By Ben Horowitz
The Star-Ledger
November 24, 2011
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/creator_of_destroyed_sex-abuse.html
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| The creator of the memorial to sexual abuse victims destroyed outside a Mendham church says he is "very encouraged" that the Diocese of Paterson plans to replace it exactly as it was. |
The creator of the memorial to sexual abuse victims destroyed outside a Mendham church says he’s "very encouraged" that the Diocese of Paterson plans to replace it exactly as it was.
Bill Crane, now living in Oregon, noted in an e-mail that there has been discussion of "complementing" the new memorial with a sculpture nearby of Jesus with a child.
"While this certainly sounds appropriate and intriguing, and is consistent with the millstone’s message, determining the details of this sculpture will be quite important," Crane said.
Crane was among more than a dozen victims who successfully sued the diocese after being abused by the defrocked Rev. James Hanley of St. Joseph Church in Mendham. He said he was inspired by James Thomas Kelly, a friend and fellow victim who committed suicide.
Gordon Ellis, 37, of Mendham, was arrested after allegedly using a sledgehammer to smash the 400-pound millstone memorial Friday night. He was accused of criminal mischief and desecration of a monument.
Richard Sokerka, a spokesman for the diocese, said Tuesday that church officials plan to "replace the millstone as it was before" and may add some new features, such as the representation of Jesus.
Crane said he was "deeply saddened, but not surprised," by the incident.
"The memorial has encountered opposition from many who simply don’t get it or don’t care to get it," he said.
However, he added: "God’s heart and help are with those who have been abused and those who are working to help the abused. This will triumph over the lack of compassion."
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