BishopAccountability.org
	Documents Surface Showing Order May Have Known of Priest Abuse By Paul Meincke ABC 7 October 29, 2007 http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5732576 CHICAGO- Newly released documents shed light on sexual allegations against a convicted priest. The attorneys for victims presented documents to show the Jesuit Order knew about the alleged abuse for years. Families who have sued Fr. Donald McGuire, 77, contended the Jesuit hierarchy knew of the behavior but did little to stop it. Attorneys for the families say they have a paper trail which reveals a pattern of deceit, concealment and deception that went on for decades. "How could they not have known father McGuire was a child predator? How could they not have known?" asked Kevin McGuire, priest's nephew. Fr. McGuire was convicted and sentenced for sexually abusing two young men in his care. Attorneys for others who have sued gathered correspondence saying it reveals higher-ups knew of McGuire's behavior all the way back to 1969. Concerns were raised then, saying "action is imperative less others suffer." Within months of that, McGuire was told that "for the good of all concerned, you must leave Loyola academy." He continued as a priest. There are other documents showing they received phone calls and letters with specific complaints about sexual behavior. In a response to one set of parents six years ago, the Province's executive assistant wrote the parents "We have not yet completed our inquiry, but we would hope you would trust us to act appropriately." "At the time, he is living with some of his victims and abusing them," said Jeff Anderson, sex abuse victims' attorney. "They failed to recognize behaviors that suggested abuse was occurring," said Fr. Edward Schmidt, Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus Last Thursday, the head of the Jesuit order in Chicago said the province's sorrow for what happened in the past regarding McGuire is profound. He didn't refer then to some of the correspondence revealed Monday but issued a direct apology. "I am not aware of anybody who may have been abused by any member of this province," said Schmidt. Nephew Kevin McGuire said he believes his uncle should be looked up immediately. Even though he was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, he remains free on an appeal bond. He appears in court later this week, and attorneys in the civil court will argue he can fight for his appeal while he waits behind bars.
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