TOP STORIES
Pope tells Nigerian priests accept bishop or be suspended
“Pope Francis is giving priests belonging to the Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria, 30 days to write a letter promising obedience to him and accepting the bishop appointed for their diocese; priests who do not write will be suspended, according to Fides, the news agency of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.” By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service, in National Catholic Reporter
— Online campaign tries to raise doubts about Pope’s Nigeria edict, By Ines San Martin, Cruxnow.com
Annual audit of church abuse allegations shows work still needed
“The 14th annual report on diocesan compliance with the U.S. Catholic Church’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People shows that church leaders have taken steps to help many find healing as victims of clergy sexual abuse, but there is still work to be done … Any allegation involving a current minor should remind the bishops that they must rededicate themselves each day to maintaining a level of vigilance.” By Carol Zimmerman, Catholic News Service
No one is monitoring former abusive priests
“The parents of boys who accused a priest of sexual abuse wrote to the Chicago Archdiocese more than two decades ago: ‘You’re repeatedly asking ‘what do we want’? It’s one more insult. ‘What we want’ should be totally obvious. We want something done about these priests.’” By Nicole Sotelo, National Catholic Reporter
Married priests: Groups call on U.K. church to have national, courageous conversation
“The ordination of married men to the priesthood ‘needs to be explored openly within the church in England and Wales at national and diocesan levels,’ the retired bishop of Portsmouth, England, has said. Speaking to NCR, Bishop Crispian Hollis said he was ‘increasingly aware’ of the pressure which priests are under due to the shortage of priests.” By Sarah Mac Donald, National Catholic Reporter
— Priests’ group accuses bishops of refusing to support pope’s openness to reform, By Christa Pongratz-Lippitt, La Croix International
French cardinal to face new legal action over pedophile cover-up
“Almost a year after the French justice system decided to drop criminal proceedings against Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, the archbishop of Lyon, and six others for failing to report sexual abuse of boy scouts committed by a priest, the case has been reopened … ‘If we stop now, who will bring the debate into the public domain?’ said François Devaux, the head of La Parole Libérée (‘Lift the Burden of Silence’).” By Bénévent Tosseri, La Croix International
The church must build ‘spiritual ramps’ to sex abuse survivors
“ … But what about the Catholic faithful who are inhibited from entering the church, not by a physical disability but a sacramental one? When survivors of sexual abuse by members of the clergy encounter the symbols of Christianity through which they were abused, they may experience feelings ranging from severe discomfort to panic attacks. I consider these ‘sacramental disabilities.’ By Lea Karen Kivi, America: The Jesuit Review (Ms. Kivi is a member of Voice of the Faithful’s Broken Vessel™ Healing Circles program leadership committee)
POPE FRANCIS
We’re watching Pope Francis institutionalize his vision
“Pope Francis on Friday(Jun. 9) took part in a dedication ceremony for a new Vatican headquarters for ‘Scholas Occurentes,’ dedicated to building networks of schools around the world. Like the World Meeting of Popular Movements, Francis is institutionalizing his vision, ensuring that his initiatives to promote social activism and hear the voices of the base will survive his papacy and form part of his legacy.” By John L. Allen, Jr., Cruxnow.com
Pope’s friend says Francis simply doesn’t fit any ideology
“Marcelo Figueroa, a Protestant and a close friend of Pope Francis who is now editing the Argentinian edition of the Vatican newspaper ‘L’Osservatore Romano‘ in order to get past the local spin on the pope’s words, says that ‘trying to match or relate Francis to an ideology, be it an economic or political one, whatever the name of the ideology, is a mistake.’” By Ines San Martin, Cruxnow.com
CARDINALS
Council of Cardinals considers decentralizing authority over permanent deacons
“The group of cardinals advising Pope Francis on reforming the Vatican bureaucracy has considered specific ways to decentralize authority in the Catholic church, proposing in particular that more responsibility for permanent deacons could move from Rome to local bishops’ conferences. The nine member Council of Cardinals spoke in their June 12-14 meeting about ‘transferring some faculties from the Roman Curia to local bishops or bishops’ conferences,’ Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said in a short briefing June 14.” By Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter
