Diocese abuse claims double
Published Thursday, January 8, 2009
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Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — Since the Fairbanks Catholic Diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy March 1, the number of people alleging sexual abuse by priests and church workers has more than doubled.
In the nine months following the diocese’s reorganization filing and a court imposed Dec. 2 deadline to file further abuse claims, another 152 people came forward filing similar allegations with the court. The latest tally is 292 claimants.
Previous to filing for reorganization, the Fairbanks diocese had settled with 23 victims.
“We’re still getting calls. There still are other claimants out there,” said Anchorage attorney Ken Roosa, who with law firm partner Chris Cooke and California attorney John Manley represent approximately 80 percent of the people who have come forward alleging sexual abuse by Catholic clergy dating from the 1950s to 1980s.
New offenders also are listed among the most recent sexual abuse claims, Roosa said.
The Fairbanks diocese is now legally protected from further claims, Roosa said, but victims can still levy legal claims against the Society of Jesus which provides priests for the northern Alaska mission diocese.
Although the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) settled 110 Alaska Native claims of clerical sexual abuse with a $50 million agreement in November 2007, there is no time bar, Roosa said.
According to Ronnie Rosenberg, the diocese’s legal coordinator, the diocese is still working on liquidating assets, selling things and getting appraisals to meet Chapter 11 requirements.
“These are complex cases with a lot of people trying to garner assets and figure out a plan,” Rosenberg said.
“We’re trying to figure out how this can happen so the diocese can continue to operate and the plaintiffs can get compensated. It’s in everyone’s interest to have that happen.”
Community Discussion
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“We’re trying to figure out how this can happen so the diocese can continue to operate and the plaintiffs can get compensated. It’s in everyone’s interest to have that happen.”
How is it in everyone's interest to continue to allow a sexually abusive institution to operate? Close down the churches. Nothing but bad happens there.
glow, I respectfully disagree. Yes, "bad" happens there. Along with a heck of a lot of good. You're suggesting to throw the baby out along with the bath water.
I'm suggesting that there are far better alternatives than that. No, don't close down the churches. Yes, eradicate the problems. And yes, allow them to continue doing the good work that they've been doing for the community for a long, long time now.
As an institution, I don't agree with a lot of tenants of Catholicism. That doesn't mean that good things don't come from the Church.
There is definite need for change within the Catholic church, it needs to come into the 21st century.
I think that anyone who can say that nothing good comes from the Church have the same problems as the people who can't tell the difference between Muslims and terrorists.
It is too bad the state of alaska cannot step in as a Guardian of the students as a whole. After all, Alaska seems to have been a dumping ground for "problem" priests. As residents of Alaska the state has and obligation to protect its residents - maybe the state law department needs to begin preforming background investigations of all priests.
What good has the church done that would make up for sexual abuse? Please tell me. I really want to know.
Brainwashed children into thinking whatever they experience there is OK.
There are proven cases of abuse and no excuse for this immoral behavior. Then I wonder how many of these "victims" were actually "abused" and are not just out to get a potful of money.
CPW
I agree with glow - shut it down! At minimum strip them of any tax free status and let them be the business they are - then let the people decide if they want to continue to be a part of the institution. Although - sadly enough like other abusive relationships, people will continue to go back due to a false feeling of obligation or belonging.
Scripture never speaks of allowing such a abuses to happen - rather the exact opposite. The Word speaks quite boldly against these actions. The church is to be a place of fellowship, breaking bread and prayer Acts 2:42 - not of unspeakable immorality.
Nativeson said "What good has the church done that would make up for sexual abuse? Please tell me. I really want to know."
My question is "What good can money do that would make up for sexual abuse? Please tell me. I really want to know."
By all means lock up the perpetrators, but I don't understand suing churches. Where do people think that money comes from? And who are these litigations really hurting? and helping?
I'll answer the last question.. lawyers.
amen, NP79
These abuse claims stem from decades old incidents, long since been handled by the church as a whole. Today's CBNA had nothing to do with the terrible acts, but is accepting responsibility, ... something I hear none of you admit. How much further into the 21st century would be enough for you?
Good for the courts to limit this free for all! There needs to be a limit. For those who really were molested, I am deeply sorry this happened to you. You who are lying, are your own worst enemies, May you suffer the most incurable insomnia until you PUBLICLY CONFESS and make restitution!
