Private Investigators to follow and photograph alleged church victims

[Mary Lynn Warner]

Lawyer: Clergy Sex Abuse Talks Have Broken Down
An attorney representing some of the alleged victims of priest sex abuse said Friday talks to settle lawsuits against the church have broken down.

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that attorney Jeffrey Newman said that the Archdiocese of Boston is no longer discussing settling the hundreds of lawsuits brought against it by alleged victims of sexual abuse.

Bishop Richard Lennon, interim leader of the Boston Archdiocese, maintained that the church is trying to settle the lawsuits.

"I know that there are active conversations going on at this time," Lennon said.

Newman said that even though the church talks about settling lawsuits, its attorneys are doing everything possible to gear up for trial, including hiring private investigators to follow and photograph alleged victims.

"The truth of the matter is if you were able to get them to come forth and explain the dynamics of things, they would have to admit everything is now frozen," Newman said.

Lennon launched the church's annual fund-raising drive Friday as literature for donors expressly stated that no money raised during the drive would go toward lawsuits.

"Rather than ignore that question, we felt that the best thing to do was to address it head on," Lennon said.

The lay group Voice of the Faithful had organized its own fund-raising effort for Catholics who did not want to give to the church directly out of concern the money would go to lawsuits rather than to church ministries.

The annual church effort used to be called the Cardinal's Appeal, but it is now being called the Catholic Appeal.

Newman said if the lawsuits end up going to trial, they could take 10 years to litigate.

[May K. Toney]

Hi Mary Lynn,
I'm a bit behind in my studies, so I've just run across this story. My thoughts? The first word that comes to mind is "sad".

Stories of this kind harm those involved, the patrons of the church, the spiritual community and those seeking to begin their spiritual lives. No one remembers the good a church does for long but everyone recalls and is willing to repeat, its problems.

Thank you for sharing.

[Robert Smith -]

This is indeed a sad story. Thanks for sharing.

[Allister Horton]

Thanks for sharing this story,it does make a bad myth for any church. It sends out a sad message to people that needs a church to turn to because they tried every thing else and they failed. MY GOD BE WITH THIS CHURCH

[Mr Jose Bonavich Jr]

Stories of this kind harm those involved, the patrons of the church, the spiritual community and those seeking to begin their spiritual lives.

May,

I couldn't agree more and though I do feel that priests should be held responsible for their "crimes", the majority of the church priesthood are innocence of any wrongdoing, and yet they are being tarnished by the wide brush of media coverage also. It makes it very difficult to "shepard your flock" when the trust has been broken. :(

[Kathleen Padgett]

I find it somewhat difficult to have much sympathy for the church in this particular situation, due to the wide spread cover up that went on for decades. In this case, I feel support for the victims is the highest priority, as they have suffered irreversible harm not limited to financial but which caused dire psychological and emotional consequences for which their innocense and naivity were literally taken from them. A lifetime of therapy still will not remove the pain they had to endure and still must suffer from. Too many high ranking church officials have been criminally charged with deliberately deceiving, manipulating and abusing children while moving offenders around and thus allowing the behavior to continue. Although a generalization to blame an institution such as the church is not my intent, this problem is severe as noted in the worldwide news coverage. I believe that the numerous individuals should be held personally responsible as they are identified, however since they represent the parishes where they performed religious services, it seems that financial compensation for the victims is an appropriate factor to consider.
This is a highly controversial subject for which many different opinions may be expressed, hopefully without offending anyone.

[Byron Burke II]

I am very upset by this whole episode unfolding, I am not a Catholic, but I wonder how this is effecting the people in these churches. I believe that MANY of these claims are false I mean I can not remember the priests name but one had something like 2000 claims against him after the first one became public. If everyone is telling the truth when could the priest possible have time for his duties, eating, or sleeping.

[Christine Coomer]

I was a preachers wife!! I was on the inside looking out folks!!
for almost ten yearsI was with a supposenly loving husband that was really an abusing father and husband . we had three children togather!we were abused inside closed doors for about ten years. we went to church and put on a fake smile to others!
but i kept on praying and he got on drugs so bad he could not put on the act any more! thank God i have been free from him for 9years now i have a wonderful church with people who are real! and i can be with all of you precious PI people . love you all in jesus Christine Coomer Pi Indiana

[Corinne Pedriani--]

I know this is a little late but...
First I have to say Kathy, you have a very good point. These men should be punished. The victim's needs must come first in this sad situation. Though the damage can never fully be repaired, everything that can help must be done.

