Day: June 17, 2015

One of the consequences of claiming moral superiority while hiding pedophile priests is that followers stop following.  Read more:

Fall from grace: Why Nienstedt had so little support among Twin Cities Catholics

The courage of Richard Geary is self-evident.  In his recent column in the Missoulian, Richard speaks out about priest abuse he endured as a naive country boy, its effects on his life, his journey through the Helena Bankruptcy case, and his empathy for survivors still living in silence and shame, “The ones I pity are those who still can’t admit to anyone what happened to them. God help them in their silence and undeserved shame.”

Richard’s case was about more than the limited resources the Helena Diocese had to pay claims.  It was about breaking the silence and speaking out for justice, reform and protection of children.   Because of Richard and hundreds of other survivors like him, the Diocese has acknowledged its wrongful conduct, the legitimacy of survivor claims, and has instituted policies and procedures for the protection of children in the future.  As one client told me, “If my coming forward and bringing this case with you saves one child from the harm I went through, it will have all been worth it.”  To Richard and all our Helena clients:  you have and will save children from harm; you have and will alter the bad behavior of  an institution; you have exposed the truth and changed the course of Montana history.

Read Richard’s Column here: http://missoulian.com/lifestyles/hometowns/richard-geary-catholic-priest-took-advantage-of-innocence/article_2d0dda7c-125c-5890-b4dd-5e7956e549fd.html

From the Sartribune:  Archbishops Harry Flynn and John Nienstedt couldn’t be further apart in beliefs and style, but now they are inexorably linked in the sex scandals and criminal charges that have rocked the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Read More:  http://www.startribune.com/nienstedt-not-the-only-one-culpable-in-church-sex-scandal/307751591/

From the Trinity News Daily:  After years of sexual abuse allegations, the Catholic Church is finally taking serious action against churchmen in high positions around the world.

Read More:  http://www.trinitynewsdaily.com/pope-francis-signs-resignation-of-u-s-bishops-accused-of-sexual-abuse-cover-up/2564/