I'm inclined to think that this is just another persecution the church must endure......Sue crazy liars. There's no way I'll believe nearly 300 people were sexually abused by the Fairbanks diocese from 1950 to 1980. There would have been arrests made! Sorry, no WAY. Next we'll hear they operated Friday night orgies and a diocese drug ring!
Maybe 100 victims in 30 years, but that's really a stretch.
People are following the call of MONEY! This really is soooo wrong. It demeans the real claims, (and there ARE real claims I would never say there weren't.) and probably charges innocent people. I hope liars don't get a dime, and that the false accusers own crimes are exposed. EVERY one of them, little and small. May they in turn must use all of their ill gotten money to defend THEMSELVES.
Alaskansheilah: your comment should be a clear illustration of why it was so hard for people to come forward. For my own protection, I must say, I have learned to call the police at any overt (including covert - know what I mean?) harassment - so folks, don't go there. I do, however, want to point out that alaskansheilah's comment is a clear illustration of the irrational pressure that exists that in very large part is responsible for allowing the behaviors to continue. Ditto the slandar and defamation of innocent victims. Also pls take into account the self-righteousness of many associated w churches. Those who are know it; those who aren't know it. The same stds we employ in daily life need to be held for clergy and all in any way associated w churches. Pretty simple, really.
Isn't there a statute of limitations on these cases? And are they suing the church only or the priests who committed the crime?
buboy --- Right!
There was once something that happened to me, that was quite brutal, cruel, and totally uncalled for. It's no one's business what.
But between my rage, and misguided guilt, I wanted to end my suffering. I've never been Catholic, but some of the kindest friends I ever had were. One came to mind who I hadn't seen in a very long time. She was very smart, so when I tried to imagine what she would do herself, I remembered she always went to confession on Saturdays.
It was a Saturday that I wanted to throw myself in front of a speeding semi-truck, and aimed to do just that that day. But in the memory of my friend, I thought just once I'd follow one of her examples. So, I went to confession. Yeah, me...the wild one!
I bared my soul to that priest who no doubt thought me insane. Today, he'd have either turned me away, called the cops, or recommended therapy. I do think this one in addition to his spiritual guidance, told me I needed the later, but this priest didn't try to wash his hands of my problems. NOPE.
He noted my problems, my fear, my shame, and my rage, and asked me if I had rage for Jesus? Did I feel that my GOD failed to protect me? Did I deserve an answer to my questions? I thought he was a cop for all the questions he asked, and in a way he was. GOD'S cop. He explained to me that I was indeed attacked by Satan and was still under that attack, as I was intending to do the vilest crime any mortal can do!
That instead of having "my day of judgment" I would not see heaven. Meet with Jesus or GOD, but go straight to hell!! nor would I ever know WHY such a thing could have happened to me. If I thought then, that the world held me accountable for a horror that I did not ask for, or do anything to deserve. If I did away with myself, the whole universe would have no pity on me. For my rage would do to Christ, worse than had been done to me. Worse than what most murder victims have done to them. I would be guilty of crucifying my savior all over again; For something HE didn't do, and worse in not giving HIM the opportunity to fix.
I was stunned! I was ashamed! I never realized till that day how much I meant to Jesus. I never before thought that I could hurt GOD (or anyone else for that matter, self centered as I am) But I was still angry and prideful enough to have the attitude of: "Oh no, GOD father of Christ, (I had yet to realize they are the same) you WON'T get off that easy! You're going to answer me, oh yes you are!" But the idea of killing myself absolutely vanished! And through the years, mistakes, hardship, and loss, the thought has never again surfaced.
To this day I know that priest told no one about what I told him. But over the years through all the joy, happiness, and victories I've been able to manage, I've never forgotten that day, and that priest who saved my life from a dire mistake. So, from a non-catholic: Here types just a minuscule example, of WHAT GOOD THE CHURCH HAS DONE.
So, basically speaking, the priest lied to Sheilah, threatened her, and finally shamed her back into reality.
Seems like a good therapist could have done the same without the threats of hellfire and damnation and without molesting kiddies on the side.
Priests are extremely good at manipulating people's minds - they do it for a living. This, of course, is why they have traditionally been so good at getting away with molestation and other atrocities over the years.
