The two most famous Benedict Joseph in Christendom are outwitting themselves in the utmost level of stupidity as they explain away the true reasons why the JP2 Army - John Paul II Pedophile Preists Army exist: Benedict XVI and Benedict Joseph Groeschel have uttered the most idiotic reasons ever.
Updated August 31,2012
The most famous Franciscan, Fr. Benedict Joseph Groeschel, finally explains the sexual abuse of Franciscan friars...the victims seduced them! Benedict XVI (Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) blamed the Devil, “cheap gossip” of the NY Times, “mystery”… for the JP2 Army-John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army, read about his endless papal blames here http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/06/international-eucharistic-congress-in.html Benedict was78 years old when he became pope and until now that he is 85, he still finding others to blame for what he as Cardinal Ratzinger together with the biggest Opus Dei Golden Cow John Paul II covered-up for more than a quarter of a century, those pedophiles but perpetual-priests. Today, another famous Benedict, 79 years old Fr. Benedict Joseph Groeschel, (Joseph like Ratzinger) is blaming the victims of the JP2 Army: “Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him,” Groeschel said. “A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.” – those young men seduced”. "It's not so hard to see — a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own — and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing," he added. The theological curriculum vitae of these two most famous Benedict’s (and Joseph’s) in Christendom can only match their utmost idiocy when it comes to explaining the phenomenon of thousands of their colleagues who are now proven historically as “pedophile priests” of the JP2 Army –John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army http://jp2army.blogspot.ca/ .
The stupidity of the amoral Vatican who covered up for over half a century thousands of pedophile priests worldwide, read more here http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/07/ncaa-penn-state-more-moral-than-vatican.html and the stupidity of Benedict XVI for blaming his favourite character the Devil and now the stupidity of Fr. Benedict Groeschel for blaming the victims, prove that they are perfect clones of John Paul II and they prove most of all that the Eucharist makes the Devil’s Bowels smell like roses in the Vatican and in altars worldwide because stupid priests who can be as evil as criminal pedophiles can continue to perform the wizardry of the Eucharist, read more here http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/11/oc-diocese-buys-crystal-cathedral-as.html
So a day later, Father Benedict Groeschel apologise for his statement, and his defenders like fanatic Catholic League are blaming it on his “old age”, (see news updates below) but it is too late because as a perfect clone of John Paul II, Father Benedict Groeschel is an accomplished charismatic of EWTN – that’s right, the wealthiest Catholic Television station of Mother Angelica, the Diamond Bride of Christ, read about his 100 million dollars diamond studded chapel http://jp2m.blogspot.ca/2011/01/diamond-bride-mother-angelicas-ewtn.html
John Allen blamed the “twilight” age of John Paul II for his silence on the phenomenon of pedophile priests, named aptly after his longest papacy as the JP2 Army – read his Devil’s masterpiece defending the fastest tracking Opus Dei Golden Cow saint here http://jp2army.blogspot.ca/2011/05/john-lallen-jrthe-pied-piper-of-john.html
Father Groescher works in New York – but Cardinal Dolan is busy "praying" for the covnention, it's actually making love to Mormon Mitt Romney in Tampa that he couldn’t care less what one of his most famous New York priests is babbling – proving time and again that the Eucharist is the FALSE Body of Christ and priests are the biggest pathological liars as they claim to be able to reincarnate the flesh of God when they cannot even create an ant or reincarnate a dead cat or a dead dog. Cardinal Dolan is busy in Tampa making religious bed fellows with Mormon Mitt Romney as they plan the worst assault on women's rights and GAY rights, read our related article, Cardinal Dolan is not the Prince of New York http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/03/cardinal-dolan-is-not-prince-of-new.html
Impressive CV of Father Groescher from Wikipedia (the Vatican used Wikipedia for the CV of new Cardinals: Father Benedict Joseph Groeschel, C.F.R., (born July 23, 1933) is a Catholic priest, retreat master, author, psychologist, activist and host of the television talk program Sunday Night Prime with Father Benedict Groeschel, which is broadcast on the Eternal Word Television Network. He has also hosted several serial religious specials in addition to Sunday Night Prime. He is the founder of the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York as well as a former associate director of Trinity Retreat[1] and a former executive director of The St. Francis House.[2] He is professor of pastoral psychology at St. Joseph's Seminary in New York and an adjunct professor at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, Virginia. He is one of the founders of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. Read the articles that have hit the web condemning his stupid remarks by scrolling below in the news updates.
Christ said that what comes out of your mouth is where your treasure is and Father Benedict explains the treasures of his heart that the phenomenon of pedophile priests is due to the young boys who seduced those middle aged evil priests.
Christ said that what comes out of your mouth is where your treasure is and Father Benedict explains the treasures of his heart that the phenomenon of pedophile priests is due to the young boys who seduced those middle aged evil priests.
Father Benedict Joseph Groeschel , you have shown your true colors and you have a stupid way to retire …in your own Eucharistic wizard words defending your criminal colleagues who are perpetual pedophile priests of the JP2 Army – John Paul II Pedophile priests http://jp2army.blogspot.ca/ .
Way to go Father Goescher, go the Hell with John Paul II where you both belong and babble out your hypocritical theology that are stupid and heartless towards children. Father Goescher confirms that Theology and John Paul II are heartless and together they make pedophile priests thrive.
Read our related articles:
The Devil’s Bowels smell like roses in the Vatican and as revealed now in Franciscan Father Benedict Joseph Groeschel http://jp2army.blogspot.ca/2010/12/devils-bowels-smell-like-roses-in.html
Theology and John Paul II are heartless and together they made the immoral Fr. Marcial Maciel thrive http://jp2m.blogspot.ca/2010/05/theology-and-john-paul-ii-are-heartless.html
Heil Satanas JP2 Patron Saint of Pedophiles, Pederasts Rapists-Priests! John Paul II is the same yesterday and today-- he cannot protect children
May 23, 2012
St. Francis of Assisi's Prayer for Peace is misleading to children because it gives "holy" clouts to Franciscan priests and brothers garbed in brown angelic robes.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is darkness let me sow light...
oh yeah? What light?
St. Francis Prayer for Peace is the Devil's prayer dressed as an angel. Chidlren are better off to pray the JP2 Army Prayer:
JP2 Army with me, JP2 Army before me, JP2 Army behind me,
JP2 Army in me, JP2 Army beneath me, JP2 Army above me,
JP2 Army on my right, JP2 Army on my left,
JP2 Army when I lie down, JP2 Army when I sit down, JP2 Army when I arise...
