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	New Ruling Could Bring Clergyman to Court By Lauren Hasler KBIA September 11, 2009 http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kbia/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1553602/KBIA.Local/New.Ruling.Could.Bring.Clergyman.to.Court A new ruling from a St. Joseph judge may bring a clergyman accused of child molestation, as well as his supervisors, to court. Now an adult, the victim claims Methodist church officials knew or were suspicious of the sexual abuse committed by Rev. John Bourne. The alleged crimes were committed in the 1970's at Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Joseph. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, director David Clohessy says he's hoping for a trial so the victim can finally get justice. "We certainly believe that exposing both child sex crimes and cover ups are very healing for those who've been hurt and they serve as a real deterrent to any other employers who are thinking about turning a blind eye to child sex abuse." Missouri United Methodist Conference spokesperson Sherry Habben says the church does not tolerate any type of abuse and they're investigating and working with the plaintiff to find a resolution. The church has been unable to locate Rev. Bourne.
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