Press Release: Judge dismisses historic child sexual abuse case involving Vatican’s role in clergy abuse cover-up

Aug
20
2012
Documents: | 2:28 PM          

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Press Release

Monday, August 20, 2012

Contact Jeff Anderson:  612.817.8665

Judge dismisses historic child sexual abuse case involving Vatican’s

role in clergy abuse cover-up

Attorney says appeal is definite

Statement of Jeff Anderson re:  John V. Doe v. Holy See

(Portland, Oregon)“We are saddened and disappointed that after ten years in the federal courts, United States District of Oregon Judge Michael W. Mosman dismissed the historic lawsuit (John V. Doe v. Holy See) brought by clergy abuse victim John V. Doe against the Vatican for its role in the cover-up and secrecy of the clergy abuse crisis in America.

However, be assured that we will be appealing this decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Along with courageous survivor John V. Doe, we have been there before, and prevailed, and we expect to prevail again.*

In making his ruling Judge Mosman’s thoughtful remarks from the bench clearly expressed his difficulty in deciding the case as he referred to the case as very troubling and a close call. But he ultimately decided that under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) there was insufficient evidence to decide that the Vatican has both directional and operational control over priests in the United States.  The Judge also acknowledged that there would likely be an appeal of his decision.

Indeed, I can confirm that there will be an appeal.  We believe that under further scrutiny the courts will find that Vatican protocols and practice make it clear that obedience to Rome required the secrecy, and concealment practiced by priests and bishops as the clergy abuse crisis unfolded in the United States.

Finally, it is with renewed vigor that we must, and will, carry on this fight for transparency and accountability on behalf of John V. Doe and every single survivor of sexual abuse by a priest in this country and across the globe.”



*Note: Earlier in the case, Holy See claimed sovereign immunity from the suit and moved the court to dismiss the case.  However, both the Federal District Court and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Holy See’s motion.  As a result, the Holy See petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case on appeal and the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition. 

Contact Jeff Anderson:  612.817.8665      Mike Finnegan:  612.2055531      Marci Hamilton:  215.353.8984

 

See Original Document

Comments (3)

Cradle Catholic | 8/21/2012 | 3:39 PM

How can it be that a diocese gets orders directly from the Vatican, affecting even what music is played at Sunday Mass, and the name "Yahweh" has been banned in Catholic churches, yet, a priest is not considered an employee that takes orders? Perhaps a priest is more of an endentured servant & as such, has even MORE reliance on superiors than an employee? He NEEDS the 'system' for his room and board. I think that's why so many priests have friends that have been accused of molestation, even if the priest, himself, has not molested anyone. They know the rules and they play *by* the rules. A priest I know said, "I would jump through hoops, if Mother Church asked me to do that!" It was just to remain 'faithful' to Rome, and in response to the new liturgy. He sounded like an employee to me. Just tell them what to do, and they do it, because they are being PAID to do so. It's sad. The promise of obedience has been carried too far. It's not Scriptural. Even Paul questione

Sandra Stilling Seehausen | N/A | 8/21/2012 | 10:14 AM

Thanks for keeping up the good work, seeking justice ofr survivors of abuse. Surely the judges can see the hypocrisy of the hierarchy and wanting it both ways??? Sandra Stilling Seehausen, President Chicagoland VOTF

8/21/2012 | 10:12 AM

Thanks for continuing the fight. How can "they", the hierarchy, have it both ways? Surely the courts will come to see the hypocrisy???? Sandra Stilling Seehausen, president Chicagoland Votf

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