Judge Upholds All Charges Against Philly Priests; Trial Going Forward; Gag Order Imposed

WashingtonPost.com ^ | March 25, 2011 | AP

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Three Roman Catholic priests, an ex-priest and a teacher are heading for trial in a sex abuse case after a Philadelphia judge upheld all charges.

The judge is denying defense lawyers the chance to fight the evidence at a preliminary hearing.

Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes says a 124-page grand jury report demonstrates probable cause, even on newly added conspiracy charges. She is also issuing a gag order.

The case is drawing attention because prosecutors for the first time charged a church official with child endangerment for allegedly transferring problem priests to new parishes. Monsignor William Lynn faces up to 28 years in prison if convicted.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Once again, it’s Friday.

Wonder why the “gag order?”

[Invincibly Ignorant]

go get em

[arderkrag]

Wonder why the “gag order?”

sex abuse

Well, you put two and two together.

[marshmallow]

Wonder why the “gag order?”

Easy.

From Judge Issues Gag Order in Monsignor's Conspiracy Case;

Citing the "extraordinary amount" of media attention to the case, which has included television and radio appearances by lawyers and defendants in the case, Hughes imposed a gag order and barred all parties in the case from talking to reporters until at least the April 15 arraignment.

"There are to be no more interviews with anyone," she said. "I don't want tweets. I don't want Facebook. I don't want to see any of you on Chris Matthews," a reference to District Attorney Seth Williams who appeared recently on the show.

[count-your-change]

The judge may want to keep comments from either side “tainting” the jury pool or planting stories in the newspapers or providing grounds for appeal needlessly. Or all of the above.

[mockingbyrd]

Glad to see the enablers are facing consequences as well. It’s an alarming lack of common sense exhibited. Goes to show that one can be a faithful believer, but still be dumber than a box of rocks or worse.

[Venturer]

The enablers who hide these people are more than likely guilty of the same act. If found guilty hang them. If the Church refuses to do something about these people, it’s time the courts did.

[RnMomof7]

The case is drawing special attention because prosecutors for the first time charged a church official for allegedly transferring predator priests to new parishes without warning, thereby exposing more children to them.

It is about time those that facilitated this crime are held responsible and a party to the crime

[Dr. Scarpetta]

The five priests were ordered to return to court for formal arraignment April 15. All have signaled their intent to fight the charges.

I find it interesting that no one is admitting anything. Does that means at the trial, their lawyers will more or less be calling the male victims liars?

[Salvation]

 

Jesus. High Priest

 

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.

Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem.  He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.

St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

“Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes told defense attorney Richard DeSipio that she’s received information that might make him a WITNESS because of events that occurred while he was a seminarian.”

http://www.courthousenews.com/2011/03/25/35265.htm

[RnMomof7]

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

Is there a "Patron Saint" for Children sexually abused by priests?

Because it seems to me it is the victims that need prayer , the guilty need a prison cell

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Is there a "Patron Saint" for Children sexually abused by priests?

Because it seems to me it is the victims that need prayer , the guilty need a prison cell

Astounding, isn't it? Certainly shows where Roman Catholics' hearts lie.

"And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity." -- Jeremiah 9:5

[Dr. Eckleburg]

I find it interesting that no one is admitting anything. Does that mean at the trial, their lawyers will more or less be calling the male victims liars?

It means all they can do is deny, deny, deny.

Until they're forced to fork over billions of dollars (three billion and counting) to pay for the sins of their priestcraft.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

She hasn't done such a great job of protecting children in the Roman Catholic church from its pederast priests, men for whom you are offering prayers of thanks.

No wonder this corruption only grows.

[metmom]

The judge may want to keep comments from either side “tainting” the jury pool or planting stories in the newspapers or providing grounds for appeal needlessly. Or all of the above.

I guess that is how the Vatican deals with sex abuse within it's ranks, still going on a thousand years later.

Google up St. Peter Damian's Book of Gomorrah. It'll even take you to a FR thread.

[metmom]

Homosexual abuse has been going on in the Catholic church for a thousand years now.

St. Peter Damian’s Book of Gomorrah: Homosexual Situation Graver than Damian’s Time
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/929551/posts

Is there some reason why Catholics all of a sudden expect people to believe that they’re finally really serious about addressing the issue?

[metmom]

Seems that they have one for everything but that.

Very telling, that.

Maybe Peter Damian, one of the few Catholics who spoke out against sexual immorality, a thousand years ago.

[metmom]

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

You're praying this prayer for the abusive priests? Holiness like they've displayed? Their example? Follow God's will?

just..... wow......

Do you pray for the abused as diligently?