (CA): An appeals court considering enacting new rules related to
grand jury secrecy took up the issue Monday of whether there should be
public access to court hearings on materials that may eventually go to a
grand jury investigating sex abuse by priests.
Lawyers for the nation's largest Roman Catholic archdiocese and its
priests argued that allowing press and public access to arguments
"ancillary" to grand jury proceedings is impermissible and nothing should
be revealed unless there is a grand jury indictment.
Lawyers for the news media and the Los Angeles County district attorney's
office proposed a plan to allow legal arguments in public, as long as the
parties don't discuss the content of documents being considered for
potential grand jury scrutiny.
The documents in dispute are priest personnel records kept by the
archdiocese.
"There is no way that the law can develop in secret," said Deputy District
Attorney Brent Ferreira.
-- Mercury News
(http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7287244.htm)
by Linda Deutsch, Associated Press
• Minister Hawkins used alcohol to lure boys. [1974-84]
The Age, "Priest used alcohol to lure boys,"
(http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/18/1069027101068.html)
HOBART, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA: A former Anglican priest used the lure of alcohol to sexually assault teenage boys over a 10-year period, the Tasmanian Supreme Court heard.
Garth Stephen Hawkins, 58, has admitted to sexually abusing seven boys,
aged between 13 and 17, at various locations around Tasmania between 1974
and 1984.
The court was told the abuse ranged from inappropriate comments and
touching to oral and anal sex.
Some of the attacks took place while the boys were intoxicated and staying
overnight in Anglican rectories.
Hawkins pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault, two counts of
having carnal knowledge with a young person against the law of nature, two
counts of having sexual intercourse with a young person, and four counts
of maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person.
• 4 Lawsuits Filed Against Ex-Priest Who Molested Boys.
ST. PETERSBURG (FL): Four men filed suit Monday against the Catholic Diocese
of St. Petersburg and Robert Schaeufele, the defrocked priest sentenced
this year to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to molesting boys in
his charge.
The number of lawsuits filed against Schaeufele, 55, now is six.
Schaeufele has been convicted of molesting two of the four plaintiffs who
sued Monday in Pinellas County Circuit Court, said Jeff Anderson, a St.
Paul, Minn.-based attorney in the case.
Both say in their lawsuits that they were given enemas by Schaeufele when
they were parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinellas Park.
One of the other two plaintiffs was also at Sacred Heart when Schaeufele
was a priest there; the other was at the Cathedral of St. Jude in St.
Petersburg, where he said Schaeufele sodomized him with a hairbrush and
candles, his lawsuit says.
One of the four plaintiffs is Christopher M. McCafferty, now 31, and the
only one who is using his name in court documents. The other three
plaintiffs are identified as John Doe I, John Doe III and John Doe IV.
Anderson said McCafferty was to have been John Doe II until he said he
wanted his name used.
-- Tampa Tribune,
(http://news.tbo.com/news/MGA4HFZG5ND.html)
By Stephen Thompson, spthompson@tampatrib.com , Nov 18, 2003
• Four men sue ex-priest, diocese.
ST. PETERSBURG (FL): Four men who claimed they were sexually abused by a Roman
Catholic priest sued him and the diocese Monday, saying they should have
been protected from a predatory pedophile.
Chris McCafferty and three men identified using the alias John Doe in
their lawsuits say the diocese gave Robert Schaeufele access to young boys
despite complaints he was sexually abusing children.
The ex-priest is serving a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty
to three counts of attempted sexual battery this summer. There are at
least two other lawsuits filed against him making similar complaints.
-- Tallahasee Democrat,
(http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/democrat/news/local/7287607.htm)
By Vickie Chachere, The Associated Press
• Duluth diocese to print sexual abuse findings.
DULUTH (MN): All members of the Catholic Diocese of Duluth will soon learn of the scope of sexual abuse by priests in the diocese since 1950.
The diocese's November newsletter will include a letter from Bishop Dennis
Schnurr reporting the results of an investigation of sexual abuse by
priests since 1950. It was included in some church bulletins Sunday.
