Sexual abuse claims trail teacher from DeLaSalle to Cretin
A Roman Catholic brother accused of sexual abuse at DeLaSalle in 1966 now faces a similar allegation that happened four years later at Cretin.
Speakers at public forum share stories of childhood sexual abuse and search for healing
Survivors reach out to others who have been abused
During a public forum in Little Falls May 2, four men shared their stories. Stories of trust betrayed and pain and shame endured in silence.
Three of the men experienced their betrayal at the hands of their parish priest. The fourth, at the hands of a foster parent.
"For 35 years I wondered why God had forsaken me," said Bob Schwiderski of Wayzata. "It took a group of Christian men to convince me he hadn't."
New Gallup Bishop Launches Probe of Priests
Backgrounds of all active, retired, former or deceased clergy being checked for sex abuse.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup is checking into the backgrounds of some 400 active, retired, former or deceased priests in the diocese to see whether there is any history of sexual abuse, KOAT-TV reported.
The diocese's newly installed Bishop James Wall called for the probe, saying all priests who are serving or who have served will undergo a thorough background check and if any wrongdoing is exposed, the priest will be removed and the public given a full explanation why, Action 7 News said.
Central Minnesota Forum for sexual abuse recovery & prevention
WHAT
At a free public forum, survivors of clergy sex abuse and male victims of incest will discuss
-- the decades long history and understandings of the Catholic Crosier Religious Order sexual abuse of area boys and the negative impact of the abuse on area families.
-- the battles of stepping out of the shadows of silence of childhood rape and victimization, and
-- the long-term ramifications of the abuse on the men, their families and loved ones.
The forum includes
-- a written questions and answer session (written questions are to insure anonymity)
-- sharing of survivor stories
-- resources from area child advocacy centers and agencies
-- established area support groups
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH, APRIL 2009
UNITED STATES
The White House
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Sexual assault scars the lives of millions in the United States. To increase awareness about this issue, prevent future crimes, and aid victims, this month we mark National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
John V. Doe vs. Holy See
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Court Finds Priests Can Be Seen As 'Employees' Of The Vatican
PORTLAND (OR)OPB News
BY KRISTIAN FODEN-VENCIL
Portland, OR March 5, 2009 6:01 a.m.
LawCourt Finds Priests Can Be Seen As 'Employees' Of The Vaticanyers who've been suing churches over the sexual abuse of children, are buzzing with a new court ruling that the Vatican can be sued over the behavior of priests. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.
NAPSAC Documentaries Airing on PBS This February
Twin Cities VOTF recommends viewing two NAPSAC documentaries which are airing on all 6 tptMN stations simultaneously Feb 27 and 28:
Diane Knight Named New Chair of The National Review Board
WASHINGTON—Social worker Diane Knight of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee has been appointed the next chair of the National Review Board (NRB) by Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The retired Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and member of the National Review Board since June of 2007, Ms. Knight will succeed its current chair, Judge Michael Merz, at the conclusion of his term following the June 2009 meeting of the USCCB. In making the appointment, Cardinal George stated that he is very grateful that Ms. Knight, with her dedication to the mission of the Church and her experience in the protection of children and young people, has agreed to serve as the chair of the NRB. Ms. Knight spent the first 20 years of her career in social work directly involved in child protection and related services for Milwaukee County. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Board, which, along with the Archdiocesan Review Board, advises the Milwaukee Archbishop on child and youth protection and victim outreach, and on the Milwaukee Area Review Board, which advises orders of Catholic religious men and brothers in the area of child and youth protection. She also served on the Code of Ethics Task Force of Catholic Charities USA. Ms. Knight holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Maine bishop threatens to punish vocal activist
By DAVID SHARP
The Associated Press
Monday, December 29, 2008
PORTLAND, Maine — The leader of Maine's Roman Catholics has taken the unusual step of threatening to punish an outspoken advocate for people who were sexually abused by priests, possibly by denying him communion. ...
Nicholas Cafardi, a canon lawyer and former dean of Duquesne Law School, said he had never heard of a bishop using church law, in this case the threat of an "interdict," against activists.
"It's extremely unusual," said Cafardi, who was an original member of the National Review Board, the lay panel the U.S. bishops created in 2001 to monitor their response to the abuse scandal.
The Rev. Tom Doyle, a Virginia priest and advocate for victims who is representing Kendrick, said the church has threatened to prevent Kendrick from receiving Holy Communion if he doesn't comply. Doyle said he can't find any basis for the diocese's actions, but he said church leaders have been angered by the aggressive tactics of some activists. Doyle said his work with abuse victims cost him a promising career as a canon lawyer in the church.
To read the full story click on this url: http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/nation/ maine-bishop-threatens-to-punish-vocal-activist-338909.html
To hear Paul Kendrick on NPR follow this link: http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineNews/tabid/ 181/ctl/ViewItem/mid/1858/ItemId/8740/Default.aspx
