The parties in the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy have agreed to a framework for mediation in the case.
Child & Youth Protection
Italian court rules bishop ‘facilitated’ abuse by protecting accused priest
The bishop of a southern Italian diocese deliberately avoided protecting victims in his diocese and instead sought to protect a priest long accused of having abused several minors as a seminarian, a court in the southern Italian city of Enna ruled.
Abuse suits filed against St. Louis archdiocese, naming Omaha archbishop, St. Louis priest
Five civil lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese of St. Louis July 24 allege multiple incidents of sexual abuse of minors and long-standing coverups, with a Nebraska archbishop — then a St. Louis archdiocesan priest — included among the accused.
Judge rules attorney general cannot enforce subpoena against Seattle Archdiocese
A judge ruled July 12 that the Washington state attorney general does not have legal authority to enforce a subpoena for clergy abuse records against the Archdiocese of Seattle, specifically noting that the religious exemption in the state Charitable Trust Act stands.
Survivors committee and archdiocese discuss next steps in bankruptcy case
The survivors committee and the Archdiocese of Baltimore continue to work together in the archdiocese’s bankruptcy case toward the goals of compensating as many victims as possible equitably, allowing the archdiocese to continue its ministries and ensuring that policies and procedures are in place to prevent future incidences of child sexual abuse.
U.S. church needs culturally sensitive safeguarding training, expert says
The diversity of the Catholic Church in the United States requires that it develop a culturally sensitive approach to preventing abuse, a safeguarding expert said.
Virginia bishop removes pastor over handling of abuse allegations against parishioner
A Virginia pastor has been removed from his parish following concerns over his handling of abuse allegations against a parishioner who was also a school parent.
Louisiana high court vacates own ruling on ‘look back law’ for abuse claims, says it’s constitutional
In a 5-2 ruling June 12, the Louisiana Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision to scrap a “look back law” for abuse survivors and declared it to be constitutional.
A two-fold approach to listening to survivors
The call to listen is in danger of becoming an empty slogan if we do not take the time to stop and think about what, exactly, this listening involves.
How safeguarding ministry responds to sexual abuse in the church
As the church continues to address sexual abuse cases among clergy and religious, Deacon Steven A. DeMartino, director for safeguarding initiatives for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, recently spoke with OSV News’ Charlie Camosy about the past history of these efforts and the best practices the church now has in place.
Greensburg Diocese asks police to investigate possible cover-up of staff criminal record
A Pennsylvania diocese has asked police to investigate after parish staff — overseen by a beloved pastor — possibly concealed a now-former employee’s criminal record, which includes a recent arrest on charges involving sexual offenses against a minor, as well as charges dating back to 2001-2002 for lewdness, indecent exposure and drug possession.
Diocese of Fresno to file for bankruptcy
Bishop Joseph V. Brennan said in a May 28 open letter that the Diocese of Fresno would file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization “to address the substantial number of claims brought forth by victims collectively.”