Read more here Eucharist feeds “dysfunction, disconnection, elitism...narcissism” of Benedict XVI, therefore, Ireland must not “invite” Pope to Eucharistic Congress
http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/12/eucharist-feeds-dysfunction.html
http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/12/eucharist-feeds-dysfunction.html
Hypocrite Benedict silenced Fr. Tony Flannery, Brian D'Arcy – A compilation… but he does not silence Cardinal Bernard Law and JP2 Army – John Paul II Pedophile Priests http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/04/hypocrite-benedict-silenced-outspoken.html
Irish PM blasts ‘narcissism’ of Vatican. The narcissism of John Paul II and the Vatican are one and the same http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/07/irish-pm-blasts-narcissism-of-vatican.html
Amnesty International Report included the Vatican “Torture, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment” on tens of thousands of children sexually abused by priests in Ireland http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/09/amnesty-international-report-vatican.html
Hague Is Asked to Investigate Vatican Over Child Abuse. Bravo to SNAP and the Center for Constitutional Rights!! Court Filing details. http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/09/hague-is-asked-to-investigate-vatican.html
Amnesty International Report included the Vatican “Torture, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment” on tens of thousands of children sexually abused by priests in Ireland http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/09/amnesty-international-report-vatican.html
Hague Is Asked to Investigate Vatican Over Child Abuse. Bravo to SNAP and the Center for Constitutional Rights!! Court Filing details. http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/09/hague-is-asked-to-investigate-vatican.html
The Nazi and the JP2 Army are inherently born out of Devil’s Bowels http://jp2army.blogspot.ca/2011/01/nazis-and-john-paul-ii-pedophiles.html
John L.Allen Jr.Pied Piper of John Paul II deceives Catholics with his essay Fast-Track Saint in Newsweek -- with Vatican lunacy & Satanic timeline http://jp2army.blogspot.com/2011/05/john-lallen-jrthe-pied-piper-of-john.html
The the sale of saints and ‘Holy Mass tourism’ makes the Vatican the wealthiest empire on earth, read the Vatican Billions here http://popecrimes.blogspot.com/2011/03/vatican-billions-holy-mass-tourism-for.html
OC Diocese buys Crystal Cathedral as flesh-factory of Christ... for wealthy God-flesh-eating Catholics http://popecrimes.blogspot.com/2011/11/oc-diocese-buys-crystal-cathedral-as.html
The the sale of saints and ‘Holy Mass tourism’ makes the Vatican the wealthiest empire on earth, read the Vatican Billions here http://popecrimes.blogspot.com/2011/03/vatican-billions-holy-mass-tourism-for.html
OC Diocese buys Crystal Cathedral as flesh-factory of Christ... for wealthy God-flesh-eating Catholics http://popecrimes.blogspot.com/2011/11/oc-diocese-buys-crystal-cathedral-as.html
Rosary could not defeat JP2 Army John Paul II Pedophile Priests Army in the 20th Century ... unlike the Battle of Lepanto in the 16th Century http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/10/rosary-could-not-defeat-jp2-army-john_06.html
insane KC STAR CAMPAIGN HITS by Catholic League fanatic Bill Donohue propagating... Bishop Finn make Devil's Bowels smell like roses in KC, Missouri http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/11/bishop-finn-makes-devils-bowels-smell.html
Irish PM blasts ‘narcissism’ of Vatican. The narcissism of John Paul II and the Vatican are one and the same http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/07/irish-pm-blasts-narcissism-of-vatican.html
insane KC STAR CAMPAIGN HITS by Catholic League fanatic Bill Donohue propagating... Bishop Finn make Devil's Bowels smell like roses in KC, Missouri http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2011/11/bishop-finn-makes-devils-bowels-smell.html
Irish PM blasts ‘narcissism’ of Vatican. The narcissism of John Paul II and the Vatican are one and the same http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/07/irish-pm-blasts-narcissism-of-vatican.html
Victims in USA - Attackers - Responsible Leaders
Pearl Harbor - 3,000 victims - 170 planes - Admiral Yamamoto
WTC & 9/11 attacks - 3,000 victims - 19 Muslims - Osama bin Laden
JP2 Army - 15,736 victims - 6,000 pedophile priests - John Paul II & Benedict XVI & Opus Dei, the new Vatican Trinity
Read our related article 9/11 victims 3,000. JP2 Army 100,000s. May Day: both Hitler and bin Laden Announced Dead on May 1 on John Paul II Beatification Day B-Day http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/05/911-victims-5000-jp2-army-100000s-may.html
Opus Dei controlled the 27 years papacy of John Paul II and is therefore the foremost guilty party who aided and abetted and covered-up the John Paul II Pedophiles Rapists-Priests Army. Opus Dei wrote most of John Paul II’s books and writings and to ensure their perpetuity as “All things Catholic”, they want JP2 to be beatified and canonized now by Benedict XVI so as not to take any chances on other future popes. The FACE of Opus Dei is John Paul II and the PHANTOM Spirit of Opus Dei is their founder St. Josemaria Escriva, read our related article John Paul II, Patron of Pederasts and Opus Dei – analysis of Joaquin Navarro-Valls’ reasons for JP2 beatification at Opus Dei conference in Rome http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/04/why-john-paul-ii-is-opus-deis-patron.html
Pearl Harbor - 3,000 victims - 170 planes - Admiral Yamamoto
WTC & 9/11 attacks - 3,000 victims - 19 Muslims - Osama bin Laden
JP2 Army - 15,736 victims - 6,000 pedophile priests - John Paul II & Benedict XVI & Opus Dei, the new Vatican Trinity
Read our related article 9/11 victims 3,000. JP2 Army 100,000s. May Day: both Hitler and bin Laden Announced Dead on May 1 on John Paul II Beatification Day B-Day http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/05/911-victims-5000-jp2-army-100000s-may.html
Opus Dei controlled the 27 years papacy of John Paul II and is therefore the foremost guilty party who aided and abetted and covered-up the John Paul II Pedophiles Rapists-Priests Army. Opus Dei wrote most of John Paul II’s books and writings and to ensure their perpetuity as “All things Catholic”, they want JP2 to be beatified and canonized now by Benedict XVI so as not to take any chances on other future popes. The FACE of Opus Dei is John Paul II and the PHANTOM Spirit of Opus Dei is their founder St. Josemaria Escriva, read our related article John Paul II, Patron of Pederasts and Opus Dei – analysis of Joaquin Navarro-Valls’ reasons for JP2 beatification at Opus Dei conference in Rome http://jp2m.blogspot.com/2011/04/why-john-paul-ii-is-opus-deis-patron.html
Read our latest articles:
Vatican attacks American nuns: A compilation. USA nuns live Gospel, serve the poor and sick...while Benedict XVI lives in luxury out-of-touch-with-reality in Vatican Bank Tower http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/04/vatican-attacks-american-nuns.html
Hypocrite Benedict silenced Fr. Tony Flannery, Brian D'Arcy – A compilation… but he does not silence Cardinal Bernard Law and JP2 Army – John Paul II Pedophile Priests http://popecrimes.blogspot.ca/2012/04/hypocrite-benedict-silenced-outspoken.html
May 23, 2012 news updates
Confidential files...
CALIFORNIA
Washington Post
Confidential files tell story of systemic abuse within Franciscan religious order
[Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse in the Province of St. Barbara - BishopAccountability.org]
[with video]
By Associated Press,
LOS ANGELES — Robert Van Handel was a 15-year-old seminarian at St. Anthony’s, a prestigious Franciscan boarding school, when, he said, a priest slipped into the infirmary where he was recovering from a fever and began to molest him. The priest told him it would help draw the fever out.
More than a decade later, Van Handel himself was molesting children while working as a Franciscan priest at the same Santa Barbara boarding school. Van Handel formed a boys’ choir for local children and chose his victims from among its ranks for eight years.
Sexual abuse at a Santa Barbara, Calif. boarding school is detailed in more than 4,000 pages from the confidential files of nine Franciscan religious brothers who were accused of abuse.
The sexual abuse at St. Anthony’s, including Van Handel’s own account of his crimes, is included in more than 4,000 pages from the confidential files of nine Franciscan religious brothers who were accused of abuse. The internal files, coupled with an additional 4,000 pages of sworn testimony obtained by The Associated Press, are the largest release of a religious order’s files to date and paint one of the fullest pictures yet of a pervasive culture of abuse that affected generations of students at the seminary dedicated to training future Franciscans.
CALIFORNIA
Washington Post
Confidential files tell story of systemic abuse within Franciscan religious order
[Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse in the Province of St. Barbara - BishopAccountability.org]
[with video]
By Associated Press,
LOS ANGELES — Robert Van Handel was a 15-year-old seminarian at St. Anthony’s, a prestigious Franciscan boarding school, when, he said, a priest slipped into the infirmary where he was recovering from a fever and began to molest him. The priest told him it would help draw the fever out.
More than a decade later, Van Handel himself was molesting children while working as a Franciscan priest at the same Santa Barbara boarding school. Van Handel formed a boys’ choir for local children and chose his victims from among its ranks for eight years.
Sexual abuse at a Santa Barbara, Calif. boarding school is detailed in more than 4,000 pages from the confidential files of nine Franciscan religious brothers who were accused of abuse.
The sexual abuse at St. Anthony’s, including Van Handel’s own account of his crimes, is included in more than 4,000 pages from the confidential files of nine Franciscan religious brothers who were accused of abuse. The internal files, coupled with an additional 4,000 pages of sworn testimony obtained by The Associated Press, are the largest release of a religious order’s files to date and paint one of the fullest pictures yet of a pervasive culture of abuse that affected generations of students at the seminary dedicated to training future Franciscans.
Roman Catholic Church Abuse Files Released In Unprecedented Move
CALIFORNIA
CBS Los Angeles
[with audio]
SANTA BARBARA (CBS) — Thousands of confidential religious files documenting sexual abuse among clergy members in the Roman Catholic church were made made public on Wednesday.
KNX 1070′s Margret Carrero reports the move marks the largest release of religious order documents in the history of the sexual abuse crisis.
The 8,500-page documents posted on BishopAccountability.org includes personnel files of nine Franciscan brothers and priests accused of abusing dozens of children over several decades at St. Anthony’s and the Old Mission in Santa Barbara.
An attorney for the Franciscans said the order was proactive in investigating abuse claims and that the files now made public were divulged to the plaintiffs much earlier.
CBS Los Angeles
[with audio]
SANTA BARBARA (CBS) — Thousands of confidential religious files documenting sexual abuse among clergy members in the Roman Catholic church were made made public on Wednesday.
KNX 1070′s Margret Carrero reports the move marks the largest release of religious order documents in the history of the sexual abuse crisis.
The 8,500-page documents posted on BishopAccountability.org includes personnel files of nine Franciscan brothers and priests accused of abusing dozens of children over several decades at St. Anthony’s and the Old Mission in Santa Barbara.
An attorney for the Franciscans said the order was proactive in investigating abuse claims and that the files now made public were divulged to the plaintiffs much earlier.
Franciscan order's files tell systemic abuse story
CALIFORNIA
San Antonio Express-News
GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press
Updated 02:50 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2012
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Van Handel was a 15-year-old seminarian at St. Anthony's, a prestigious Franciscan boarding school, when, he said, a priest slipped into the infirmary where he was recovering from a fever and began to molest him. The priest told him it would help draw the fever out.
More than a decade later, Van Handel himself was molesting children while working as a Franciscan priest at the same Santa Barbara boarding school. Van Handel formed a boys' choir for local children and chose his victims from among its ranks for eight years.