Pope names five new cardinals, all from outside Italy and Vatican
“Pope Francis is to elevate five Roman Catholic prelates from outside Italy and the Vatican to the rank of cardinal, the elite group of churchmen who are his closest advisers and can enter a conclave to choose his successor.” By Philip Pullella, Reuters, on Religion News Service
— Francis names five new cardinals, including associated of Oscar Romero, By Joshua McElwee, National Catholic Reporter
Eyeing Catholic demographics, and maybe his successor, Pope Francis shakes up his cardinals
“Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been appointing cardinals from far-flung parts of the world — choosing men who appear to be toiling away at pastoral work with little or no interest in becoming ‘princes of the church.’ Next month (July), during their council, or consistory, Francis will formally induct five more of them into the exclusive club, meaning that he will have appointed close to half of those who will elect his successor. It is these prelates who, at an unspecified date in the future and providing they are under the age of 80, will process into the Sistine Chapel during the next conclave.” By Christopher Lamb, Religion News Service
BISHOPS
Fostering safe environments in the Church
“On June 14, as they begin the spring meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Indianapolis, the bishops of the United States will celebrate a ‘Mass of Prayer and Penance’ for survivors of sexual abuse within the Church. This is a good and important occasion. Sexual abuse is a heinous crime, one that cries out for penance and prayer. This is especially true when the Church, the sacrament of salvation, is the setting in which sexual abuse has taken place, violating sacred trust and causing real spiritual harm.” By J.D. Flynn, National Catholic Register
Immigration, religious liberty and synod on agenda for bishops’ meeting
“The proverbial plate is full of issues for U.S. bishops to tackle at their upcoming spring assembly June 14-15 in Indianapolis. They will discuss issues ranging from immigration to religious freedom, as well as the Synod of Bishops on youth and the Fifth National Encuentro gathering, both coming up in 2018. ‘We’re certainly going to talk about the upcoming convocation in Orlando, some of the specific plans,’ said Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico, referring to the Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America, July 1-4, in Orlando, Florida.’” By Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service, in National Catholic Reporter
PRIESTS
Pope tells Nigerian priests to accept bishop or be suspended
“Pope Francis has demanded obedience from priests in a Nigerian Diocese where the bishop has been unable to take up residence. Nigerian church leaders met Francis to discuss the situation of Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke, who was appointed bishop of Ahiara by then-Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, but has been rejected by the clergy because he is not from the diocese.” By Cindy Wooden, Cruxnow.com
— Three ironies about a dramatic show of papal muscle in Nigeria, By John L. Allen, Jr., Cruxnow.com
CELIBACY
From ‘Spotlight’ to ‘Keepers,’ Richard Sipe sees celibate priesthood as problem for the Catholic Church
“Richard Sipe, the former priest who spent 25 years studying the sexual behavior of the Catholic clergy, appears in ‘Keepers,’ the Netflix documentary series about the unsolved murder of Sister Catherine Cesnick and the monstrous abuse of some of her students … Sipe famously helped the Boston Globe reporters who broke the story of widespread abuse by priests in Massachusetts … He argued then, and argues now, that child sexual abuse by the clergy should be addressed as part of an examination of celibacy, which, he says, stunts the psychological development of priests, leaving them emotionally unprepared for the celibate life.” By Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun
FUTURE OF THE CHURCH
No more audible gasps in church, please
“Recent events in the Hartford Archdiocese underscore our church’s profound challenges, yet also point the way to toward a better future. Archbishop Leonard Blair recently announced a sweeping and painful reorganization: consolidating 212 churches down into 126 … As part of that process, one parish’s congregants were briefed about the broader context. Since 1969, the number of Catholics in the archdiocese had declined by 69 percent; the number of priests had fallen by roughly two-thirds. One parishioner told National Catholic Reporter that such statistics were greeted by an audible gasp in the church … Consider that ‘audible gasp’ as an indictment of sorts and a cry to do things differently from now on: parishioners should never be in a position to be shocked by news about the ongoing health of their own parishes and diocese.” By Chris Lowney, National Catholic Reporter
