Clergy Abuse

A recent interview with an esteemed writer at The Guardian — who also is an alumnus of the Crescent City’s Jesuit High School (JHS) — revealed the extreme tactics the Archdiocese of New Orleans has gone to avoid paying settlements to survivors of childhood sexual...

A lot of evangelical churches have developed a set of beliefs, values and practices around sexual abstinence and modesty – stressing the importance of sexual purity until marriage. By and large, this purity culture – along with all the pledges, rings, modest clothing...

When a child experiences sexual abuse, many of them keep the abuse a secret for years. In fact, some are haunted as adults by the fact that they did not fight back against the violence that was done to them and were, instead, somewhat or entirely passive toward their...

Going to church should be a positive experience that enables you to worship the deity of your choice. Most churches are led by pastors or preachers. Because they’re in a position of power, they’re expected to uphold certain values and morals. Unfortunately, there are...

In August, a Louisiana appeals court ruled that the “lookback window” for victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits against the Catholic Church is constitutional. The law took effect in 2021, so victims and survivors have until June 14, 2024, to file claims under...

Unfortunately, clergy sexual abuse is still a widespread problem. Instead of condemning their own, many churches cover up such wrongdoings, making these issues harder to resolve. When church leaders look the other way, it can allow abusers to continue their harmful...

In the past, Catholic churches quietly protect sexually abusive priests by transferring them to different parishes to preserve their reputation. Similarly, some pastors have moved between churches, abusing children and adults. In some cases, churches have even...

Like many states, Missouri has experienced Roman Catholic priests abusing children entrusted to their care. After a year-long investigation, the state’s attorney general Eric Schmitt announced that 12 men are being referred to proper officials for a determination of...

Countless reports have documented the historic prevalence of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Behind each report is a victim who suffered unspeakable traumas. While the dynamics involved in sexual abuse are complex and difficult to fully understand, experts...

Thirty-three states exempt clergy from reporting information about allegations of child sexual abuse to law enforcement or child welfare professionals if the church considers the information to be privileged. That loophole represented a free pass to predators...