I am VERY sorry Autumnimprove if I insult you're sensitivity. Really. But here is someone who has served the public in Alaska for over 37 years. In several capacities. Even the bars. I may not know everyone in Alaska personally, but I've dealt with enough of them, overheard their conversations, watched them closely enough to know the LOVE of GREED they harbor! If it really happened, why haven't they come forth sooner?! It's NOT like it's the 1950s anymore! People have been emancipated since the 70s here! We're not talking innocent children here! We're talking full grown, average, sinful adults. In a less than idyllic economy. I don't deny there HAVE been victims! There HAVE. But, I have seen the greed, I've seen the mistakes, and dishonesty, and heard the lies....and this SMACKS STRAIGHT OF IT!
Sheilah - De Nile ain't just a river in Egypt you know...
NEWSREADER, You're evil. How dare you say I was lied to or manipulated by the one person to care enough whether I lived or died?I wasn't manipulated, I was compassionately counseled. And I dare say, that priest was more effective than any number of psychiatrists. Not only more effective, but didn't charge me a penny, as a priest does what they do for the love of GOD and humanity. And he didn't molest me either!
Sweetheart, it's the 1950s everywhere, in some respects. And that's one thing they count on.
Tis YOU in denial Newsreader.
It really is a shame when a person in a position of respect and trust misuses their position. It creates an irreparable breach of community trust. If we could seperate the indviduals from the church and give them a face, rather than blame the church as a whole, this problem would be solved and the victims would be appeased. Also, if these men had a face it would more difficult for the false persecutors to follow through with their accusations.
Such a wonderful society we have that promotes vengeance, greed, and denies people the gift and sanctity of being able to forgive in doing so, Autumimprov. Pushing them back in time to relive their injustices long gone, and possibly in to not being able to move forward again.
Though rapists and usurpers deserve to be met with justice. Is it right to bring down the entire community in which they dwell? Just because they were allowed to dwell there?
What today's society is allowing is persecution of innocents! It's like annihilating the city of Fairbanks for the current 1000 thugs in it. That is what is being promoted here.
Bring down the diocese because there were 4 evil men who worked there! Is what I'm reading. I find it appalling. Me, who has every reason to have compassion and sympathy for the (real) victims. Me, that's how I'm seeing this. I speak for no body else.
Where were all of these claims before there was money involved???
If someone is still hurt from these abuse cases why doesn't the church pay for their therapy? I'll tell you why, because a new house and a vacation heals better.
Sheilah says, "Though rapists and usurpers deserve to be met with justice. Is it right to bring down the entire community in which they dwell? Just because they were allowed to dwell there?"
Hmmm... well, just ask Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Hamas this question... Seems to me that America has NO PROBLEM whatsoever in destroying entire communities (NATIONS!) which allow "terrorists" to dwell in them. Why should we treat the harboring of rapists by the Catholic Church any differently?
Does anyone know if ANY of these priests are actually going to do time? Or is the church just going to pay people off to avoid criminal prosecution?
It's interesting the amount of hate and disgust I see on here in regards to the Catholic church.
I think we need to take a step back and really think about the things we're saying. There are several things I see:
First, I think it's obvious that a number of priests have taken advantage of the trust and authority given to them out of our respect for the church. HOWEVER, this is a small number of priests. A small number. We'd all like to say that priests should be held to a higher standard and that their actions are inexcusable. But they're only human. It's natural that a few bad seeds end up in the bunch. Much like teachers, or even parents that abuse their children...just because one father abuses his child...doesn't mean that all parents should be held responsible for that individual's actions. The number of good priests far, far, far outweigh the number of priests that have committed these crimes. Though the media would have you see differently...
Second, the diocese has stepped up and is taking responsibility for their role in this situation. What more do we want them to do? They are doing what they can to help those who have been harmed...
Some are going to say...too little too late. Well you know, hindsight is always 20/20. What matters is what they're doing now. From what I see, they are trying...
Lastly, our diocese does amazing things for people. The people that make up the churches do amazing things. There is more love, and support and charity to be found on any given day. There are good things done within the church everyday...though they might not make the front page of the paper.
I feel sorry for the people that have had to go through this situation...both the victims, and those left to deal with the repercussions of those long gone.
My thoughts are with you.
Why Newsreader, Thank you for reiterating in you own way, my point. But this isn't one of the thousands of forums delving in the atrocities of war in the Middle East, so I will refrain from posting my disdain on the Arab nations and the horrors they've been doing to their own citizens and patriots, or Hamas, Jordan, Palestine,and Pakistan have been doing in Gaza and Israel. Meet you in the appropriate blogs for this topic..
pennyisprecious-
There is no "statute of limitations" on lawsuits.
