There are only a few days left until the Diocese of Scranton releases the information on the Bishop’s Victims Compensation Fund. I am confident that Bishop Bambera will over-promise and under-deliver to victims and their families. If you plan to make a claim against the Diocese of Scranton, watch their news release page for information. I expect the lies and blame deflection will flow from Bill Genello’s office as soon as the details of the “Independent Survivors Compensation Program” ooze out of the Chancery on Wyoming Avenue.
Look for requirements that will disqualify as many people with credible accusations as possible. If you were raped/molested/harmed by a priest in a religious order teaching in a Diocesan school, you might be out of luck. The Bishop will probably flick that booger towards the religious order and ignore that the crimes were committed within his curia. As in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, they will probably offer you the services of an attorney to help you navigate the rules of the fund. Please be aware, that the attorney being paid by the Diocese will not have your best interests at heart. If the Diocese is paying the bills, the lawyer is working for the Bishop and not for you. I strongly recommend that you get your own legal representation, working for your interests and yours alone.
The best bet in Pennsylvania is to enact legislation that opens a civil litigation window, sweeps aside the need for confidentiality agreements, and forces institutions like the Catholic Church to comply with laws protecting children and vulnerable adults. All victims should have the right to bring a claim in front of a judge. The format of the compensation funds is stacked to favor the Dioceses.
I have been reading some articles linked from sites like Catholics4Change.org or sent in from readers of this blog (thanks Barb!). I am going to offer you some links to spike your outrage or just leave you shaking your head at the myopic idiocy of Church leaders.
Abuse Talking Points Interrupt God’s Word
Can victim funds help heal wounds of Pa. church sex abuse scandal?
NY archdiocese issued suitability letter for priest under abuse investigation
Catholic abuse victims face new obstacle | Editorial
Business as usual in the Catholic Church
Ticking time bombs in the church
Cardinal Wuerl, despite stepping down due to abuse scandal, presides over grand Basilica Christmas Mass
The Cardinals and the Bishops are ending 2018 full of deceit. I hold out little hope for change when the clock strikes midnight tonight, and we charge headlong into 2019. Over the last ten years writing on this blog, I have always been in awe of the Church Hierarchy’s ability to be unfeeling, uncaring, unchristian buffoons. I don’t think they will disappoint in their stupidity in the new year.
BISHOP BAMBERA SHOULD RESIGN WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT!
Off My Knees - A Blog by Michael Baumann 