The sexual abuse at St. Anthony's, including Van Handel's own account of his crimes, is included in more than 4,000 pages from the confidential files of nine Franciscan religious brothers who were accused of abuse. The internal files, coupled with an additional 4,000 pages of sworn testimony obtained by The Associated Press, are the largest release of a religious order's files to date and paint one of the fullest pictures yet of a pervasive culture of abuse that affected generations of students at the seminary dedicated to training future Franciscans.
The religious order settled for $28 million in 2006 with plaintiffs who alleged abuse by the nine Franciscans, but Van Handel and other defendants fought the release of their private files for six years in a legal battle that reached the California Supreme Court.
The files were obtained by The Associated Press from a plaintiff's attorney ahead of them being made public Wednesday.
The documents show how abuse in a religious order can be closely tied to the formation of children who grow up to become brothers and priests, said Terence McKiernan, founder and co-director of Bishop Accountability.org, which collects documents on clergy sex abuse and posted the Franciscan files online Wednesday.
San Antonio Express-News
GILLIAN FLACCUS, Associated Press
Updated 02:50 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2012
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Van Handel was a 15-year-old seminarian at St. Anthony's, a prestigious Franciscan boarding school, when, he said, a priest slipped into the infirmary where he was recovering from a fever and began to molest him. The priest told him it would help draw the fever out.
More than a decade later, Van Handel himself was molesting children while working as a Franciscan priest at the same Santa Barbara boarding school. Van Handel formed a boys' choir for local children and chose his victims from among its ranks for eight years.
The sexual abuse at St. Anthony's, including Van Handel's own account of his crimes, is included in more than 4,000 pages from the confidential files of nine Franciscan religious brothers who were accused of abuse. The internal files, coupled with an additional 4,000 pages of sworn testimony obtained by The Associated Press, are the largest release of a religious order's files to date and paint one of the fullest pictures yet of a pervasive culture of abuse that affected generations of students at the seminary dedicated to training future Franciscans.
The religious order settled for $28 million in 2006 with plaintiffs who alleged abuse by the nine Franciscans, but Van Handel and other defendants fought the release of their private files for six years in a legal battle that reached the California Supreme Court.
The files were obtained by The Associated Press from a plaintiff's attorney ahead of them being made public Wednesday.
The documents show how abuse in a religious order can be closely tied to the formation of children who grow up to become brothers and priests, said Terence McKiernan, founder and co-director of Bishop Accountability.org, which collects documents on clergy sex abuse and posted the Franciscan files online Wednesday.
CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles Times
May 23, 2012
Thousands of pages of previously confidential records related to Franciscan clergymen accused of child sexual abuse have been posted online, three years after a Los Angeles judge ordered the documents released.
Posted by Boston-based BishopAccountability.org, the records were produced by the Franciscan Friars of California as part of a 2006 settlement of civil litigation brought by 25 Santa Barbara abuse victims. The Roman Catholic order also paid $28 million to the victims.
The records include personnel files of nine admitted or confirmed molesters, all Franciscan priests and brothers, as well as transcripts of depositions of supervisors, sex abuse survivors and others, the organization said in a news release.
Much of the abuse occurred at St. Anthony's Seminary, which closed in 1987, and at Old Mission Santa Barbara. The abusers were accused in lawsuits of molesting children, mostly boys, from the 1950s until the early 1990s.
“This is a victory for all of the brave men and women — terribly abused as little boys and little girls — who have forced this historic disclosure,” Bob Eckert, one of the abuse victims and a party to the lawsuit that led to the records’ publication, said in the news
Los Angeles Times
May 23, 2012
Thousands of pages of previously confidential records related to Franciscan clergymen accused of child sexual abuse have been posted online, three years after a Los Angeles judge ordered the documents released.
Posted by Boston-based BishopAccountability.org, the records were produced by the Franciscan Friars of California as part of a 2006 settlement of civil litigation brought by 25 Santa Barbara abuse victims. The Roman Catholic order also paid $28 million to the victims.
The records include personnel files of nine admitted or confirmed molesters, all Franciscan priests and brothers, as well as transcripts of depositions of supervisors, sex abuse survivors and others, the organization said in a news release.
Much of the abuse occurred at St. Anthony's Seminary, which closed in 1987, and at Old Mission Santa Barbara. The abusers were accused in lawsuits of molesting children, mostly boys, from the 1950s until the early 1990s.
“This is a victory for all of the brave men and women — terribly abused as little boys and little girls — who have forced this historic disclosure,” Bob Eckert, one of the abuse victims and a party to the lawsuit that led to the records’ publication, said in the news
Files documenting claims of abuse by California Franciscans made public
LOS ANGELES (CA)
National Catholic Reporter
[Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse in the Province of St. Barbara - BishopAccountability.org]
May. 24, 2012
By Catholic News Service
LOS ANGELES -- More than 8,500 pages of material detailing claims of sexual abuse by a group of Franciscan priests and brothers in California were made public Wednesday.
The release of the documents was one unfinished item of business from a 2006 court settlement that awarded $28 million, the vast majority of it from the St. Barbara Province of the Franciscan Friars and Brothers, to settle abuse claims from 25 plaintiffs.
The province, based in Oakland, used the proceeds from the sale of a closed seminary, where many of the incidents were alleged to have occurred, to help finance the settlement. The high school seminary closed in 1987.
As part of the settlement, the Franciscans agreed to let a judge review for possible public dissemination internal church documents as well as depositions in the litigation, showing how the order handled sexual abuse allegations among its clerics.
National Catholic Reporter
[Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse in the Province of St. Barbara - BishopAccountability.org]
May. 24, 2012
By Catholic News Service
LOS ANGELES -- More than 8,500 pages of material detailing claims of sexual abuse by a group of Franciscan priests and brothers in California were made public Wednesday.
The release of the documents was one unfinished item of business from a 2006 court settlement that awarded $28 million, the vast majority of it from the St. Barbara Province of the Franciscan Friars and Brothers, to settle abuse claims from 25 plaintiffs.
The province, based in Oakland, used the proceeds from the sale of a closed seminary, where many of the incidents were alleged to have occurred, to help finance the settlement. The high school seminary closed in 1987.
As part of the settlement, the Franciscans agreed to let a judge review for possible public dissemination internal church documents as well as depositions in the litigation, showing how the order handled sexual abuse allegations among its clerics.
Files documenting claims of abuse by California Franciscans made public
LOS ANGELES (CA)
Georgia Bulletin
[Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse in the Province of St. Barbara - BishopAccountability.org]
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- More than 8,500 pages of material detailing claims of sexual abuse by a group of Franciscan priests and brothers in California were made public May 23. The release of the documents was one unfinished item of business from a 2006 court settlement that awarded $28 million, the vast majority of it from the St. Barbara Province of the Franciscan Friars and Brothers, to settle abuse claims from 25 plaintiffs. The province, based in Oakland, used the proceeds from the sale of a closed seminary, where many of the incidents were alleged to have occurred, to help finance the settlement. The high school seminary closed in 1987. As part of the settlement, the Franciscans agreed to let a judge review for possible public dissemination internal church documents as well as depositions in the litigation, showing how the order handled sexual abuse allegations among its clerics. None of the six priests and three brothers cited in the documents are in active ministry. Some are dead. Others are living at Franciscan residences and restricted from leaving the grounds unaccompanied. In the archive are personnel, psychological, confidential and laicization files, as well as witness depositions.
Georgia Bulletin
[Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse in the Province of St. Barbara - BishopAccountability.org]
LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- More than 8,500 pages of material detailing claims of sexual abuse by a group of Franciscan priests and brothers in California were made public May 23. The release of the documents was one unfinished item of business from a 2006 court settlement that awarded $28 million, the vast majority of it from the St. Barbara Province of the Franciscan Friars and Brothers, to settle abuse claims from 25 plaintiffs. The province, based in Oakland, used the proceeds from the sale of a closed seminary, where many of the incidents were alleged to have occurred, to help finance the settlement. The high school seminary closed in 1987. As part of the settlement, the Franciscans agreed to let a judge review for possible public dissemination internal church documents as well as depositions in the litigation, showing how the order handled sexual abuse allegations among its clerics. None of the six priests and three brothers cited in the documents are in active ministry. Some are dead. Others are living at Franciscan residences and restricted from leaving the grounds unaccompanied. In the archive are personnel, psychological, confidential and laicization files, as well as witness depositions.
CALIFORNIA
BishopAccountability.org
Priest Files, Deposition
Transcripts and Exhibits
This page provides the entire archive – over 8,500 pages of priest files and other documents – obtained by survivors of sexual abuse committed by Franciscan priests and brothers, as stipulated in nonmonetary provisions of a May 25, 2006 settlement. This is by far the largest release of religious order documents in the history of the sexual abuse crisis.
Objections by the accused friars to release of their personnel and confidential files were rejected in a June 18, 2007 opinion by Judge Peter D. Lichtman, and he ruled on specific objections from the accused perpetrators and Franciscan officials in his April 2, 2009 order with detailed exhibits on the objections of the Franciscans, alleged perpetrators, and "bystanders," including Franciscan managers. His decisions were affirmed on September 10, 2010 by the California Court of Appeals, and on January 19, 2011, the California Supreme Court declined to review the appeals court decision, allowing the release of the documents to proceed.