The church covered up the abuse claims and didn't want any of it in the "open", now- they can't "hide" it anymore and are paying the price.
It's nice to know some of you would rather absolve the church and allow them to get away with such things as rape, than allow people that were sexually abused and have had a lifetime of pain from it to get some kind or "re-compensation", what a bunch of pigs you are.
Part 1 of 2:
I write to declare that there is hope for those hoe hurt and for others more understanding of this evil.
I grieve in personal pain every time I see more of these stories. My heart ache for the victims who were damaged so deeply; who were hurt, in ways beyond human comprehension, by people they were entrusted for their care. Evil occurs even where humans normally would expect only holy things to happen; and when this evil comes to knowledge most are hit with shocking, deep and lasting pain. Some of you reading this might say: Oh! This guy, from the village, don’t have any idea what the hell he is talking about. I some ways I don’t but I can tell you that I am very familiar with the pain. Many years ago, when people who knew that I had spent several years at Holy Cross as a child, would asked me how it was for me there I would respond, (not knowing any better answer), “I think that when I die I’m going to end up in heaven because I already spent time in hell.” Yes, how I do know the pain of those who were hurt.
While I am grateful for the Mission caring for me as a child when no one else would (or could) take that responsibility I also resent in disgust how those who were operating the Mission intentionally hid from their own followers this evil that was happening under their system of care. Come to find out later many of the followers knew what was going on but chose not do anything about it; many even fell to denial that any such evil was even happening. (That is emblematic of people who feel powerless to do anything about it.)
Many of those who have been so wretchedly hurt could not endure and suffered greatly as a result of not being able to cope with their afflictions. For me, maybe by the grace of God, I was able to not retain the memory of many of those occurrences of abuse. I guess I denied that they actually happened so many times I began to believe that they really did not happen. Each time (even today) that such a memory would flash before me I would try hard to think of something else that was much more pleasant. (Now days, I just immediately remind God of His promise to carry this burden for me and then I rest knowing that He is.) I can recall, after I was back in the village and living with parents I tried to tell but each time I felt consumed with shame for myself and sometimes thought who would believe me anyway; so I kept all of it inside. Oh, I was able to cope but inside I hurt and later I realized the deep underplaying anger in me.
Part 2 of 2:
Anger is an awesome creature. It could be lived unconcealed or in ways that are more overt. For me it was the later. I became angry at God (Whom I still believe exists.) for allowing such things to happen. I was mad at my mom for getting too sick to care for me. I was mad at dad for allowing me to be in such a place. I was mad at any church person wearing black or brown gowns. And at some I would cringe in my gut when I recall their faces. I was mad at myself for some times, when those things were happening, I would enjoy that special attention. I thank God that He did not allow my anger to consume me and He ultimately helped me deal with it so that I could live a fuller life.
Forgiveness is an awesome gift from God. Understanding and trusting application of biblical principals in this area has proved out blessed results in my life. I wish I had the skill to write a book on His concept of personal inner healing so that I could bless you with the same joy I now have in my daily living. I end with saying: “There is hope available and that hope comes from above”.
"Alaska:§12.10.020 – Offenses committed against someone under 18 may be commenced at ANY time."
LostAlaskan...you state, "It's nice to know some of you would rather absolve the church and allow them to get away with such things as rape, than allow people that were sexually abused and have had a lifetime of pain from it to get some kind or "re-compensation", what a bunch of pigs you are.
I don't think anyone is suggesting that we just let them off the hook. I personally, have a problem with blaming an entire group for the actions of certain individuals.
Since March 1st, the number of complaints have doubled? It makes me question the truthfulness of some of these allegations. It's easy to jump on to a cause when you see dollar signs in the future.
It also diminishes those claims that have real value. Some people were hurt...is it 292 people? I don't know. All I do know, is that it is very easy to accuse someone of abuse...especially after those accused have died...and can no longer defend themselves.
One other point...
as much as I feel for the victims (and I sincerely do) I also feel bad for the priests that are left to deal with this situation.
People that weren't involved (some not even born) during this period of time. They are left to deal with the stigma and the consequences of this situation. A situation they had nothing to do with...
It would be nice to see a little compassion for these men...
Amen Village of Choice. YOU I believe.
Yes Lost Alaskan. But Lawsuits DO have a statute of limitations.
Whereas Criminal charges for RAPE do NOT. Under or over the age of 18. CRIMINAL CHARGES aren't lawsuits.
