Posted on 06/30/2011 2:23:34 PM PDT by NYer
A former Sacramento priest and nationally known speaker has filed a lawsuit against the woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.
The Rev. John Corapi, who served as the director of Catholic Faith Formation in Sacramento in the 1990s, filed a lawsuit in the 11th Judicial District Court of Montana, where he now lives. He alleges that his accuser committed libel and that a letter she wrote to his religious superiors contained "numerous false, malicious and unprivileged statements" about the priest. He is suing for punitive and unspecified compensatory damages.
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests on Wednesday publicized Corapi's lawsuit, which was filed in April.
"I think it is reprehensible that he would sue her," said David Clohessy, national director of the victims rights group. "Clearly, he is trying to intimidate her." He said a priest suing his accuser is unusual.
Corapi could not be reached for comment.
Corapi is a popular and well-known Catholic speaker who appeared regularly on TV, where he celebrated Mass and delivered powerful homilies.
He was placed on administrative leave from the Corpus Christi Diocese in Texas after the accusations in March. The allegations did not involve minors, according to officials in the Corpus Christ Diocese. On June 17, Corapi resigned from public ministry.
In the lawsuit, Corapi said the success of his ministry depends on his reputation and his position of a priest in good standing.
Corapi was a well-liked priest who drew standing-room only crowds when he spoke. Sacramento diocesan officials told The Bee in March that they no longer have any connection to the priest.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
Ping!
It's mean of a priest to defend himself.
They are not supposed to do that!
The trial-lawyer lawsuit-lottery against the Church might be in danger if this becomes a trend.
Good for him .
As a Priest he probably couldn’t sue her, as a citizen he has every right and I hope he wins.
This woman has destroyed this mans ministry ,his life, and his good name ,and his only real way to get it back is to prove she lies.
I have no idea whether or not Corapi is guilty or innocent. And neither does Clohessy or SNAP. Clohessy just assumes Corapi is guilty. And that's why he and SNAP have lost all credibility.
All fairminded people understand the how vulnerable priests, scout leaders, and teachers all are to accusations that can destroy their lives and careers. All because someone sees an opportunity to make a few bucks.
Why the hell can’t he sue her? Way to go, Catholic priest. About time one of them has some balls. Take that - ‘victims rights group’.
Interesting. Maybe this is why he resigned from the priesthood—so he could countersue. I doubt whether the bishop would have let him do this, but now he is free to do so.
I’m still reserving judgment on this, but it will be fascinating to see what happens down the road.
As for SNAP, it’s primary interest is in making big money through lawsuits. It’s secondary interest is bashing the Catholic Church. And it’s tertiary interest, at most, is helping the victims.
Ambulance chasers, or in this case priest chasers. Most priests can’t fight back, and the church can always sell off its schools and hospitals to pay them plenty money—at the cost of Catholic parishioners and charities.
He said a bishop of renown recommended he take this step saying it would be the only way he could clear his name.
“”I think it is reprehensible that he would sue her,” said David Clohessy, national director of the victims rights group. “Clearly, he is trying to intimidate her.” He said a priest suing his accuser is unusual.”
LOL, it is reprhensible to defend oneself, I don’t think so.
Even if everything of which Fr. Corapi is accused were true, how is an adult woman who had a consensual sexual relationship with a man who was not her husband a “survivor” of “abuse”?
This kind of heavy breathing hysteria, as well as the demands for huge amounts of money, are an embarassment to any person of integrity. “I did something I shouldn’t have. Now give me millions!” This is a “victim”?
Agreed. Excellent post.
SNAP shows its true colors. Thus far their business model has been pretty safe.
Priests are not supposed to be having sex with ANYONE, consensual or not. So, yes, in a sense, these women are victims. Are you assuming these women are strong emotionally/spiritually?
Well, we know the case has no merit. After all, he’s accused of having sex with a WOMAN. According to the media, all priests are homosexual pedophiles. Because they “can’t marry”, of course.
Think about Fr. Corapi’s complaint - that the canonical courts are a crap shoot and wouldn't give him a fair shake.
It's clear that he was serious about that statement, in that he has sought out a court system with a modicum of justice in its process.
Furthermore, think about what he must do in a civil trial where he is claiming libel. He must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the statements made against him by the woman are false (among other things). This is more than the mere requirement of successfully defending against a charge - where the decent standard is innocence until proven guilty, and a successful defense need not prove innocence but merely cast into reasonable doubt the fact of guilt.
As you say, it will bear further following down the road, but if he is successful in his suit, then all his accusers will be required to eat crow. And go to confession in a very big way.
sitetest
Clohessy's professional career includes working as a community organizer in low income neighborhoods, and as a union organizer representing low wage workers. He has also done political and public relations consulting. Clohessy helped elect St. Louis' first African American mayor, later joining his communications staff. He also helped elect the city's first female prosecutor (Dee Joyce Hayes), and guided school districts and other public entities seeking tax and bond measures at the ballot box.
Wow first I am hearing of this I loved Fr corapi’s sermons/ lectures, I hope these are false accusations against him and he comes out of this even stronger.
As an employer this is an example why any one in authority in meeting with a female should record the conversation, have a door open or have another person in attendance. It is why most MDs have a nurse or aid with them
The accuser appears to be a close relative who is virtually penniless. I called the courthouse and spoke to the clerk.
A close relative to Corapi?
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