Although the attempt to prevent the release of documents ultimately failed, the defendants did succeed in aggressively redacting the documents. The names of the provincial ministers and other managers on whose watch the abuse occurred have been redacted from the record. Moreover, redactions and claims of privilege have turned the priest files into a patchwork: complaints documented in the depositions of survivors are frequently not represented in the priest files as released. While names of managers have been redacted, their titles have not. We have compiled a staff list for the provincial office, schools, and houses that readers might find useful.
Despite these issues, the Franciscan Sex Abuse Archive is a major new source of information on the abuse of children by Franciscan priests and brothers, on the enabling of abuse by Franciscan provincial ministers and managers, and on the Franciscan culture within which the abuse of children has thrived for decades.
Below we provide: 1) the Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse, with links to over 8,500 pages of priest files, depositions, and exhibits; and 2) Selected Documents.
BishopAccountability.org
Priest Files, Deposition
Transcripts and Exhibits
This page provides the entire archive – over 8,500 pages of priest files and other documents – obtained by survivors of sexual abuse committed by Franciscan priests and brothers, as stipulated in nonmonetary provisions of a May 25, 2006 settlement. This is by far the largest release of religious order documents in the history of the sexual abuse crisis.
Objections by the accused friars to release of their personnel and confidential files were rejected in a June 18, 2007 opinion by Judge Peter D. Lichtman, and he ruled on specific objections from the accused perpetrators and Franciscan officials in his April 2, 2009 order with detailed exhibits on the objections of the Franciscans, alleged perpetrators, and "bystanders," including Franciscan managers. His decisions were affirmed on September 10, 2010 by the California Court of Appeals, and on January 19, 2011, the California Supreme Court declined to review the appeals court decision, allowing the release of the documents to proceed.
Although the attempt to prevent the release of documents ultimately failed, the defendants did succeed in aggressively redacting the documents. The names of the provincial ministers and other managers on whose watch the abuse occurred have been redacted from the record. Moreover, redactions and claims of privilege have turned the priest files into a patchwork: complaints documented in the depositions of survivors are frequently not represented in the priest files as released. While names of managers have been redacted, their titles have not. We have compiled a staff list for the provincial office, schools, and houses that readers might find useful.
Despite these issues, the Franciscan Sex Abuse Archive is a major new source of information on the abuse of children by Franciscan priests and brothers, on the enabling of abuse by Franciscan provincial ministers and managers, and on the Franciscan culture within which the abuse of children has thrived for decades.
Below we provide: 1) the Archive of Franciscan Sex Abuse, with links to over 8,500 pages of priest files, depositions, and exhibits; and 2) Selected Documents.
CALIFORNIA
Catholic Culture
In what the Associated Press describes as “the largest release of a religious order's files to date,” over 8,000 pages of testimony and internal files have been made public related to abuse allegations against members of the Franciscan friars’ St. Barbara Province in California.
“One offender bringing kids in can set them up to be abused by another offender and those kids in turn grow up to become a member of the order and themselves begin abusing children," said Terence McKiernan, of BishopAccountability.org.
Catholic Culture
In what the Associated Press describes as “the largest release of a religious order's files to date,” over 8,000 pages of testimony and internal files have been made public related to abuse allegations against members of the Franciscan friars’ St. Barbara Province in California.
“One offender bringing kids in can set them up to be abused by another offender and those kids in turn grow up to become a member of the order and themselves begin abusing children," said Terence McKiernan, of BishopAccountability.org.
CALIFORNIA
The Orange County Register
By GREG HARDESTY / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Thousands of pages of files on nine Roman Catholic priests who settled a high-profile clergy abuse lawsuits six years ago were made public Wednesday, providing a detailed look at accusations as well as instances when priests were allowed to interact with children despite their superiors knowing about the allegations.
Two of the former priests whose histories are detailed in the documents are Gus Krumm and Gary Pacheco, both defrocked Franciscan priests who served at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach in separate assignments covering most years from the mid-1970s through the late 1990s.
Monsignor Michael Harris, former principal of both Mater Dei and Santa Margarita Catholic high schools, also turns up in the documents, in two previously sealed police reports.
Harris, the founding principal of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, was a defendant in a landmark lawsuit settled for $5.2 million in 2001 that marked the beginning of a national story involving the Roman Catholic Church and clergy sexual abuse.
A court ordered the release of the documents as part of a 2006 settlement between the Franciscan Friars of California and 25 clergy-abuse plaintiffs who sued Krumm, Pacheco and seven other friars.
The Orange County Register
By GREG HARDESTY / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Thousands of pages of files on nine Roman Catholic priests who settled a high-profile clergy abuse lawsuits six years ago were made public Wednesday, providing a detailed look at accusations as well as instances when priests were allowed to interact with children despite their superiors knowing about the allegations.
Two of the former priests whose histories are detailed in the documents are Gus Krumm and Gary Pacheco, both defrocked Franciscan priests who served at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach in separate assignments covering most years from the mid-1970s through the late 1990s.
Monsignor Michael Harris, former principal of both Mater Dei and Santa Margarita Catholic high schools, also turns up in the documents, in two previously sealed police reports.
Harris, the founding principal of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, was a defendant in a landmark lawsuit settled for $5.2 million in 2001 that marked the beginning of a national story involving the Roman Catholic Church and clergy sexual abuse.
A court ordered the release of the documents as part of a 2006 settlement between the Franciscan Friars of California and 25 clergy-abuse plaintiffs who sued Krumm, Pacheco and seven other friars.
NEWS updates for August 31, 2012\
MUST-READS
Fr. Benedict Groeschel on Youngsters As Priest-Seducers: He Says, They Say, I Say
UNITED STATESBilgrimage
William D. Lindsey
[with illustrating photos]
He said: "A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer."
But you wouldn't know what he said, since National Catholic Register, in which he said what he said, has now disappeared what he said from the Register website
And then he apologized.
And they're saying (Tom Roberts at NCR, Joseph Zwilling of the archdiocese of NY as cited by Kevin Clarke at America, Jim Burroway at Box Turtle Bulletin, and blahblahblah in response to Grant Gallicho at Commonweal [see the second link above]).
And he's saying: The real issue is "Why are there not hundreds of Catholic officials publicly denouncing Fr. Groeschel, especially Cardinal Timothy Dolan, whose archdiocese employs or employed him and in whose archdiocese he lives and works?"
And I say:
1. It's time for this nonsense about excusing adult men molesting minors by blaming the minors themselves to stop.
2. The atmosphere created in the Catholic church by apologists who want to find the situation of adult men abusing minors "complex" (see Matthew Boudway et al. in the Commonweal thread linked above) is toxic. Blahblahblah betrays the mission of the church to be a sacramental sign of the redemptive Word of God incarnate in the world.
Father Benedict Groeschel: Clergyman says pedophile victims are often the 'seducers'
UNITED STATESMetro
CASSANDRA GARRISON NEW YORK
Published: August 30, 2012
The Catholic church is taking some serious heat after a New York-based clergyman expressed sympathy for Jerry Sandusky and said teens are often the ones seducing grown men in cases of pedophilia.
In an interview with the National Catholic Register, Father Benedict Groeschel, 78, said boys without fathers are often the ones to approach their abusers.
"Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster - 14, 16, 18 - is the seducer," Groeschel, who is based in Westchester, said.
"It's not so hard to see — a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own — and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing," he added.
Dolan's Conventional Wisdom
UNITED STATES
outpatient clinic
outpatient clinic
Skip Shea
I wasn't surprised when I read that Cardinal Dolan would deliver the closing prayer at the Republican National Convention. He should be right at home there. After all this new batch of Republicans has lead it's own war on woman at the same time the Vatican is waging war with Women Religious.
The Vatican didn't like women speaking on women's issues saying they often hosted speakers who "disagree with or challenge the bishops, who are the church's authentic teachers of faith and morals."
Ah, the authentic teachers of the faith. You know, men.
Similarly the men of the Republican Party have decided they are the authentic teachers of women's biology. When discussing the choice of abortion for women who have been raped Rep. Todd Akin said:
Granted making the latter part of that statement in Freshman biology class would get you an F for a grade, but in congress it gets you a seat on the House Committee for Science, Space and Technology.
But what does he mean by "legitimate" rape? Or the language Akin used with Republican Vice President candidate Paul Ryan when they co-sponsored a bill that would have narrowed the already-narrow exceptions to the laws banning federal funding for abortion—from all cases of rape to cases of "forcible rape."
Isn't rape rape? What on earth could they be driving at? Or driving away from?
The only adjective I hear commonly used before the word rape is statutory. Are they suggesting that isn't legitimate or forcible?
That's what Rick Santorum, who will also be speaking at the RNC, suggested when he defended sexually abusive priests by saying:
"In this case, what we're talking about, basically, is priests who were having sexual relations with post-pubescent men. We're not talking about priests with 3-year-olds, or 5-year-olds. We're talking about a basic homosexual relationship. Which, again, according to the world view sense is a perfectly fine relationship as long as it's consensual between people."
Which brings me back to Cardinal Dolan.
While he was the Archbishop of Milwaukee he approved of payments of up to 20 grand to sexually abusive priests to make them go away, leave the church and abuse kids somewhere else without the collar. That's the way to look out for the welfare of children in the world. In a perverse sort of way. Literally.
