September 24, 2005

'It's about public relations,' says Ontario abuse victim

CANADA
Toronto Sun

By Brodie Fenlon

John Swales dismissed as "window dressing" a new report calling for national standards on how the Roman Catholic church in Canada handles sexual abuse by the clergy.

Swales, 46, and his siblings were repeatedly abused as children by a priest in London, Ont., from 1969-74.

The family won a $2.7-million judgment last year against retired priest Barry Glendinning and the London diocese.

"It's about public relations," said Swales of the report by a 10-member task force whose recommendations include a ban on priests from public ministry if they're convicted of the sexual abuse of minors.

"The church has been concerned with protecting its image and I'm concerned this is just a part of it," he said.

Posted by kshaw at September 24, 2005 09:08 AM