The study found that 42 people had alleged sexual abuse by Duluth diocese
priests between 1950 and 2002. Eighteen priests were involved; none are
serving now. The diocese paid out $1.4 million over the allegations in
various costs; insurance covered about $700,000.
The study is by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which is
conducting investigations in every diocese in the country.
-- News Tribune,
(http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/7289419.htm)
By Craig Lincoln
• Celeste takes leave from active ministry. [1980s]
ALBANY (NY): The Rev. Charles R. Celeste of Holy Family Parish has been
granted a leave of absence from active ministry by Bishop Howard J.
Hubbard of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.
Celeste requested the leave following accusations that he had engaged in a
sexual relationship with Randall S. Sweringen, who had been a student at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy in the mid-1980s.
Swerigen was legally an adult at the time.
-- Little Falls Evening Times,
(http://www.littlefallstimes.com/articles/2003/11/18/news/news2.txt)
By Mat Rapacz, Mon., Nov. 17 03
• Seduced her, made her pregnant, mocked her Italian heritage, dismissed her: Claim. [2003]
LEE (MA): A church rectory worker from Lee who says she is pregnant with a priest's child has filed a workplace discrimination complaint against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, contending she was wrongfully fired after being seduced and attempting suicide, her lawyer said yesterday.
In an affidavit filed Friday with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, Josephine DiZoglio says that three priests and the diocese violated her rights and that she was fired because of her gender, her ethnicity, and a mental disability.
DiZoglio said the pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Lee, the Rev. Gary Dailey, made sexist comments to her, mocked her Italian heritage, verbally abused her, and urged her not to break up with an abusive boyfriend.
Dailey's abuse, the affidavit charges, left her vulnerable to the sexual advances of the Rev. Paul Laflamme, who was assigned to St. Mary's as a parochial vicar. After having sex with Laflamme twice in April, DiZoglio said, she became distraught and tried to kill herself with an overdose of
pills. "I knew that having intercourse with a priest was gravely wrong and felt as though I committed a very bad sin," DiZoglio states in the affidavit. "The next day . . . I wanted to kill myself."
Laflamme prevented the suicide by knocking the pills out of her hand, according to the affidavit, but Dailey fired her while she was in the hospital recovering from her suicide attempt.
-- Boston Globe, "Fired rectory worker fights back,"
(http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/322/metro/Fired_rectory_worker_fights_back+.shtml)
By Ralph Ranalli, Nov 18 2003
• Investigation Of Archdiocese Put On Hold While Sides Meet.
CINCINNATI (OH): A grand jury probing sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati was put on hold Monday after Hamilton County prosecutors announced they were
meeting with church lawyers.
The grand jury was supposed to begin work Monday to look into how
archdiocese officials responded to allegations of abuse.
Several church officials have been subpoenaed and were expected to testify
this week.
Neither side will give details about the new meeting but there's
speculation it may be settlement talks.
-- WCPO,
(http://www.wcpo.com/news/2003/local/11/17/church.html)
Monday, November 17, 2003
• Diocese releases report on past sexual abuse of minors.
SPRINGFIELD (IL): Since 1950, the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has received 43 credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against 14 diocesan
priests, according to a report released by Bishop George J. Lucas. None of
the priests involved remain in public ministry; the majority are deceased.
The information was gathered as part of the diocesan response to a survey
conducted by researchers at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in
New York. At their June 2002 meeting in Dallas, the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops called for an impartial survey to determine the nature
and scope of known sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.
The results of the national study, covering U.S. Catholic dioceses during
the period between 1950 and 2003, are scheduled for release in the second
week of February 2004.
-- Catholic Times,
(http://www.dio.org/catholictimes/archive/11_16_03/dlfeature.html)
By Kathie Sass, Editor, Nov 16 03
• Woman claiming to be impregnated by priest files complaint against
clerics, church. [2003]
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP): A woman who says she was impregnated by her
priest has filed a sexual harassment complaint with the state, saying she
was discriminated against when she was fired from her job as a rectory
housekeeper.
