Child sexual abuse survivors have accused the Church of England of “acting like Pontius Pilate”. The accusations come as a previously unseen document revealed that bishops were explicitly instructed only to give partial apologies to victims – if at all. The partial apologes were a mechanism to avoid being sued. The Telegraph newspaper says legal advice marked Read more
Withhold judgement, said Pope Francis to the press. He was referring to reports that senior Vatican official Cardinal George Pell had inappropriate sexual contact with minors in the past. He said allegations against the prelate are still being investigated by Australian authorities. In a short press conference aboard the papal flight back from Poland Sunday, Read more
An outspoken politician has called for a royal commission into Islam in Australia, noting how such a body is helping uncover child abuse in the Church. Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie’s office released a graphic comparing a “big problem”’ with Islamic radicalisation to child molestation in the Australian Catholic Church. The graphic asks if a royal Read more
When a priest accused of sexual abuse dies, care should be taken as to how his funeral is conducted, new Irish child protection guidelines say. The National Board for Safeguarding Children published updated guidelines on Wednesday. They give recommendations if an accused priest dies before an investigation has concluded. In such a case, “careful thought Read more
A US diocese notorious for its past handling of clergy sexual abuse has held a Service of Lament. The special liturgy of penitence took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City on June 26. The previous bishop of Kansas City-St Joseph, Bishop Robert Finn, was sentenced to two years probation after Read more
An absent member of the Pope’s commission to protect minors hopes to eventually lead a victims and survivors panel on the commission. British campaigner Peter Saunders said the idea of the panel was suggested by commission head Cardinal Sean O’Malley. Mr Saunders was encouraged to resign from the commission after he questioned Pope Francis’ commitment Read more
The Catholic Church in Pennsylvania has been accused of mafia-like tactics in a campaign to put pressure on lawmakers. The Church is lobbying against proposed state legislation that would give victims of sexual abuse more time to sue their abusers. Archbishop Charles Chaput inadvertently sent an email to a state representative accusing him of “betraying” Read more
Pope Francis has issued a new law specifying that a bishop’s negligence with regard to clergy sexual abuse can lead to removal from office. In a motu proprio released on Saurday, the Pope empowered several Vatican dicasteries to investigate such bishops and initiate processes of removal, subject to papal approval. In a preamble to the Read more
Genevieve, 33, was sexually abused by men when she was between the ages of 2 and 16 in New South Wales. Bred by her father specifically to be abused, she has suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dissociation, flashbacks, and an eating disorder. Many times she wanted to end her life. Last year she almost Read more
A consultant who once helped the Vatican craft guidelines to keep gay men from being ordained as priests has been accused of sexually abusing young men. European media have relayed accusations from four different men against Msgr Tony Anatrella, the Religion News Service reported. Only one of the men agreed to be identified by his Read more