Catholic parishes prepare for changes to take effect June 29
“Parishes across the Archdiocese of Hartford are facing big decisions as they prepare for a long-anticipated reorganization plan, which takes effect June 29. Creating single parishes by merging two or more has broad implications, ranging from the emotional to the pragmatic, including questions of what will be done with church buildings, stained glass windows and other religious items, and how best to consolidate parish staff.” By Jordan Otero Sisson, Hartford Courant
— Long decline in attendance led to Catholic church mergers, By Daniela Altimari, Hartford Courant
WOMEN DEACONS
The Case for Women Deacons
Dr. Phyllis Zagano discussed the ordination of women deacons recently with Sebastian Gomes of Salt + Light Catholic Media in Canada. Listen to the conversation as Phyllis cites the presence of women deacons from the first years of the Church through the 12th century and how a focus on priesthood gradually eliminated the idea of permanent deacons. Now that the permanent diaconate has been restored by the Second Vatican Council, why shouldn’t it extend to women as well, just as in the past? By Salt+Light Catholic Media in Canada
WOMEN IN THE CHURCH
Patriarchy, not nature, makes women unequal
“In a new collection of papers published by an Indian pontifical college, a diverse range of bishops, theologians and lay professionals challenges the global Catholic church to break down ecclesial structures that place women on an unequal or subservient standing. As Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, one of the contributors to ‘Gender Justice in the Church and Society: Papers of the Second DVK National Seminar on Moral Theology’ (Dharmaram Publications, 476 pages, $25), puts it: The women who prayed with men in the Gospel accounts were there ‘not to cook for them but to pray along with them.’” By Joshua J. McElwee, National Catholic Reporter
Catholic young women launch self-led initiatives across U.S. after forum
“Catholic women from dioceses across all 50 U.S. states have decided to put their faith into action. In a forum sponsored by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious more than 300 women carried out ‘action plans’ following the June 2016 Given Forum at The Catholic University of America.” By Catholic News Service on Cruxnow.com
Uphold a woman’s right to contribute fully to society, pope says
“The more women are involved in and contribute to communities, politics, economics and the church, the more positive changes will come about, Pope Francis said. ‘Women are fully entitled to actively take part in all settings, and their rights must be affirmed and protected, including through legal instruments wherever it may prove necessary,’ he said June 9. The pope was speaking to members, consultors and guests of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, which was holding its plenary assembly in Rome June 7-9. Participants had discussed the role of women in teaching universal fraternity.” By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service, in National Catholic Reporter
CHURCH FINANCES
Cardinal-designate from Mali charged with hiding funds in Swiss bank accounts
“An investigative report in the French daily Le Monde charges that Catholic bishops in Mali—including one recently named by Pope Francis to become a cardinal—have placed €12 million ($13.5 million) in Swiss bank accounts.” By CatholicCulture.org
STATUTE OF LIMINTATIONS REFORM
Cuomo’s silence is deafening as time runs out on child sex abuse bill
“As the state’s legislative session winds to a close, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has yet to announce his support for the Child Victims Act despite his promises to survivors that he’d help get a bill passed this year. The act, which would extend the restrictive time frame for victims of child sexual abuse to seek justice, recently sailed through the Assembly with a vote of 139 to 7 before stalling, as such bills do, in the state Senate.” By Lauren Evans, The Village Voice
Assembly passes child victims act
“In a historic moment and after years of lobbying, an emotionally charged State Assembly today passed the Child Victims Act legislation, 129-7, extending the statute of limitation for criminal and civil child sex abuse cases. It was the first time that either chamber of the legislature has approved the measure after 10 years of lobbying.” By Kings County Politics
Statute of limitations bills stalled
“It’s been several months since I’ve written about efforts to extend legislative justice to more victims of child sex abuse in Pennsylvania. That’s mostly because those efforts are stalled. I’ll get back to that.” By Bill White, The Morning Call