In an affidavit filed Friday with the Massachusetts Commission Against
Discrimination, Josephine DiZoglio said the Rev. Paul Laflamme took
advantage of her vulnerability and had sex with her twice while he was the
parochial vicar to St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lee.
She also says Laflamme's supervisor at St. Mary's, the Rev. Gary Dailey,
made sexist comments to her, mocked her Italian heritage and verbally
abused her.
DiZoglio said Dailey condoned her ex-boyfriend's physical abuse and
ultimately fired her from her job as a rectory housekeeper after she tried
to kill herself because she was distraught after having sex with Laflamme
in April.
She said Dailey fired her while she was in the hospital recovering from
the suicide attempt.
"He said that he needed to protect the church and Father Laflamme's
priesthood," she wrote in the affidavit.
Laflamme was put on administrative leave last month after acknowledging
his sexual relationship with DiZoglio. DiZoglio is seven months' pregnant,
but paternity has not been established.
-- Providence Journal,
(http://www.projo.com/ap/ma/1069102305.htm)
By Adam Gorlick, Associated Press Writer
• Four men file lawsuits against former Pinellas priest, diocese,
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.: Four men who claimed they were sexually abused by a Roman Catholic priest sued him and the diocese Monday, saying they should have been protected from a predatory pedophile.
Chris McCafferty and three men identified using the alias John Doe in
their lawsuits say the diocese gave Robert Schaeufele access to young boys
despite complaints he was sexually abusing children.
The ex-priest is serving a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty
to three counts of attempted sexual battery this summer. There are at
least two other lawsuits filed against him making similar complaints.
Jeff Anderson, the St. Paul, Minn., attorney who has filed about 700
lawsuits nationwide involving allegations of sexual abuse by priests, said
the men were between the ages of 9 and 12 when they are abused and are now
in their 30s. McCafferty and two other plaintiffs were the victims in the
criminal cases.
The lawsuits seek unspecified damages of at least $15,000 and Anderson
also is seeking access to secret diocese files on Schaeufele and other
priests accused of abuse. Anderson contends the diocese first knew
Schaeufele, 55, was abusing children in the 1970s, . . .
-- Herald Tribune,
(http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031117/APN/311170881)
By Vickie Chachere, Associated Press Writer
• Flores advises Catholics to avoid Costa Rican group.
SAN ANTONIO (TX): In an extremely rare move, Archbishop Patrick Flores has issued a public warning to Catholics to stay away from a group in Costa Rica that some have called a doomsday cult.
Members of the group, which has attracted several San Antonians, claim the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing to Juan Pablo Delgado, 23, for the past four years under the title of the Queen and Lady of All Creation.
The messages Delgado said the Virgin has given him include warnings of divine chastisements, annihilation of nations, and plagues unless "the United States, a country of armaments," and Russia are consecrated to her by three unnamed bishops in a Eucharistic celebration.
A message dated June 22, 2002, warns that Pope John Paul II will be removed from his throne and a false pope will take over. The messages are
posted at www.queenofallcreation.com
While Flores didn't mention a name, San Antonio priest Alfredo Prado has
been performing sacramental rites at the site without church authority,
according to media reports.
Prado's priestly faculties were suspended in 1991 by his religious order
in San Antonio, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, because of
unspecified personal conduct, said Father Sal De George, area superior for
the order.
Prado has been forbidden to function as a priest, and the Oblates said
they have initiated a canonical process of dismissing him from the order
because of his disobedience.
-- Express-News,
(http://news.mysanantonio.com/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlc=1085092)
By J. Michael Parker, Express-News Religion Writer,
Web Posted : Nov 16 2003 12:00 AM.
(Posted by Kathy Shaw, Poynter Abuse Tracker)
//////////////////// End of www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=46, Tuesday, November 18, 2003
FOR GOOD TEACHINGS TO BE HEEDED, A BIG CLEAN-UP IS NEEDED
AUSTRALIA, CANADA, AND U.S.A. ABBREVIATIONS, click
Some clickable links are for network access only, so might not work for you.
** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is available here without profit to people who want to read it for research and educational purposes. If you quote from this, please check (if possible) and acknowledge the ORIGINAL source. **
