Expert: Church can investigate sex-abuse reports

PHILADELPHIA — An expert on Roman Catholic church law is testifying in the trial of a Philadelphia monsignor charged with endangering children during the priest sex-abuse scandal.

The Rev. Thomas Doyle says nothing in church law prevents church officials from fully investigating complaints, removing priests from their jobs during investigations or contacting civil authorities.

Philadelphia prosecutors say Monsignor William Lynn conspired with abusers and other church officials to keep church members and police in the dark about scores of sex-abuse complaints reported to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since about 1950.

Lynn could spend years in prison if convicted of conspiracy and child endangerment. He is the first Catholic church official in the U.S. charged for his administrative response to abuse complaints.

The trial is expected to last several months.

[rayward73446]

The catholic churh's continued efforts to protect pedifile priests is disgusting, disturbing and unlawful. They are not a police organization, and are completely self serving. The bishops are out to protect the church's reputation at all costs. The victims go on being victims because a lack of justice being served. Now these same bishops are starting a proaganda war to encourage catholics to disobey laws they consider unjust to the church, such as contraception. Who do they think they are? These actions are not the actions of a moral religious organization. The church has become corrupt with politics and deceit at the highest level.

[SNAPJudy]

Sadly the Philly Archdiocese is not unique in how the church officials handle sex crimes against innocent kids. Many other diocese need to be investigated by law enforcement for covering up these crimes.
Victims are still being ignored by the bishops, and our children are still not safe today.

Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511 <[e-mail]>
"Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests" and all clergy.