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Philadelphia: prosecutors seek wider testimony from 'whistle-blower' priests

CWN - December 22, 2011

Priests in the Philadelphia archdiocese who wish to cooperate with prosecutors in a sex-abuse case say that they are being hampered by a Church policy requiring them to speak first with attorneys for the archdiocese.

The Philadelphia archdiocese has directed all clergy and lay employees to contact Church lawyers before speaking with prosecutors about the pending cases against several priests. Lawyers explain that such a policy is not unusual for an institution facing a significant court case. But priests who identify themselves as “whistle-blowers” charge that they are being stymied.

Prosecutors have asked a Pennsylvania judge to order the archdiocese to rescind its order, allowing priests and employees to approach prosecutors freely.

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  • Posted by: hartwood01 - Dec. 22, 2011 7:20 PM ET USA

    There is little love for the hierarchy in the Church,witness the reader reply. Wonder if it is as simple as protecting their hides,are they as morally bankrupt as they appear?

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