$50M priest abuse deal reached in Alaska

[geezerbob]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A Roman Catholic religious order has agreed to pay $50 million to more than 100 Alaska Natives who allege sexual abuse by Jesuit priests, a lawyer for the accusers said Sunday.

The settlement with the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus is the largest one yet against a Catholic religious order, said Anchorage lawyer Ken Roosa, who called it “a great day” for the 110 victims.

“These are people who were altar boys and altar servers and altar girls,” Roosa said. “These are people who tried to tell their story and in many instances were beaten or told to shut up and told, ‘How can you say such things about a man of God?’”

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071119/ap_on_re_us/church_abuse_alaska_4;_ylt=AuC8MA27vk5taSIdIaDL64YE1vAI

 

[davy39]

These abuse cases are like the energizer bunny, they just keep going and going and going. At least until the money runs out.

 

[Jodi]

I am from Alaska and this money while hard for the community is owed to these victims. We as a church did not do enough to prevent these horrible attrocities from being committed then we as a church now need to pay for the pain that we allowed. There were children born to these problem priests who never had a “father” in their lives because the mothers were told to stay quiet. I understand that these settlements are painful but so much the better so that we never allow the innocent to be victomized in such a manner again. This was a wake up call for the catholic church and sometimes I wonder if those who complain about the settlements really understand the pain physical, mental, and spiritual that we as a community of saints allowed to happen to our most vulnerable members.

 

[Mishi73]

Thank you for putting it so succinctly Jodi. I raise my hat to you.

Mishi

 

[whatevergirl]

I am from Alaska and this money while hard for the community is owed to these victims. We as a church did not do enough to prevent these horrible attrocities from being committed then we as a church now need to pay for the pain that we allowed. There were children born to these problem priests who never had a “father” in their lives because the mothers were told to stay quiet. I understand that these settlements are painful but so much the better so that we never allow the innocent to be victomized in such a manner again. This was a wake up call for the catholic church and sometimes I wonder if those who complain about the settlements really understand the pain physical, mental, and spiritual that we as a community of saints allowed to happen to our most vulnerable members.

I read your post earlier this morning, but didn’t have time to post back. I equally liked what you had to say. I will say though, that I don’t feel that the parishioners really knew what was happening…who I do blame is the RCC hierarchy who swept these things under their carpets.

 

[davy39]

I am from Alaska and this money while hard for the community is owed to these victims. We as a church did not do enough to prevent these horrible attrocities from being committed then we as a church now need to pay for the pain that we allowed. There were children born to these problem priests who never had a “father” in their lives because the mothers were told to stay quiet. I understand that these settlements are painful but so much the better so that we never allow the innocent to be victomized in such a manner again. This was a wake up call for the catholic church and sometimes I wonder if those who complain about the settlements really understand the pain physical, mental, and spiritual that we as a community of saints allowed to happen to our most vulnerable members.

Yes, I do understand the pain and suffering that the victims have gone through. All I’m saying that not all the cases that are awarded compensation are legitimate. Don’t you believe that there are some that are just along for the ride to gain settlements? I will admit that probably most of the cases are for real, but it is human nature for some to fake it, just for the money.

 

[whatevergirl]

Yes, I do understand the pain and suffering that the victims have gone through. All I’m saying that not all the cases that are awarded compensation are legitimate. Don’t you believe that there are some that are just along for the ride to gain settlements? I will admit that probably most of the cases are for real, but it is human nature for some to fake it, just for the money.

That’s with anything though. I think that the cases would have to be proven. I’m sure you just can’t raise your hand, make a claim, and a check is written to you. Probably years of psycho-analysis perhaps, from post traumatic stress, could be taken into consideration. Being addicted to alcohol, and showing where that stems from…or the person sharing such an incident with a loved one in the past–all probably come into question, (I’m just naming examples) when the investigators look into such situations as this.I would imagine that if someone had been through something like this–it messed up their entire life, in varying degrees. So, that’s probably what is looked at by someone doing an investigation. So, the likelihood of faking this–I’m sure people have thought about it, but if someone was assaulted as a child, something like that really messes with one’s mind for a lifetime…and most likely, there should be ways of proving the allegations. Just my thoughts.

 

[Mishi73]

davy39,

I quote you: “Yes, I do understand the pain and suffering that the victims have gone through. All I’m saying that not all the cases that are awarded compensation are legitimate. Don’t you believe that there are some that are just along for the ride to gain settlements? I will admit that probably most of the cases are for real, but it is human nature for some to fake it, just for the money.”

