Philadelphia: prosecutors seek wider testimony from 'whistle-blower' priests
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.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
