New archbishop opposes sex-abuse window
New Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput says he isn't likely to change his mind about creating a window to allow some past victims of sexual abuse by priests to file lawsuits after the statute of limitations in their cases has expired.
New archbishop opposes sex-abuse window
New Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput says he isn’t likely to change his mind about creating a window to allow some past victims of sexual abuse by priests to file lawsuits after the statute of limitations in their cases has expired.
Chaput, in a discussion Thursday with the Inquirer Editorial Board, said statutes of limitations exist for sound legal reasons, and that exceptions should not be made just to allow litigation against the Catholic Church.
His position is contrary to the Editorial Board’s, which has supported legislation sponsored by Rep. Louise Williams Bishop (D., Phila.) that would eliminate Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations on child sex-abuse cases.
Bishop’s bill recognizes that young abuse victims often take years, even decades, to confront what happened to them, meaning the time limit for filing criminal or civil cases often passes.
Chaput said he was still getting to know Philadelphia after only about six weeks here, but was impressed with people’s friendless and how much Catholics identify with their local parishes. He said if more parish schools have to be closed, that will be among of the hardest decisions he will have to make.
Way to look out for the "faithful"! It's much more important to protect the abstract notion of the statute than the real-life victims. So now the new guy has painted himself into a corner: Either he does not believe the abuse happened, or it may have happened but because it's so long ago, it doesn't matter anymore. Too bad for the victims.— philharmonic55
Comment removed.- The so-called "poll" is typical of the bigoted anti-Catholic Philadelphia newspapers. Does the editorial board consider the four choices "fair and balanced?" There ARE other compelling reasons for voting "no" to extending the statute of limitations. But that wouldn't generate the results that The Inquirer is looking for.— NotYourTypicalBoorishPhillyFan
- Comment removed.
- Spread, you can lose the Catholic Church, just don't lose your faith over an institution, which has betrayed so many. — gxel
- What does one expect from this institution?
The same people who demonize contraception to poor nations, yet is perfectly fine having the children live a life of extreme poverty and starvation. Hypocrisy, thy name is religion.....— Owatagoofiam - Clearly he will oppose it as the Catholic Church is one of, if not the, most vulernable entity if this legislation passes. Unfortunately, Chaput fails to acknowledge ALL victims of abuse, which this legislation includes, NOT just people abused by representatives of the Catholic Church. Everyone needs to take action and show their support for this bill - we are supposed to be part of a democracy and if the public supports it, then it should be passed.— SJBMN
I am not surprised by this one bit, The Catholic Church has been covering this up for over 100 years, and it's didn't start here, Ireland was one of the first places it was eported, see a film called The Magadelene Sisters aznd you will get a full understanding of the shame of this....- They want to install a window?...what?, like a peep show...that's just sick!— Gray Areas
- Of course, Chaput opposes a sex abuse window.
There is no way that he or any bishop or church official ever wants to get subpoenaed to sit on that witness stand and dare to tell the truth.
If victims are allowed to have their day in court, documents could be subpoenaed, and bishops could land themselves in jail for enabling and endangering the lives of children.
These guys are not dumb, in fact the are very cunning and self serving.
Hopefully the Pennsylvania legislators will not listen to a word these bishops claim, They have spent thousands of dollars lobbying and fighting statute of limitations reforms against sex crimes throughout the US.
Kids are still no safer today, than they were 10 years ago.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511
snapjudy@gmail.com
"Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests" and all clergy.
http://www.snapnetwork.org/
— SNAPJudy - Who is Chaput to stand in the way of the 90 percent of victims having their day in court who are NOT clergy abused?? 90 percent of victims re abused by family --uncles, fathers, brothers, etc. Please go to www.justice4pakids.com and learn more about our cause in getting house bills 878/832 passed in State of Reps and our one main road block- state reps like Ron Marsico heavily influenced by the Catholic Church's positions on SOLs.
Maureen Martinez, Co Founder
www.justice4pakids.com
Maureen Martinez— maureenmartinez
