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	Wisconsin Law Revisited Amid Catholic Church's Latest Troubles By Matt Smith WBAY March 26, 2010 http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=12211880 Pope Benedict is under fire again for what he did or did not know about another priest accused of molesting several boys. Internal correspondence released Thursday shows before he became pope, then-Cardinal Ratzinger refused to punish Father Lawrence Murphy, a Milwaukee priest who was accused of molesting 200 students at a school for the deaf. Now the New York Times reports Father Peter Hullerman of Germany was allowed to return to active ministry as he began therapy after molesting three boys. After his return, Hullerman was convicted of sexually abusing minors again. The Vatican says the decision to allow the German priest to return to work was made by one of Ratzinger's subordinates without his knowledge. But documents imply Ratzinger was aware of Hullerman's case and personally approved what turned out to be a tragic return to the ministry. The pope's supporters say his outspoken stance against abuse and his apologies to victims prove he has done more on this issue than any of his predecessors. "It's the world's largest religion. The pope, one guy at the top, couldn't possibly know about every single case," Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, said. Some state lawmakers are trying to use the latest allegations to push a bill through the state Legislature. If passed, this legislation would eliminate the statue of limitations for victims to sue their abusers -- who could be anybody, including but not limited to clergy. Right now state law prohibits bringing legal action against abusers once the victim turns 35. While the legislation is aimed at any sexual predator, supporters say the latest revelations in the Catholic church are a perfect example of why the statute should be eliminated. "It shows that for years and years and years sexual abuse was covered up by the Church. It illustrates how many people were innocent victims and victimized as children, and the trauma has followed them throughout their life, and we can't trust an organization that has harbored pedophiles and protected pedophiles to police themselves," Representative Joe Parisi (D-Madison) said. "This is not just about the Catholic Church, but they are obviously a big player in this because of what we're reading about today," Parisi said. Representative Karl Van Roy, a Green Bay Republican, initially signed on to introduce the bill but still has concerns. He wants to make sure the Church isn't singled out, and he believes the current statute is adequate. "We can't make a law for every action that's done. There has to be certain freedoms, and with certain freedoms we have abuses and we have to try to correct the abuses," Van Roy said. The legislation would also create a three-year window to file legal action for cases which have expired because of the statute. The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay hasn't issued a position regarding this state legislation, but both the Archbishop of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Catholic Conference have testified against it, claiming the bill unfairly targets the Catholic church. The Conference writes, "Parishioners and those served by churches and non-profit groups of today are not responsible for any mistakes made dealing with child abusers decades ago, but they will suffer if a large damage award devastates their church or agency." But those who were abused, like Todd Merryfield, say it's about time. Merryfield and his brother are suing the Green Bay diocese after being sexually abused by former priest John Patrick Feeney. Feeney is currently in prison for the crimes. "You need to get people to come out and tell their stories and get the help that they need, whatever that might be," Merryfield said. And he believes this legislation can help do that. "There's a lot of people out there that are in their own personal hell, and this would give them that element of justice," Merryfield said.
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