I must say that your comment is based on ignorance, and I’ve heard it many times. I’ve just been through this process and there is no way that you can possilby ‘fake’ it. Have you, by the way, ever been through this process also? If not (which I suspect so) you would realize that there are numerous factors taken into account:

1. Behaviour patterns since the time of the alleged assault
2. These behavioural patterns must be affirmed and recorded by the parents and people known to the person
3. Any record of self harm (you need to be able to prove it through a medical doctor or registered psychiatrist)
4. An psychological behavioural assessment has to be made for the Church
5. Several in depth statements of all the assaults have to be made before a panel of people - a very harrowing session lasting at least four hours where the alleged victim is cross-examined by the panel
6. It has to be proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the alleged guilty party has had innapropriate contact with the alleged victim
7. You have to go into explicit detail several times (at which time your response to the panel’s questioning is observed by a professional)
8. You have to swear on the Bible that all is true and correct so help me God, then you have to sign three statements
9. Then, the process STILL has to go to the local bishop
10. From there, you have to meet with him and affirm what you’ve said (so basically, go into the whole detail again)
11. It then goes to Rome where it is assessed by a panel of laywers and experts there.

That’s even before you get your lawyer!!! What I’ve just explained is only one part: it’s the church proceedings; you have to then be able to stand up in a court of law and go through the same thing - except you have both sides of the law attacking you. It’s certainly no easy process and they would see through you in two seconds flat, no questions about that.

So, to say that you can ‘fake’ this process is simply your ignorance speaking: to which I feel sorry for you. I’ve met many people with your attitude and I feel glad that you haven’t had to go through the same process. I’m glad for you that you haven’t had to be raped numerous times over several years - and no, it wasn’t just gentle ‘normal’ sex either - by a person you trusted; I feel glad for you that you’re not in the situation (20 years later) where your body doesn’t physically function normally due to the rape; I feel glad for you that your family hasn’t been torn apart by what happened; I feel happy for you that you haven’t wanted to die from the shame; and mostly, I feel glad that you haven’t had to feel like your life is a failure and you’ll never be good enough for you.

Think before you make a judgement on people and issues you don’t have any authority on. Your comments can make the difference between someone recovering or tipping someone over the edge. I only hope that if this happened to your son or daughter, you will be more supportive.

Peace brother.

 

[davy39]

davy39,

I quote you: “Yes, I do understand the pain and suffering that the victims have gone through. All I’m saying that not all the cases that are awarded compensation are legitimate. Don’t you believe that there are some that are just along for the ride to gain settlements? I will admit that probably most of the cases are for real, but it is human nature for some to fake it, just for the money.”

I must say that your comment is based on ignorance, and I’ve heard it many times. I’ve just been through this process and there is no way that you can possilby ‘fake’ it. Have you, by the way, ever been through this process also? If not (which I suspect so) you would realize that there are numerous factors taken into account:

1. Behaviour patterns since the time of the alleged assault
2. These behavioural patterns must be affirmed and recorded by the parents and people known to the person
3. Any record of self harm (you need to be able to prove it through a medical doctor or registered psychiatrist)
4. An psychological behavioural assessment has to be made for the Church
5. Several in depth statements of all the assaults have to be made before a panel of people - a very harrowing session lasting at least four hours where the alleged victim is cross-examined by the panel
6. It has to be proven beyond any reasonable doubt that the alleged guilty party has had innapropriate contact with the alleged victim
7. You have to go into explicit detail several times (at which time your response to the panel’s questioning is observed by a professional)
8. You have to swear on the Bible that all is true and correct so help me God, then you have to sign three statements
9. Then, the process STILL has to go to the local bishop
10. From there, you have to meet with him and affirm what you’ve said (so basically, go into the whole detail again)
11. It then goes to Rome where it is assessed by a panel of laywers and experts there.

That’s even before you get your lawyer!!! What I’ve just explained is only one part: it’s the church proceedings; you have to then be able to stand up in a court of law and go through the same thing - except you have both sides of the law attacking you. It’s certainly no easy process and they would see through you in two seconds flat, no questions about that.

So, to say that you can ‘fake’ this process is simply your ignorance speaking: to which I feel sorry for you. I’ve met many people with your attitude and I feel glad that you haven’t had to go through the same process. I’m glad for you that you haven’t had to be raped numerous times over several years - and no, it wasn’t just gentle ‘normal’ sex either - by a person you trusted; I feel glad for you that you’re not in the situation (20 years later) where your body doesn’t physically function normally due to the rape; I feel glad for you that your family hasn’t been torn apart by what happened; I feel happy for you that you haven’t wanted to die from the shame; and mostly, I feel glad that you haven’t had to feel like your life is a failure and you’ll never be good enough for you.

Think before you make a judgement on people and issues you don’t have any authority on. Your comments can make the difference between someone recovering or tipping someone over the edge. I only hope that if this happened to your son or daughter, you will be more supportive.

Peace brother.

Very nice comeback! I thought I would raise somebodys hackles with my comments. But I just have one questions:: How do you prove molestation beyond a reasonable doubt by a priest or nun, that has been dead for 40 years? They can’t defend themselves, can they? Buy the way, don’t call me ignorant. I was just making a comment. That’s what this forum is for, supposedly.