Should priests go to jail for committing crimes? Esp. Rape. Absolutely YES. Just like any other human.
Should the Church and other priests and clergy be ruined because of something completely out of their control? NO.
Thanks for the vent. And thanks to NoraUrels, Euphie and Justmyopinion for confirming that my view doesn't make me some form of a freak.
The Catholic Church is one of the most oppressive institutions on this planet. It is also the longest lived bureaucracy, and one of the wealthiest institutions in the world. The Vatican is treated like a nation, even has its own place in the United Nations. It has oppressed anyone who is different for centuries. It oppressed women, oppressed children, oppressed people with disabilities, oppressed non-Catholics, non-Christians. It is responsible for 400 years of witchburnings, the Inquisition, the Crusades, and now, we discover, responsible for covering up and perpetuating the sexual abuse of thousands of innocent children.
How much more evidence do we need to decide to eliminate this oppressive institution? I say seize the assets of the church, auction the resources off, and distribute the funds to all who were abused by the Church. That would include all women, homosexuals, deaf people, Native people, handicapped people, everyone who has ever attended church or confession or any other ritual that resulted in feeling sinful and shamed like alaskansheilah.
If you read the accounts of the abuse victims, you will see that it's not about the money for them. It's about being heard, listened to, and believed. And it's about stopping an institution that covered up the acts of abusive employees, and made victims out to be the real criminals.
Given the average amount of victims per pedophile seems to fall in the 140 to 260 range in a pedophiles lifetime I can see how there can easily be over 300 victims. My uncle had at least 30 victims within our family alone and I'm sure there are many more we don't know about.
http://www.yellodyno.com/Statistics/stat...
Glow - excellent posting.
Please remember at the very least that the church turned a blind eye to these crimes and at times even protected the priests and transferred many to remote areas which enabled them to continue molesting and raping their young victims. I'd say they are just as accountable as the pedophiles in their employ.
For years the Catholic Church COVERED UP cases of abuse, they were more worried about protecting their "reputation" than helping the people abused at the hands of THEIR priests AND nuns.
Maybe if the Church had taken responsibility for its own instead of trying to sweep everything under the rug they wouldn't have left themselves open to this lawsuit and subsequent defamation of the entire clergy.
Besides, IS money the most important thing to the Catholic Church?
Does it cost money to pray for forgiveness?
You guys are fools if you don't think the other clergy know this stuff is/was going on. This whole 'club': quite the club. Interesting the way they 'work' everybody, in various ways. Easiest thing in the world to do, from what I've seen. And there are quite a few sycophants who support various aspects of this garbage. Like I said, they should all -- all -- be held to the same standard everybody else is. Pretty simple.
For all of you who have never experienced sexual abuse as
a child, you simply cannot measure the pervasive damage
done to the victim.
The after effects of sexual abuse last a lifetime.
Sexual abuse by a religious authority figure adds the
additional layer of insult because this person represents
the agent of God to the child. Can you imagine what that
does to the forming mind and developing soul of a person?
I know people in their 60s who still are debilitated from
such behaviors done to them. Not just a little messed up,
but debilitated, as in not able to function in society,
because their coping skills were smashed and broken and
they never could get them back. Their emotional spine had
been crushed and severed, a condition rarely fixable and
leading to all kinds of paralysis and debilitation.
I also know many who were sexually abused who simply did not
make it to a ripe age, who died way too young, unable
to find a way out of this unspeakable pain and damage,
so they turned to lifestyles filled with self medication
by drugs and alcohol. I know others who are in prison
because they modeled the only behavior they saw and became
abusers themselves.
Another layer of damage is then done by
being disbelieved by people when the abused person
comes forward. Families deny, the abused person is
often ostracized from the family. Accuse a priest??
Guess who is usually believed. And then to be accused
of being in it for the money? How many layers of
damage can be done to one victim?
The role of organized religion in this situation, with
its arrogance, air of superiority and authority,
and its head in the sand attitude, is a whole nother probem.
This is the topic of our age in the 21st century: How do
we get (or is it even possible any more to get)
these ancient institutions to serve the spiritual truths and
needs of humanity, rather than self servingly perpetuate
thier own selfish needs, inflexible and clinging to ancient
methods and beliefs that obviously serve neither truth
nor human spiritual need any more? And how do we deal with
human beings who represent God, humans filled with imperfections
and defects, who inevitably will fail to live up to the
highest spiritual ideals?
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