Yet again...

...so there's another Priest being charged with sexual assault and other things stemming from quite a number of years ago. There are 40 charges as of now and he has been arrested. This time he's alive and will need to face these charges head on as opposed to many of the other cases where the accused had already passed away. Here's the article in the Yarmouth Vanguard today : http://www.thevanguard.ca/News/2011-01-24/article-2166200/40-sexual-assault-charges-laid/1

It's sad....I can't stress enough how sad this is. I know many people wonder why it takes someone so long to admit someone sexually abused them. We need to remember that this is a hard thing to admit and it seems like it's even harder to admit when the victim is male. There is a level of shame that goes along this this and I think that society has come a long way and that's why finally these people can come forward and not feel all that shame and guilt. I'm glad that we've reached this place. Unfortunately it seems like the Catholic Church is getting hit pretty hard these days with lots of allegations. It happens everywhere but I guess these stories are heavy in the news because it appears like many within the church structure knew what was going on and turned a blind eye to the matter. That was also part of the culture at the time, but should still be investigated as well. It's not right. Our kids need to feel safe. We need to protect them. Each and every one of us has an obligation to report anything we find suspicious...this can also be done anonymously and if the matter needs to go to court, only then will you be asked to reveal your identity. (**This is what i've been told in the past) I feel that if the matter was taken all the way to court then it would be important to come forward as clearly there are major red flags and likely your observations weren't totally incorrect - or at least gave you a valid reason for your concern.

I feel bad for the victims here and there is a publication ban on their identities. I'm glad they came forward, as hard as it is...and they do not need to be put through hell in the press so it's fine that they're identities are kept private. That's not important here...getting justice is important. WHen you read the article you'll see that this former priest moved from job to job ALL having major contact with children. It's sad...it's sad for everyone....and it's sad for others that haven't come forward yet and are reading these articles...