By reading this it might be best to suggest that you keep women and children away from the RNC. These people are crazy with their views of rape and abuse.
But not to be out done, apparently Democrats don't want to lose the coveted pervert vote either, so in the most unoriginal act conceivable and not forced but certainly legitimate, the Democratic National Convention will also have Cardinal Dolan say a prayer.
What?
He must give good prayer. I hope that's all.
Because when a person who participated so heavily in the cover up of sexual abuse of children is given such a huge national platform by both parties in the heat of a presidential campaign, I see no justice in the future for children.
Because no matter which party wins, the Cardinal has covered the bases. From local DA's to Federal Prosecutors to the Justice Department to much needed Congressional Hearings, I see no political will to hold accountable the men who are responsible for thousands of children being abused.
All I see is those is the old boys club looking out for their own, tossing women and children overboard as their Titanic sinks. And if this is how both parties lead, I pray it does.
2 comments:
stanchaz said...
Obama called the bluff of the Republicans (The Party of Wealth)
who had "claimed" that the Democratic Convention was scheduling a two hour Muslim service (!) while deliberately (and no-doubt demonically) excluding the good cardinal.
And then Obama balanced Dolan with an opposing Catholic voice from Sister Simone Campbell. Good move.
Cardinal Dolan is a Prince of the Church who wants to be King-maker:
For as the Cardinal addresses and blesses the Republicans and their billionaire buddies,
as he smiles upon those who would destroy Social Security & voucher Medicare to death,
and as he struts on the stage with those who readily admit they “don’t care about the very poor”......it would be good for the dear Cardinal to remember -and take to heart-
the words of his boss,who once said “Whatsoever you do for the least of these - you do for me”.
Unless perhaps, ...just perhaps, the Cardinal is working for someone else these days?
Just asking.
Our Founding Fathers wisely realized that politics, secular power, and religion do not mix.
That they bring out the worst in each other, that ultimately they would destroy each other, and us. A pastor.....should stick to his pulpit. Period.
who had "claimed" that the Democratic Convention was scheduling a two hour Muslim service (!) while deliberately (and no-doubt demonically) excluding the good cardinal.
And then Obama balanced Dolan with an opposing Catholic voice from Sister Simone Campbell. Good move.
Cardinal Dolan is a Prince of the Church who wants to be King-maker:
For as the Cardinal addresses and blesses the Republicans and their billionaire buddies,
as he smiles upon those who would destroy Social Security & voucher Medicare to death,
and as he struts on the stage with those who readily admit they “don’t care about the very poor”......it would be good for the dear Cardinal to remember -and take to heart-
the words of his boss,who once said “Whatsoever you do for the least of these - you do for me”.
Unless perhaps, ...just perhaps, the Cardinal is working for someone else these days?
Just asking.
Our Founding Fathers wisely realized that politics, secular power, and religion do not mix.
That they bring out the worst in each other, that ultimately they would destroy each other, and us. A pastor.....should stick to his pulpit. Period.
Arthur Dubois said...
I am truly disheartened that Dolan is showing up at the DNC also.
Santorum's comments are bizarre in so many ways, it is easy to miss that he is suggesting that it is ok for priests to have a "consensual" homosexual relationship, despite their vow of celibacy. This from the anti-gay party. That the simple hypocrisy of this demented view does not occur to someone of Santorum's supposed intelligence is criminal justification for horrific acts.
Santorum's comments are bizarre in so many ways, it is easy to miss that he is suggesting that it is ok for priests to have a "consensual" homosexual relationship, despite their vow of celibacy. This from the anti-gay party. That the simple hypocrisy of this demented view does not occur to someone of Santorum's supposed intelligence is criminal justification for horrific acts.
Teenage Boys Seduced Priests Who Abused Them. Huh?
UNITED STATESNational Survivor Advocates Coalition
Editorial
Teenage boys seduced priests who abused them in Father Benedict Groeschel’s opinion. He gave that opinion in an interview with the National Catholic Register. Story from ABC News.
Even when the newspaper questioned his comments, he went to say that it was “an understandable thing.”
The facts remain: teenage boys are teenage boys, priests are adults – or at least they should be.
That’s not the approach Groeschel is taking. He’s positing an out for priests who sexually abuse minors.
The sad part of this is that there are many Catholics who will grab onto this reasoning and run with it because Father Groeschel said it. Groeschel is the director of the Office of Spiritual Development of the New York Archdiocese and the host of a weekly show on the television network EWTN. In addition, he has a doctorate in psychology.
Editorial: Children, not priests, are the only victims here
UNITED STATESStar-Ledger
By Star-Ledger Editorial Board
Old age is a handy bunker for people who want to escape responsibility for their ideas. Take the Rev. Benedict Groeschel. The 79-year-old Groeschel, a spiritual leader in the Roman Catholic Church, took refuge in his age after an incendiary interview Monday with the National Catholic Register, in which he blamed the victims of pedophile priests:
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him,” Groeschel said. “A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.”
Groeschel added he was “inclined to think” priests who were first-time abusers had no intention of committing a crime, and therefore deserved no jail time. He also uttered a few words of pity for Jerry Sandusky.
What makes this all the more sickening is that Groeschel is a longtime teacher of pastoral counseling at a New York seminary, and has spent decades counseling priests accused of sexual abuse or battling alcoholism.
NY Priest Facing Criticism for Sex Abuse Comments
NEW YORKNBC New York
A well-known New York priest is coming under criticism for saying that priests accused of child sex abuse are often seduced by their accusers and that a first-time offender should not go to jail.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register this week. The interview has since been removed from the news source's website and the outlet did not return a call seeking comment.
The Archdiocese of New York repudiated the comments in a statement posted on its website, calling them "simply wrong."
Groeschel is not a priest with the Archdiocese but has worked with it in the past. He did not return messages seeking comment.
Catholic TV Star, the Rev. Benedict Groeschel, Defends Child Sex Abusers
UNITED STATESABC News
[with video]
By COLLEEN CURRY
Aug. 30, 2012
A well-known Catholic priest who hosts a weekly religious television show said in an interview this week that child sex abusers are often seduced by teenage boys and should not go to jail on a first offense.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, 79, who hosts a weekly show on Catholic television network EWTN, made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register. He also referred to convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky as a "poor guy."
"People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to - a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster -- 14, 16, 18 -- is the seducer," Groeschel is quoted as saying in the interview, which is no longer available on the paper's website.
The interview, billed as a reflection on the 25 years since Groeschel founded the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal order, covered many topics, but has gained attention for Groeschel's comments on child sex abuse.
Prominent NY Friar Thinks Pedophile Priests Are Often "Seduced" By Teens
UNITED STATESGothamist
A prominent NY friar has come to the defense of priests who have been caught in sex scandals with underage boys, claiming that oftentimes, the priests are "seduced" by teens. Father Benedict Groeschel of the conservative Franciscan Friars of the Renewal made his comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register. As if claiming teens seduce pedophiles wasn't a disgusting enough sentiment, Groeschel also expressed sympathy for Jerry Sandusky, calling him a "poor guy."
"People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to—a psychopath," Groeschel told them when asked about his work with sexual abuse perpetrators. "But that’s not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster—14, 16, 18—is the seducer." He continued, arguing that those kids are looking for father figures: "It's not so hard to see—a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own—and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing."
The friar, who is based in Westchester but does outreach in the Bronx and Brooklyn, doesn't think priests should go to jail if they are caught for the first time having a sexual relationship with a child: "I'm inclined to think, on their first offense, they should not go to jail because their intention was not committing a crime." He argued that there is a precedent for that attitude toward priests abusing children: "Until recent years, people did not register in their minds that it was a crime. It was a moral failure, scandalous; but they didn’t think of it in terms of legal things. If you go back 10 or 15 years ago with different sexual difficulties—except for rape or violence—it was very rarely brought as a civil crime."
Child sex victims seduce abusers: Priest
UNITED STATESSun News
QMI AGENCY
A well-known Catholic priest called convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky a "poor guy" and says clergymen in a lot of cases are seduced by children.
Father Benedict Groeschel, 79, told the National Catholic Register boys without father figures are often the ones who initiate sexual relationships with abusers.
"Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster -- 14, 16, 18 -- is the seducer," said Groeschel, the host of a weekly show called Sunday Night Prime.
"Well, it's not so hard to see -- a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own -- and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing, perhaps sleeping but not having intercourse or anything like that."
The New York-based clergyman with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal went on to say he doesn't think child sex abusers should be tried on their first offence.
Prominent Catholic Friar on ‘Poor Guy’ Sandusky: ‘A Lot of Cases, the Youngster Is the Seducer’
UNITED STATESGawker
Max Read
Father Benedict Groeschel, a prominent friar, television host, and director of the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, gave an interview to the National Catholic Reporter this week. It's been taken down — why? Probably because Groeschel claimed that "in a lot of cases" of abuse, "the youngster... is the seducer." And expressed sympathy with Jerry Sandusky.Renew America's Matt C. Abbott grabbed the interview before it was taken down:
[Interviewer]: Part of your work here at Trinity has been working with priests involved in abuse, no?