Second, I too am shocked that these things have been covered up by the Church. I am Catholic, and hearing that people who I put complete trust in have been so dishonest was like a knife through the heart, though I do have faith that many are true. I have been very lucky in that the Priests I've dealt with personally over the years have been wonderful men. Also, my Father is a Confirmation Class Instructor, and I consider him the best man in the world! ;)

Third, as if this tragedy wasn't bad enough, I'm now criticized for being Catholic! (I guess this isn't so new) This also makes me sad and frustrated. Since the day I truly found my Faith, I have celebrated it openly, and now people treat it like a disease. In the past I have had confrontations concerning this (usually it was just a misunderstanding) but now people are downright hateful! I wish there was an explanation for these awful events (That's one I get frequently from people. They think I should have an answer.) but I know what isn't right: To blame every Priest, and definitely not to lose Faith!

I know that there are many Religions out there, and I wouldn't criticize any of them. I have always tried to be there just to clarify misunderstandings of Catholicism, for there are many. And I still have much to learn. One thing I know for certain is that my life has been more rewarding and full since I found my Faith. I hope these events do not rob others of the possibility of enriching their lives.

[May K. Toney]

Originally posted by Corinne Pedriani
Second, I too am shocked that these things have been covered up by the Church.... In the past I have had confrontations concerning this (usually it was just a misunderstanding) but now people are downright hateful! I wish there was an explanation for these awful events.

Evening everyone. Christine, your story has an all too familar ring to it. I am sorry for all you and your family endured at the hands of a so-called man of God. However, God will not be mocked and He promises to deal with those who abuse His name, His Word, His people and His reputation. I think the situation with your ex-husband confirms that this is true.

Byron, your comments are right on target with what is occurring in the world's system.

Corinne, I am constantly shocked by the world's moral decline but, in truth, this should not surprise believers. Does not Romans 1:26-2:3 tell us to expect such irreversible changes in the world? We must stay rooted and grounded as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death and fear no evil though it may attack us from all sides.

[Corinne Pedriani--]

May,

Yes I understand and I appreciate your comment. :) It's a good reminder but I still find it hard seeing people acting as if they have no respect for one another, or even human life. It's so sad. I mean this in the simplest terms.

[Patrice-Maria Love]

I believe that victims who complain that priests allegedly committed sexual crimes should be investigated and if they are charge in court should have the same penial
deterrent as other offenders, PRISON. If they continue to move around to parish after parish, the same deviant behavior will follow. They also need extensive psychological and spiritual counseling, so after they have served their prison term, they need to be placed in a state psychiatic maximum security hospital to receive their counseling like all other level 3 sex offenders. These people have left God to perform works of the devil and they shouldn't be allowed to keep ruining people lives. And if they continue to display errors of thinking patterns after they have completed their counseling, they should be locked up indefinitely in the state hospital to prevent them from reoffending. Now if they proven innocent by the court of law, because all of them may not be guilty, well that is unfortunate. They shouldn't have put themselves in the position to be accused. We have to pray for the victims, their families and the church!

[Maria Hines--]

I think it is important to remember that people and churches are all as different as finger prints. Church is a trillion dollar business. That is a fact many people fail to relize, the monies that churchs generate. This is one of the top churches in the world trying to protect it self like any other company. What is truly sad is the fact that molested children have a higer precentage of exemplifying "bad conduct" so they are captilizing twice off a problem that they created once they exploit these once child now adult lifestyles. It grieves me when innocence is abused whether it is a priest or a child. Tabbaco companies didn't win by these tactics and to me those in this circumstance have already lost in more ways then one. May God have mercy on thier souls. M

[Prem Prasad]

"PI, Photography and Church"

After reading it is a very sad story. Thanks for sharing.

[Denise Garceau]

For a college criminology paper I had the interesting task of interviewing a few pedophiles (non-incarcerated ones), I chose the subject. I taped and noted 2 separate interviews. (also interviewed a psychiatrist that deals with pedophilia)

The psychiatrist told me there is no cure for pedophilia whatsoever, anymore than there is a cure for heterosexuality. The pedophile thinks they are normal but knows that society deems them perverted, twisted deviates... but they don't feel like they are.

Unfortunately extensive psychological - spiritual counseling or a state psychiatric maximum security hospital cannot change a pedophiles thoughts. What they are doing is as natural to them, as you or I being either heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Your born that way. They don't just suddenly become pedophiles, they only realized it when puberty hits, like you or I awakened to the opposite sex. They awaken to children.

You can't stop a being or thought process.

This of course is unacceptable behavior.

I wondered then, what do you do about these predators? It doesn't seem that the threat of prison can control them from acting out.

Possibly the only way is more awareness for our children that they MUST say no. No matter what lies or threats the pedophile tells them. Maybe teach them not to be embarrassed by what the pedophile is trying to do.