Sexual abusers shouldn’t be allowed to run the clock
“I was only 9 years old when my landlord’s teenage son led me into the basement with the promise of new toys. Instead, he forced me to touch him. He made me do things my young body and mind weren’t prepared to do. I distinctly remember how the damp floor and walls smelled of mildew, and how cold it was. I begged him to stop.” By Fabio Cotza, The New York Times
CLERGY CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Let’s call child sexual abuse in the church what it is: Catholic extremism
“…The royal commission has heard from victims of abuse in many religious and state-run institutions, but the Catholic church (my church, and Abbott’s too) stands out. Over 4,000 cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic church were reported to the royal commission. These reports showed wilful ignorance by church leaders, systematic shielding of abusers and a continual preference for the perpetrator and the institution over the victim. …” By Kristina Kelly, The Guardian
Fifteen years after Dallas, a seven-part series
“The 2002 Dallas Bishops’ Conference was a barn-burner. On the heels of the Spotlight series and scandals in dioceses across the nation, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops got together at their annual June meeting to put together ‘massive reforms.’ Those reforms became the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and its accompanying Norms … So, in honor of the 15th anniversary of the 2002 Dallas Charter, I thought I would take a look at some recent scandals that show us that the problem is far from over and that any glad-handing on behalf of the members of the USCCB this week is just for show. Nothing has changed, except the window dressing. The Charter, which the Bishops have been hailing as ‘watershed’ document in child protection, I contend, is a massive failure. Fifteen years after Dallas, the protesters may be gone, but the disgust remains.” By Joelle Casteix, The Worthy Adversary
‘I lost faith in God … But I’m now pursuing faith in justice’: child sexual abuse survivors lobby for reform
“Inspired by his oath of honesty when enlisting in the Navy, 21-year-old recruit Shaun Dougherty decided to be truthful about what had happened to him as a child. He finally opened up to his parents on his first Christmas break from the boot camp in 1991. Dougherty told them about the three-year long sexual abuse he had endured in 1980 starting at age 10 as a fifth-grader at St. Clement School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His abuser was George Koharchik ― a longtime Catholic priest, pastor at St. Clement Church, and Dougherty’s basketball coach and religion teacher. His parents, who had attended the Mass conducted by Koharchik for many years at the same church where young Shaun was an altar boy, did not believe him.” By Ilgin Yorulmaz, Huffington Post
CONNECTICUT
Settlement paid to sexual abuse victim from Norwalk Catholic Church
“A male victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a Norwalk Catholic priest in the 1970s and ’80s will be paid an undisclosed financial settlement, one of five such settlements in Connecticut recently approved by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, reports the Stamford Advocate.” By Alfred Branch, Norwalk Patch
ILLINOIS
Judge denies new trial for St. Louis priest’s accuser; orders her to pay
“A judge has denied a woman’s request for a new civil trial seeking damages against a Roman Catholic priest after a Lincoln County jury in April found insufficient evidence that he fondled her at her home. St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer on Monday also ordered the woman to pay legal expenses of the St. Louis Archdiocese and the Rev. Xiu Hui “Joseph” Jiang totaling $48,516.84. Ohmer’s order requires she pay $19,316.51 to the archdiocese and $29,200.33 to Jiang.” By Joel Currier, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Catholic priest reaches plea deal on sex abuse
“A Catholic priest has reached a plea agreement on sexual abuse charges that occurred at a summer camp that he ran for decades in Kentucky. R. Joseph Hemmerle was facing allegations of abuse from a second person who said Hemmerle abused him at Camp Tall Trees in Meade County. Hemmerle was also convicted in November of abusing a boy who attended the camp in the 1970s and sentenced in February to seven years imprisonment. Prosecutors say Hemmerle’s plea deal for sexual abuse and wanton endangerment calls for an additional two years imprisonment and eight years of probation.” By Dylan Lovan, Associated Press in The Washington Post
LOUISIANA
Court rejects child molesting priest’s appeal