[Father Groeschel]: A little bit, yes; but you know, in those cases, they have to leave. And some of them profoundly — profoundly — penitential, horrified. People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to — a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.[Interviewer]: Why would that be?
[Father Greoschel]: Well, it's not so hard to see — a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own — and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing, perhaps sleeping but not having intercourse or anything like that.
It's an understandable thing, and you know where you find it, among other clergy or important people; you look at teachers, attorneys, judges, social workers. Generally, if they get involved, it's heterosexually, and if it's a priest, he leaves and gets married — that's the usual thing — and gets a dispensation. A lot of priests leave quickly, get civilly married and then apply for the dispensation, which takes about three years.
But there are the relatively rare cases where a priest is involved in a homosexual way with a minor. I think the statistic I read recently in a secular psychology review was about 2%. Would that be true of other clergy? Would it be true of doctors, lawyers, coaches?
Here's this poor guy — [Penn State football coach Jerry] Sandusky — it went on for years. Interesting: Why didn't anyone say anything? Apparently, a number of kids knew about it and didn't break the ice. Well, you know, until recent years, people did not register in their minds that it was a crime. It was a moral failure, scandalous; but they didn't think of it in terms of legal things.
If you go back 10 or 15 years ago with different sexual difficulties — except for rape or violence — it was very rarely brought as a civil crime. Nobody thought of it that way. Sometimes statutory rape would be — but only if the girl pushed her case. Parents wouldn't touch it. People backed off, for years, on sexual cases. I'm not sure why.
I think perhaps part of the reason would be an embarrassment, that it brings the case out into the open, and the girl's name is there, or people will figure out what's there, or the youngster involved — you know, it's not put in the paper, but everybody knows; they're talking about it.
At this point, (when) any priest, any clergyman, any social worker, any teacher, any responsible person in society would become involved in a single sexual act — not necessarily intercourse — they're done. And I'm inclined to think, on their first offense, they should not go to jail because their intention was not committing a crime.
Father Benedict Groeschel Reflects on 25 Years of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
UNITED STATESNational Catholic Register
by JOHN BURGER08/27/2012
Editor’s Note:
Child sexual abuse is never excusable. The editors of the National Catholic Register apologize for publishing without clarification or challenge Father Benedict Groeschel's comments that seem to suggest that the child is somehow responsible for abuse. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our publication of that comment was an editorial mistake, for which we sincerely apologize. Given Father Benedict's stellar history over many years, we released his interview without our usual screening and oversight. We have removed the story. We have sought clarification from Father Benedict.
Jeanette R. De Melo
Editor in Chief
Leading N.Y. Catholic Blames Kids for Seducing Sex Abusers
UNITED STATESNew York MagazineBy Joe Coscarelli
Friar Benedict Groeschel, the 79-year-old director of the Office for Spiritual Development for the Catholic Archdiocese of New York and a leader of the Bronx-based Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, has a theory on pedophilia. In an unbelievable interview with the National Catholic
Register, Groeschel explained of abusive priests, "People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to — a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him." Then he kept going.
Via Andrew Sullivan:
A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer ... It's not so hard to see — a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own — and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing, perhaps sleeping but not having intercourse or anything like that.
It's an understandable thing ... there are the relatively rare cases where a priest is involved in a homosexual way with a minor. I think the statistic I read recently in a secular psychology review was about 2%. Would that be true of other clergy? Would it be true of doctors, lawyers, coaches?
Here's this poor guy — [Penn State football coach Jerry] Sandusky — it went on for years. Interesting: Why didn't anyone say anything? Apparently, a number of kids knew about it and didn't break the ice. Well, you know, until recent years, people did not register in their minds that it was a crime. It was a moral failure, scandalous; but they didn't think of it in terms of legal things."
Groeschel goes on to say, "I'm inclined to think, on their first offense, they should not go to jail because their intention was not committing a crime." The article has since been deleted from the National Catholic Register, but lives on through Google and various dumbfounded media outlets, both religious and not.
Sympathy for ‘this poor guy’ ...
UNITED STATESNew York Daily NewsSympathy for ‘this poor guy’ Jerry Sandusky and other pedophiles? New York friar blames youngsters who ‘seduce’ priests, coaches
By Victoria Cavaliere / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, August 30, 2012
A prominent New York-based friar has sympathy for some pedophiles -- including defrocked priests and former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky -- saying they are sometimes "seduced" by their underage victims.
Father Benedict Groeschel’s jarring comments come amid ongoing fallout from child sex abuse scandals that have rocked Penn State and, over the past decade, the Catholic Church.
In some of these cases, children “looking for a father figure” are responsible for the relationship with someone in a position of power -- like a coach or clergy member, Groeschel told the National Catholic Register.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster - 14, 16, 18 - is the seducer," said Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
Pressed on the point, Father Groeschel says "It's not so hard to see - a kid looking for a father and didn't have his own - and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing."
Catholic TV Star, the Rev. Benedict Groeschel, Defends Child Sex Abusers
UNITED STATESABC News
[with video]
By COLLEEN CURRY
Aug. 30, 2012
A well-known Catholic priest who hosts a weekly religious television show said in an interview this week that child sex abusers are often seduced by teenage boys and should not go to jail on a first offense.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, 79, who hosts a weekly show on Catholic television network EWTN, made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register. He also referred to convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky as a "poor guy."
"People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to - a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster -- 14, 16, 18 -- is the seducer," Groeschel is quoted as saying in the interview, which is no longer available on the paper's website.
The interview, billed as a reflection on the 25 years since Groeschel founded the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal order, covered many topics, but has gained attention for Groeschel's comments on child sex abuse.
"Well, it's not so hard to see. A kid looking for a father and didn't have his own -- and they won't be planning to get into heavy-duty sex, but almost romantic, embracing, kissing, perhaps sleeping, but not having intercourse or anything like that. I's an understandable thing, and you know where you find it, among other clergy or important people; you look at teachers, attorneys, judges, social workers," he said.
Prominent priest blames sex victims, says first-time abusers shouldn't face jail
UNITED STATESThe Christian Century
Aug 30, 2012 by David Gibson and Daniel Burke
c. 2012 Religion News Service NEW YORK (RNS) The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, a prominent author and speaker who is especially popular with conservative Catholics and bishops, has sparked outrage by saying that priests who sexually abuse children "on their first offense" should not go to jail.
He added that in "a lot of cases," the child is "the seducer."
The New York-based Franciscan also expressed sympathy for Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach who was convicted in June of 45 counts of child sexual abuse in a scandal that rocked college football and dominated the news much as the clergy crisis has.
Groeschel's comments, in an interview published Tuesday (Aug. 28) by the National Catholic Register, spread like wildfire around the Internet after they were reported by Religion News Service, and they prompted comparisons to Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin's controversial remarks about "legitimate rape" and abortion.
They also threatened to raise more questions about the hierarchy's response to the abuse scandal even as the bishops have been hoping to turn the corner on a decades-long scandal that has cost billions in settlements and damaged the church's moral standing.
NY priest ‘deeply regrets’ comments blaming 'seducer' youth in sex abuse cases
NEW YORK
New York Daily News
By Victoria Cavaliere / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, August 30, 2012
A prominent New York-based friar has apologized for expressing sympathy for some pedophiles -- including defrocked priests and former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky -- saying they are sometimes "seduced" by their underage victims.
Father Benedict Groeschel’s jarring comments come amid ongoing fallout from child sex abuse scandals that have rocked Penn State and, over the past decade, the Catholic Church.
In some of these cases, children “looking for a father figure” are responsible for the relationship with someone in a position of power -- like a coach or clergy member, Groeschel told the National Catholic Register.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster - 14, 16, 18 - is the seducer," said Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
New York Daily News
By Victoria Cavaliere / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, August 30, 2012
A prominent New York-based friar has apologized for expressing sympathy for some pedophiles -- including defrocked priests and former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky -- saying they are sometimes "seduced" by their underage victims.
Father Benedict Groeschel’s jarring comments come amid ongoing fallout from child sex abuse scandals that have rocked Penn State and, over the past decade, the Catholic Church.
In some of these cases, children “looking for a father figure” are responsible for the relationship with someone in a position of power -- like a coach or clergy member, Groeschel told the National Catholic Register.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster - 14, 16, 18 - is the seducer," said Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.
Priest Puts Blame on Some Victims of Sexual Abuse
UNITED STATES
The New York Times
By SHARON OTTERMAN
Published: August 30, 2012
A prominent Roman Catholic spiritual leader who has spent decades counseling wayward priests for the archdiocese provoked shock and outrage on Thursday as word spread of a recent interview he did with a Catholic newspaper during which he said that “youngsters” were often to blame when priests sexually abused them and that priests should not be jailed for such abuse on their first offense.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, who made the remarks, is a beloved figure among many Catholics and a founder of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a conservative priestly order based in New York. He hosts a weekly show on the Eternal Word Television Network and has written 45 books.
The comments were published on Monday by The National Catholic Register, which is owned by EWTN, a religious broadcaster based in Alabama.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him,” Father Groeschel, now 79, said in the interview. “A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.”
