Clergy sexual abuse of minors in the Philadelphia Archdiocese

Air Date: February 25, 2011

Monsignor William Lynn faces criminal charges of failing to protect children from sexual abuse by two priests.

Earlier this month, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office released it’s second grand jury report in a decade regarding abuse by priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. The new report resulted in charges against three priests, a parochial school teacher and Monsignor William Lynn, secretary of the clergy and one of the top officials in the Philadelphia Archdiocese from 1992 to 2004. The Grand Jury report also found that 37 priests who have been accused of sexual abuse of minors still remain active in the Church. A grand jury report released in 2005 by the District Attorney’s office found that there was evidence of abuse by at least 63 priests, none of whom were officially charged, had been protected by the Archdiocese and transferred to other parishes and dioceses. We’re joined by Philadelphia Assistant District Attorneys EVANGELIA MANOS, who will be prosecuting the cases against the priests, and MARIANA SORENSON, co-author of the most recent grand jury report as well as the report issued in 2005.

Listen to the mp3

Listen:
[audio: 022511_100630.mp3]

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.