“An appeals court has rejected the appeal of a former priest convicted of rape, molestation and sexual battery of children. Mark Broussard was convicted by a Calcasieu Parish jury last spring of five child sex charges. The crimes occurred while he was a Catholic priest in the 1980s. He’s no longer a priest; he left the church in 1994, according to evidence presented at his trial.” By KATC-TV
MARYLAND
‘Keepers’ priest Maskell spent time in Ireland, now under scrutiny
“Public health officials in Ireland say they are reviewing the work history of the Catholic priest profiled in the Netflix series ‘The Keepers,’ who was employed as a psychologist in that country after leaving Baltimore amid sexual abuse allegations. The priest, A. Joseph Maskell, worked in Wexford for about seven months in 1995 as a temporary clinical psychologist for an Irish public health board, according to the national health agency there. He later worked in private practice in Ireland between 1995 and 1998, church officials in Ireland say.” By Alison Knezevich, The Baltimore Sun
MINNESOTA
Judge laments $15 million in legal fees in St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese bankruptcy
“The judge overseeing the bankruptcy of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis expressed concern Thursday (May 18) over the legal fees being racked up in the case — about $15 million to date. ‘It bothers me so much that all these attorney fees are being run up,’ U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Kressel said at a hearing Thursday(May 18), adding that legal fees are consuming funds that could be directed to survivors of archdiocese clergy sex abuse.” By Jean Hopfensperger, Star Tribune
NEW YORK
Syracuse diocese, former priest facing lawsuit over sexual abuse claims
“A California man is suing the Syracuse Catholic Diocese and a former priest for $25 million, claiming that he was sexually abused nearly 30 years ago, according to the criminal complaint. The lawsuit was filed on Friday, June 2, in Connecticut by Matthew Strzepek who alleges former priest, Felix Colosimo, molested him from 1987 through 1990 when he was only 12-15 years old.” By Justine Marschner, CYNCentral.com
Seven victims name priests who sexually abused them as children
“Seven men who were abused as children by priests of the Archdiocese of New York revealed on Thursday (May 18) some of the details of the settlements they had received through the archdiocese’s new sexual abuse survivor compensation fund. Since October, more than 100 victims have settled their sex abuse cases with the archdiocese by taking their claims to the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. But very few details have been revealed because the program keeps the cases confidential, and no victims have yet spoken out.” By Sharon Otterman, The New York Times
PENNSYLVANIA
Allentown Diocese Catholic priest pleads guilty to child pornography charges, but says has no memory of images
“A Roman Catholic priest who was forced to step down after child pornography was discovered on his computer pleaded guilty Thursday (Jun. 8) in Lehigh County Court. Monsignor John S. Mraz, formerly of St. Ann Catholic Church in Emmaus, told Judge Maria L. Dantos that he didn’t remember downloading the child pornography but didn’t contest that he possessed it.” By Laurie Mason Schroeder, Allentown Morning Call
— Priest who had child pornography on computer pleads guilty, By Associated Press in Pocono News
WASHINGTON
Priest removed from ministry after allegations of abuse
“A Catholic priest in the Yakima Valley town of Granger has been removed from all public ministry following allegations by a young man that the priest sexually abused him. The Catholic Diocese of Yakima said Monday (Jun. 12) that it took the action against the Rev. Gustavo Gomez Santos from Our Lady of Guadalupe parish.” By Associated Press in The Dispatch, Granger, Washington
AUSTRALIA
Former Catholic priest, 75, jailed for just four months
“A predator Catholic priest who fondled an eight-year-old girl in 1974 will spend just four months behind bars after pleading guilty to the historic sexual abuse offences. Friar Anthony Colbourne, now aged 75, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court on Tuesday (May 23) to indecently assaulting the girl on four separate occasions in the presbytery and his office.” By Daniel Peters, Daily Mail Australia
Fifty years on, Melbourne priest charged with sexual assault of Aboriginal girls
“A retired Catholic priest from Melbourne has been charged with the sexual assault of four Aboriginal girls at a West Australian orphanage more than 50 years ago. Father Allan Mithen, 78, was recently arrested in Clifton Hill over the sexual abuse that allegedly occurred when he served as rector at the Wandering Mission between 1965 and 1969.” By Cameron Houston, The Age, Victoria
Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson seeks to have charge of hiding child sex abuse thrown out