He added that he was “inclined to think” that priests who were first-time abusers should not be jailed because “their intention was not committing a crime.”
The New York Times
By SHARON OTTERMAN
Published: August 30, 2012
A prominent Roman Catholic spiritual leader who has spent decades counseling wayward priests for the archdiocese provoked shock and outrage on Thursday as word spread of a recent interview he did with a Catholic newspaper during which he said that “youngsters” were often to blame when priests sexually abused them and that priests should not be jailed for such abuse on their first offense.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, who made the remarks, is a beloved figure among many Catholics and a founder of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, a conservative priestly order based in New York. He hosts a weekly show on the Eternal Word Television Network and has written 45 books.
The comments were published on Monday by The National Catholic Register, which is owned by EWTN, a religious broadcaster based in Alabama.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him,” Father Groeschel, now 79, said in the interview. “A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.”
He added that he was “inclined to think” that priests who were first-time abusers should not be jailed because “their intention was not committing a crime.”
Preying for absolution: Catholic priest says molester priests ‘seduced’ by minors
UNITED STATES
RT
A prominent New York Catholic priest stated in an interview that minors often seduce older clerics, leading them to commit sex acts. The interview was subsequently removed and the paper that posted it called its publication an “editorial mistake.”
In an interview with the National Catholic Register, the Reverend Benedict Groeschel was asked how to deal with priests who sexually abuse minors.
Groeschel suggested that the priest was not always fully responsible for his actions.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him,” he noted. “A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.”
He suggested that first-time offenders should be relieved of a jail sentence “because their intention was not committing a crime.”
RT
A prominent New York Catholic priest stated in an interview that minors often seduce older clerics, leading them to commit sex acts. The interview was subsequently removed and the paper that posted it called its publication an “editorial mistake.”
In an interview with the National Catholic Register, the Reverend Benedict Groeschel was asked how to deal with priests who sexually abuse minors.
Groeschel suggested that the priest was not always fully responsible for his actions.
“Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him,” he noted. “A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.”
He suggested that first-time offenders should be relieved of a jail sentence “because their intention was not committing a crime.”
Never be alone with children, clergy told
UNITED KINGDOM
Telegraph
An inquiry into child abuse in the Diocese of Chichester found “many and longstanding failures” in safeguarding children and other vulnerable people.
By Telegraph reporters
8:41AM BST 31 Aug 2012
Clergy will be reminded never to be alone with children under new rules proposed by an inquiry into sexual abuse in the Church of England.
They will also be expected to keep records of all meetings with parishioners, while priests accused of abuse will be immediately suspended, it was reported.
Investigators looking into child protection policies following child abuse scandals in the Diocese of Chichester found that safeguarding had fallen “woefully short” of what should be expected.
Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury who set up the inquiry, said its interim report "confirms that there have been many and longstanding failures in implementing a robust and credible safeguarding policy in the Diocese of Chichester".
Telegraph
An inquiry into child abuse in the Diocese of Chichester found “many and longstanding failures” in safeguarding children and other vulnerable people.
By Telegraph reporters
8:41AM BST 31 Aug 2012
Clergy will be reminded never to be alone with children under new rules proposed by an inquiry into sexual abuse in the Church of England.
They will also be expected to keep records of all meetings with parishioners, while priests accused of abuse will be immediately suspended, it was reported.
Investigators looking into child protection policies following child abuse scandals in the Diocese of Chichester found that safeguarding had fallen “woefully short” of what should be expected.
Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury who set up the inquiry, said its interim report "confirms that there have been many and longstanding failures in implementing a robust and credible safeguarding policy in the Diocese of Chichester".
Prominent Priest Defends Sex Abusers, Later Apologizes
UNITED STATES
KVOR
(NEW YORK) -- A well-known Catholic priest who hosts a weekly religious television show said in an interview this week that child sex abusers are often seduced by teenage boys and should not go to jail on a first offense. But the comments were removed by the website that published them and replaced by an apology from the priest and the site's editors.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, 79, who hosts a weekly show on the Catholic television network EWTN, originally made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register. He also referred to convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State coach convicted of abusing 10 boys over a 15-year period, as a "poor guy."
"People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to -- a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster -- 14, 16, 18 -- is the seducer," Groeschel was quoted as saying in the interview, which is no longer available on the paper's website.
The interview has now been replaced by a statement from Groeschel.
"I apologize for my comments," it said. "I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone."
KVOR
(NEW YORK) -- A well-known Catholic priest who hosts a weekly religious television show said in an interview this week that child sex abusers are often seduced by teenage boys and should not go to jail on a first offense. But the comments were removed by the website that published them and replaced by an apology from the priest and the site's editors.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, 79, who hosts a weekly show on the Catholic television network EWTN, originally made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register. He also referred to convicted pedophile Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State coach convicted of abusing 10 boys over a 15-year period, as a "poor guy."
"People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to -- a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster -- 14, 16, 18 -- is the seducer," Groeschel was quoted as saying in the interview, which is no longer available on the paper's website.
The interview has now been replaced by a statement from Groeschel.
"I apologize for my comments," it said. "I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone."
Elderly priest's comments about youngsters seducing priests creates flurry of protests, apologies
UNITED STATES
God Discussion
In a recent interview with the National Catholic Register, Father Benedict Groeschel of the conservative Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, said:
People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to — of a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.
The Huffington Post reports that the Archdiocese of New York said Groeschel's statement was "simply wrong."
The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) writes, "… the real issue isn't that Groeschel makes such hurtful, stupid and Todd Akin-like remarks. (Many Catholic officials have thought and said much the same. We suspect many still do right now.) The real issue is "Why do priests who make callous, mean-spirited comments that hurt the already-wounded never suffer any consequences?" SNAP is calling for the discipline of Fr. Groeschel, noting that his remarks "continue to rub salt in the already-deep and still-fresh wounds of thousands of suffering child sex abuse victims and their loved ones."
God Discussion
In a recent interview with the National Catholic Register, Father Benedict Groeschel of the conservative Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, said:
People have this picture in their minds of a person planning to — of a psychopath. But that's not the case. Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.
The Huffington Post reports that the Archdiocese of New York said Groeschel's statement was "simply wrong."
The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) writes, "… the real issue isn't that Groeschel makes such hurtful, stupid and Todd Akin-like remarks. (Many Catholic officials have thought and said much the same. We suspect many still do right now.) The real issue is "Why do priests who make callous, mean-spirited comments that hurt the already-wounded never suffer any consequences?" SNAP is calling for the discipline of Fr. Groeschel, noting that his remarks "continue to rub salt in the already-deep and still-fresh wounds of thousands of suffering child sex abuse victims and their loved ones."
August 30, 2012
New details released in church abuse case
KANSAS CITY (MO)
KCTV
By Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
"Boys will be boys."
That's what the head of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese apparently said over concerns about a priest with lewd images of children on his laptop.
KCTV5's reporting partners at the Kansas City Star obtained court documents in the abuse case against Reverend Shawn Ratigan. Records said Bishop Robert Finn also said "sometimes priests do things they shouldn't."
Ratigan is accused of abusing a 9-year-old girl months after the diocese learned about the photos on the laptop. At the beginning of August, Ratigan entered a guilty plea to child pornography charges.
Finn and the diocese are facing misdemeanor charges for failing to report the suspected abuse to police.
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP issued the following response in regards to the new details:
What an awful, hurtful way to respond to the heinous crimes of Fr. Shawn Ratigan.
Ms. Creech was under oath and she's an employee of Bishop Finn's diocese. So she has no incentive whatsoever to distort Bishop Finn's callous remarks. And Finn's remarks weren't that long ago. So it's hard to believe Ms. Creech memory is somehow blurred by the passage of time.
KCTV
By Laura McCallister, Multimedia Producer
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
"Boys will be boys."
That's what the head of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese apparently said over concerns about a priest with lewd images of children on his laptop.
KCTV5's reporting partners at the Kansas City Star obtained court documents in the abuse case against Reverend Shawn Ratigan. Records said Bishop Robert Finn also said "sometimes priests do things they shouldn't."
Ratigan is accused of abusing a 9-year-old girl months after the diocese learned about the photos on the laptop. At the beginning of August, Ratigan entered a guilty plea to child pornography charges.
Finn and the diocese are facing misdemeanor charges for failing to report the suspected abuse to police.
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP issued the following response in regards to the new details:
What an awful, hurtful way to respond to the heinous crimes of Fr. Shawn Ratigan.
Ms. Creech was under oath and she's an employee of Bishop Finn's diocese. So she has no incentive whatsoever to distort Bishop Finn's callous remarks. And Finn's remarks weren't that long ago. So it's hard to believe Ms. Creech memory is somehow blurred by the passage of time.
For Immediate Release: August 30, 2012
UNITED STATES
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
August 30, 2012
The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal sincerely apologizes for the comments made by Fr. Benedict Groeschel in an interview released yesterday by the National Catholic Register, online addition. In that interview, Fr. Benedict made comments that were inappropriate and untrue. A child is never responsible for abuse. Any abuser of a child is always responsible, especially a priest. Sexual abuse of a minor is a terrible crime and should always be treated as such. We are sorry for any pain his comments may have caused. Fr. Benedict has dedicated his life to helping others and these comments were completely out of character. He never intended to excuse abuse or implicate the victims. We hope that these unfortunate statements will not overshadow the great good Fr. Benedict has done in housing countless homeless people, feeding innumerable poor families, and bringing healing, peace and encouragement to so many.