I cannot imagine something like this happening to myself or my child.

[Robin M Ellefsen]

Denise, interesting topic. Should bring some good feedback. I personnally just don't buy into that theory that they are born with it. Are rapists born with the same problem? These people regardless of the reasons, (and really who cares because it will never stop), should be sent to a maximum security prison so that they can get a good sample of what it's like to be doing what they do from the other side. The priests are a prime example...they were all born with it???? Thats too coincidental to me. Don't buy it. I'm sure just like any other topic, you'll get 1/2 that agree and 1/2 that don't. have a good day, good topic to talk on.

[April Rank]

I love my church, but I long for church leaders to stand up and speak out against this.

It isn't just the church, but too many good, helpful organizations that work with children are great opportunities for these predators to meet children.

How many children are abused by someone their parents would never suspect. Someone the parents trust with their kids. We parents really need to, I agree, prepare our kids, but also to have our eyes wide open in the circles we run in.

I'd like to see a list, like the one about "Signs of a Cheating Spouse" for signs of a possible pediphile. In the meantime, I really believe that our gut instinct should not be ignored.

If for some reason you have these funny little thoughts about someone near, don't brush them aside. Just decide to be cautious and really watch them. And that is what a psychologist told me when I was volunteering with him years ago. That uncomfortable feeling is there for a reason. It may not be because the person is a child molester, but maybe they are a phony and conning you some way. Who knows?

We've got to look out for our kids.

[Daniel Clark]

I am becoming Catholic, and I wanted to share with everyone, that this is truly a sad time withing the Catholic religion. I do believe that some of the allegations are fake, but others probably not. I myself was not raised Catholic, so I can see how this could happen, but it will not stop me from continuing on to become Catholic.

Daniel Clark

[Denise Garceau]

Thats what this land is all about. You do your thing and be happy with it. And no one should give you a hard time over your choice.

[Victoria S Kinney]

There is so much information in these threads both pros and cons. I agree we need to teach our kids and grandkids to be careful and not be afraid to tell us if something is not right or if someone approches them, or tries to do something to them. I myself don't believe it is just not one religion that this happens to, but it is the one that is getting the most coverage. This shouldn't change how we worship or what church we go to, you have to do what you feel is right for you.

[Patti Schubert -]

God help us save the Church. :(

Patti

[Frederick Budde]

For a college criminology paper I had the interesting task of interviewing a few pedophiles (non-incarcerated ones), I chose the subject. I taped and noted 2 separate interviews. (also interviewed a psychiatrist that deals with pedophilia)

The psychiatrist told me there is no cure for pedophilia whatsoever, anymore than there is a cure for heterosexuality. The pedophile thinks they are normal but knows that society deems them perverted, twisted deviates... but they don't feel like they are.

Unfortunately extensive psychological - spiritual counseling or a state psychiatric maximum security hospital cannot change a pedophiles thoughts. What they are doing is as natural to them, as you or I being either heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Your born that way. They don't just suddenly become pedophiles, they only realized it when puberty hits, like you or I awakened to the opposite sex. They awaken to children.

You can't stop a being or thought process.

This of course is unacceptable behavior.

I wondered then, what do you do about these predators? It doesn't seem that the threat of prison can control them from acting out.

Possibly the only way is more awareness for our children that they MUST say no. No matter what lies or threats the pedophile tells them. Maybe teach them not to be embarrassed by what the pedophile is trying to do.

I cannot imagine something like this happening to myself or my child.
Denise;
Accepting your premise as fact, should these people then be incarcerated? Without getting philosophical, should they even be "treated" to make them accept our moral code?

[Amalia Martinelli]

I think they need to put all of these freaks on their own little island all by themselves and they can do whatever they want to each other.

[Joseph Anthony Perez]

In my opinion I think that it is about time that this is coming out after thousands of years of perversion behind the scenes.
This is just the tip of the iceburg. ;)

[Katrina Burton Todd]

Thanks for sharing this story Mary. It was a sad story.

[Vickie J LaRue]

Well all I know, When I was a little girl around 7 years old we went to a Babtist church down the road in Tenn, And my father stopped us sisters from going because the preacher was touching little girls in the wrong place. Then when I was old enough we moved to Tx, And started going to another church,And that preacher was going out on his wife, So we quit that one! So I was about 30 started going to another one, and that preacher stole all the tything money and ran off with this young girl, His wife got real sick from that. So now I study the Bible with my Husband and watch Charles Standly from Atlanta & Joel Olsteen out of Houston. We feel our spiritual needs are met,and I do D.A.R.E program work that fills my heart & soul We always try to do good deeds. Thats why I am here for the kids that [ can't help there selves ]

Vickie J LaRue