“Lawyers for Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson, accused of concealing child sex abuse in the Maitland-Newcastle diocese, have fronted court again for their third attempt to stop the case against him from going ahead. Wilson, who has retained his position amid the criminal proceedings, is accused of failing to pass onto police information he had between 2004 and 2006 that might have helped convict Father Jim Fletcher.” By Karl Hoerr, ABC News Australia
— Archbishop Philip Wilson failed in third bid for permanent stay against conceal charge, By Sam Rigney, The Newcastle Herald
Australian police closer to deciding Vatican abuse charges
“Australian police said Wednesday (May 17) they were a step closer to deciding whether to charge a top Vatican cardinal over allegations of sexual assault dating back decades. Cardinal George Pell, Pope Francis’ top financial adviser and Australia’s most senior Catholic, has long been dogged by allegations he mishandled cases of clergy abuse when he was archbishop of Melbourne and, later, Sydney. More recently, Pell has faced accusations of child abuse himself when he was a young priest in the 1970s. Pell, who runs the Vatican’s economy ministry, has repeatedly denied all the allegations.” By Associated Press on ABC-TV News Australia
Catholic Priest who repeatedly raped and assaulted boys is facing jail
“Father Eugene Fitzpatrick, 68, was found guilty of the horrific attacks at Blackfriars Crown Court yesterday after he denied all charges. He raped one boy multiple times between 1986 and 1992 while working at Our Lady and Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Balls Pond Road, Islington.” By Sam Gelder, Islington Gazette
GREAT BRITAIN, SCOTLAND & WALES
Catholic Church sent pedophile priests away ‘for them to be fixed’: prosecutors turned blind eye to abuse
“The Catholic Church in Scotland has admitted it made a ‘huge mistake’ by sending pedophile priests away to be ‘fixed’ rather than prosecuting them. A senior cleric said yesterday (Jun. 7) that abuse was seen as a ‘sin’ and the church focused more on ‘treating’ child molesters than on helping their young victims. He said there were occasions when prosecutors turned a blind eye and agreed not to bring charges on the condition abusers received therapy, with their crimes seen as a ‘moral fault that could be fixed by prayer and retreat.’” By Graham Grant, Daily Mail
GUAM
New priest named in sexual abuse lawsuit
“A 14-year-old altar boy who aspired to be a priest in the early 1980s is the latest victim to come forward alleging sexual abuse by a member of the clergy. Francis Charfauros, who now resides in Arizona, filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Guam against the Archdiocese of Agana and the Capuchin Franciscans accusing the late Father John ‘Jack’ Niland of sexually abusing and molesting him when he was a young boy.” By Mindy Aguon, The Guam Daily Post
Guam reaches Vatican, global audience a year since clergy sex abuse exposed
“Within a year since former altar boy Roy Quintanilla came forward on May 17, 2016 to accuse Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron of sexually abusing him in the 1970s, not only has the Vatican promptly stepped in but also placed a global spotlight on Guam’s clergy sex abuses. ‘We’ve come a long way,’ Quintanilla told Pacific Daily News. ‘We wouldn’t have come this far were it not for the Catholic community’s support. It’s amazing what we can do as a community.’” By Haidee Eugenio, Pacific Daily News
— 11 Guam Catholic priests involved in sex abuse lawsuits, By Haidee Eugenio, Pacific Daily News, in USA TODAY
Former priest named in suits may reside in Barrigada
“A former Catholic priest who has been named in at least five sex abuse complaints may still be residing on island. Raymond Cepeda, a former priest who was defrocked in December 2009 following an investigation into abuse allegations, is believed to be currently residing in Canada, Barrigada, according to attorney Gloria Rudolph, of the Law Office of Lujan and Wolff LLP, which represents the plaintiffs in the cases currently pending in federal court.” By Neil Pang, The Guam Daily Post
IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND
Downward trend in reports of new clerical child sex abuse allegations continues
“The Catholic Church’s child protection watchdog received reports of 72 new allegations of clerical child sex abuse as well as 10 of physical and emotional abuse in the year to March 31st 2017, as a downward trend in such allegations continues … Teresa Devlin, NBSC (National Board for Safeguarding Children) chief executive, noted however that an examination of the downward trend ‘shows we cannot assume the work is complete.’ Since 2009, when the NBSC began compiling such figures, ‘there have been years where the figures rose and only constant vigilance will keep children safe,’ she said.” By Patsy McGarry, The Irish Times