Fr Benedict helped found our community 25 years ago with the hope of bringing the healing peace of Jesus Christ to our wounded world. Our desire has always been to lift-up humanity and never to hurt. About seven years ago, Fr. Benedict was struck by a car and was in a coma for over a month. In recent months his health, memory and cognitive ability have been failing. He has been in and out of the hospital. Due to his declining health and inability to care for himself, Fr. Benedict had moved to a location where he could rest and be relieved of his responsibilities. Although these factors do not excuse his comments, they help us understand how such a compassionate man could have said something so wrong, so insensitive, and so out of character. Our prayers are with all those who have been hurt by his comments, especially victims of sexual abuse.
Personal Statement from Fr Benedict Groeschel:
I apologize for my comments. I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone.
With questions please contact Fr. Glenn Sudano at 914-965-8143.
Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
August 30, 2012
The Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal sincerely apologizes for the comments made by Fr. Benedict Groeschel in an interview released yesterday by the National Catholic Register, online addition. In that interview, Fr. Benedict made comments that were inappropriate and untrue. A child is never responsible for abuse. Any abuser of a child is always responsible, especially a priest. Sexual abuse of a minor is a terrible crime and should always be treated as such. We are sorry for any pain his comments may have caused. Fr. Benedict has dedicated his life to helping others and these comments were completely out of character. He never intended to excuse abuse or implicate the victims. We hope that these unfortunate statements will not overshadow the great good Fr. Benedict has done in housing countless homeless people, feeding innumerable poor families, and bringing healing, peace and encouragement to so many.
Fr Benedict helped found our community 25 years ago with the hope of bringing the healing peace of Jesus Christ to our wounded world. Our desire has always been to lift-up humanity and never to hurt. About seven years ago, Fr. Benedict was struck by a car and was in a coma for over a month. In recent months his health, memory and cognitive ability have been failing. He has been in and out of the hospital. Due to his declining health and inability to care for himself, Fr. Benedict had moved to a location where he could rest and be relieved of his responsibilities. Although these factors do not excuse his comments, they help us understand how such a compassionate man could have said something so wrong, so insensitive, and so out of character. Our prayers are with all those who have been hurt by his comments, especially victims of sexual abuse.
Personal Statement from Fr Benedict Groeschel:
I apologize for my comments. I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone.
With questions please contact Fr. Glenn Sudano at 914-965-8143.
NY priest apologizes ...
UNITED STATES
Washington Post
NY priest apologizes for saying priests seduced by kids, 1st offense shouldn’t mean jail time
By Associated Press, Updated: Thursday, August 30, 7:55 PM
NEW YORK — A New York priest has apologized after coming under criticism from church officials and advocates of sex abuse victims for saying that priests accused of child sex abuse are often seduced by their accusers and that a first-time offender should not go to jail.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register published this week. The website for the conservative independent Register then removed the story and posted an apology for publishing the comments. Groeschel and the friars did as well.
Asked about working with priests involved in abuse, Groeschel said, “Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.” ...
Editor in Chief Jeanette De Melo posted a note apologizing for “publishing without clarification or challenge Father Benedict Groeschel’s comments that seem to suggest that the child is somehow responsible for abuse. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our publication of that comment was an editorial mistake, for which we sincerely apologize.”
Groeschel also posted an apology to the site. “I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone,” he said.
Washington Post
NY priest apologizes for saying priests seduced by kids, 1st offense shouldn’t mean jail time
By Associated Press, Updated: Thursday, August 30, 7:55 PM
NEW YORK — A New York priest has apologized after coming under criticism from church officials and advocates of sex abuse victims for saying that priests accused of child sex abuse are often seduced by their accusers and that a first-time offender should not go to jail.
The Rev. Benedict Groeschel of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal made the comments in an interview with the National Catholic Register published this week. The website for the conservative independent Register then removed the story and posted an apology for publishing the comments. Groeschel and the friars did as well.
Asked about working with priests involved in abuse, Groeschel said, “Suppose you have a man having a nervous breakdown, and a youngster comes after him. A lot of the cases, the youngster — 14, 16, 18 — is the seducer.” ...
Editor in Chief Jeanette De Melo posted a note apologizing for “publishing without clarification or challenge Father Benedict Groeschel’s comments that seem to suggest that the child is somehow responsible for abuse. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our publication of that comment was an editorial mistake, for which we sincerely apologize.”
Groeschel also posted an apology to the site. “I did not intend to blame the victim. A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible. My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be. I have spent my life trying to help others the best that I could. I deeply regret any harm I have caused to anyone,” he said.
Benedict Groeschel, Franciscan Friar, Apologizes For Controversial Sex Abuse Remarks
NEW YORK
Huffington Post
Religion News Service | By David Gibson
Posted: 09/01/2012
NEW YORK (RNS) The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, a popular Franciscan friar who defended priests who sexually abuse children and blamed some victims for "seducing" them, has apologized for the controversial remarks.
Groeschel, 78, said in a statement released late Thursday (Aug. 30) that he blamed his failing health for the way he phrased the comments.
"My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be," said Groeschel, who, with his hooded gray Capuchin habit and long white beard, is a familiar figure on conservative Catholic media.
"I did not intend to blame the victim," he said. "A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible."
Groeschel's community, the Franciscan Friars of Renewal, a conservative order that he founded 25 years ago in New York, also apologized for the remarks and called them "inappropriate and untrue." The friars added that the comments "were completely out of character" for Groeschel and resulted from infirmities stemming from a car accident several years ago and a recent stroke.
"In recent months his health, memory and cognitive ability have been failing," the friars said. "He has been in and out of the hospital. Due to his declining health and inability to care for himself, Fr. Benedict had moved to a location where he could rest and be relieved of his responsibilities."
Other members of the order confirmed that Groeschel, who for decades was an influential author and speaker who frequently appeared on the conservative Catholic cable station EWTN, was unlikely to be making any more public appearances.
The apologies followed a rapid series of developments following the publication of an interview with Groeschel in the National Catholic Register, a conservative newspaper that EWTN purchased last year from the scandal-tarred Legion of Christ order.
Groeschel had told the Register that priests who sexually abuse children "on their first offense" should not go to jail, and he added that in "a lot of cases" the child is "the seducer."
He also expressed sympathy for Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach who was convicted in June of 45 counts of child sexual abuse in a scandal that rocked college football and dominated the news much as the clergy crisis has.
Groeschel's comments quickly sparked outrage and were taken down from the website of the Register, replaced by an apology from the paper's editor.
Earlier Thursday, a spokesman for New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a longtime friend of Groeschel, also issued a sharp denunciation of the priest's comments.
Huffington Post
Religion News Service | By David Gibson
Posted: 09/01/2012
NEW YORK (RNS) The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, a popular Franciscan friar who defended priests who sexually abuse children and blamed some victims for "seducing" them, has apologized for the controversial remarks.
Groeschel, 78, said in a statement released late Thursday (Aug. 30) that he blamed his failing health for the way he phrased the comments.
"My mind and my way of expressing myself are not as clear as they used to be," said Groeschel, who, with his hooded gray Capuchin habit and long white beard, is a familiar figure on conservative Catholic media.
"I did not intend to blame the victim," he said. "A priest (or anyone else) who abuses a minor is always wrong and is always responsible."
Groeschel's community, the Franciscan Friars of Renewal, a conservative order that he founded 25 years ago in New York, also apologized for the remarks and called them "inappropriate and untrue." The friars added that the comments "were completely out of character" for Groeschel and resulted from infirmities stemming from a car accident several years ago and a recent stroke.
"In recent months his health, memory and cognitive ability have been failing," the friars said. "He has been in and out of the hospital. Due to his declining health and inability to care for himself, Fr. Benedict had moved to a location where he could rest and be relieved of his responsibilities."
Other members of the order confirmed that Groeschel, who for decades was an influential author and speaker who frequently appeared on the conservative Catholic cable station EWTN, was unlikely to be making any more public appearances.
The apologies followed a rapid series of developments following the publication of an interview with Groeschel in the National Catholic Register, a conservative newspaper that EWTN purchased last year from the scandal-tarred Legion of Christ order.
Groeschel had told the Register that priests who sexually abuse children "on their first offense" should not go to jail, and he added that in "a lot of cases" the child is "the seducer."
He also expressed sympathy for Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach who was convicted in June of 45 counts of child sexual abuse in a scandal that rocked college football and dominated the news much as the clergy crisis has.
Groeschel's comments quickly sparked outrage and were taken down from the website of the Register, replaced by an apology from the paper's editor.
Earlier Thursday, a spokesman for New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a longtime friend of Groeschel, also issued a sharp denunciation of the priest's comments.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/01/benedict-groeschel-apologizes-sex-abuse-remarks_n_1848122.html VIDEO
EWTN owns the National Catholic Register that originally first published Fr. Groeschel's historic remarks.
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