 

[Mishi73]

Hey davy39,

Sorry if I offended you - I said that the comment was based on ignorance, not that you are ignorant: that is…according to the American Heritage Dictionary:

ig·no·rance (ĭg’nər-əns): . The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed.

Meaning that the comments came from being uninformed on this issue. It is not meant as a personal attack against you as a person or your character.

On your second question:
" How do you prove molestation beyond a reasonable doubt by a priest or nun, that has been dead for 40 years? They can’t defend themselves, can they? "

That is up to the Church to decide. For the record, in my case, the priest denied doing anything wrong, but there was too much other evidence to prove otherwise.

I guess the church would take into account points 1-5 of my previous post. It’s been done numerous times before - and boy oh boy, the Church gets the best lawyers for the job! I know this from personal experience. They simply cannot afford to pay out people who are not guilty and will spend what they can to clear their name. If they thought a priest was not guilty, they would not pay the money out to the alleged victim as this is an admission of guilt.

For the record, I’ve refused compensation because in my personal opinion, if I’d taken the money, I would be accused of being a ‘gold-digger’. I earn my own money; that way, I don’t owe anyone anything - least of all, an explanation.

Peace, and have a great day.
Mishi.

 

[Dee_Dee_King]

This was a wake up call for the catholic church and sometimes I wonder if those who complain about the settlements really understand the pain physical, mental, and spiritual that we as a community of saints allowed to happen to our most vulnerable members.

first off, we’re not saints, we’re are mostly a church of sinners. if not, there wouldn’t be any need for the church. second, most of us had nothing to do with what those priests did. the biggest blame rests most heavily on the corrupt and worldly bishops who did not do their job and allowed this kind of filth into the church.

it’s not just catholic priests who commit these evil acts

Native American and Alaska Native women in the United States suffer disproportionately high levels of rape and sexual violence, yet the federal government has created substantial barriers to accessing justice, Amnesty International (AI) asserted in a 113-page report released today. Justice Department figures indicate that American Indian and Alaska Native women are 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than women in the United States in general

this kind of thing happens across the board and is just an indicator how sick our society is.

 

[MH84]

Seriously, whats going on here with all these child abuse cases. Enough is enough! We all are sinners, but harming children especially like this is terrible.

I think that this is why the ridiculing of Catholicism is happening in the media and is tolerated by the rest of society. Our religion has a very dignified history which is being tainted by all this stuff.

 

[davy39]

Hey davy39,

Sorry if I offended you - I said that the comment was based on ignorance, not that you are ignorant: that is…according to the American Heritage Dictionary:

ig·no·rance (ĭg’nər-əns): . The condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed.

Meaning that the comments came from being uninformed on this issue. It is not meant as a personal attack against you as a person or your character.

On your second question:
" How do you prove molestation beyond a reasonable doubt by a priest or nun, that has been dead for 40 years? They can’t defend themselves, can they? "

That is up to the Church to decide. For the record, in my case, the priest denied doing anything wrong, but there was too much other evidence to prove otherwise.

I guess the church would take into account points 1-5 of my previous post. It’s been done numerous times before - and boy oh boy, the Church gets the best lawyers for the job! I know this from personal experience. They simply cannot afford to pay out people who are not guilty and will spend what they can to clear their name. If they thought a priest was not guilty, they would not pay the money out to the alleged victim as this is an admission of guilt.

For the record, I’ve refused compensation because in my personal opinion, if I’d taken the money, I would be accused of being a ‘gold-digger’. I earn my own money; that way, I don’t owe anyone anything - least of all, an explanation.

Peace, and have a great day.
Mishi.

Mishi::: I believe I owe you an apology. At the time of my original posting, I was unaware that you were an abuse victim. My heart goes out to you. I do believe that it was a horrible thing that happened to you. My point was that knowing human nature and the times we live in, I think we can assume that there were some cases filed that turned out to be hoaxes. I’m sure the Chruch weeds out many of them beforehand. Even one case of abuse, whether it be by a minister, priest, teacher etc. is one too many. Again, I didn’t know you were a victim, and I apologize. Happy Thanksgiving. I believe in our Church even though it is filled with imperfect and frail human beings, whether it be a priest or a retired factory worker like me.

 

[Jodi]

Here in Alaska we already had a culture that looked the other way at times when children are molested and women are raped.Add the white vs native alaskan dimension and it really becomes a much trickier situation. We actually had a priest who fathered several children here in Alaska and avoided paying child support because all of his earnings went to his order. I believe the religious order is working on fixing that particular oversight. I know these settlements are painful and the money of many of the faithful are going towards a function that they did not intend. I just hope and pray that we as a church and a community will grow through these trials to make a culture that will prevent this from happening again. Its a painful lesson but I pray that we will learn the lesson well so that it never needs to be repeated.