Clergy Sex Abuse Victims Upset Rev. Charles Abdelahad Still Active

NECN
September 24, 2012

http://www.necn.com/09/24/12/Clergy-sex-abuse-victims-upset-Rev-Charl/landing.html?blockID=778595&feedID=11106

[with video]

(NECN: Katelyn Tivnan) - The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is concerned with how the Orthodox Church is handling the release of a convicted abuser.

Reverend Charles Abdelahad has completed a 90 day jail sentence for abusing a parishioner at St. George's Cathedral in Worcester where he was a pastor. SNAP is concerned he will be reinstated in his role in the Orthodox Church despite the conviction.

The reverend took a leave of absence from the Worcester cathedral following his arrest. In May, he was found guilty of assaulting a 45-year-old female parishioner during counseling sessions. The assaults allegedly consisted of biting, kicking and beating the woman with a bat.

Abdelahad completed his sentence in August and is out on probation. Meanwhile, a petition has formed calling on church officials to defrock Abdelahad. So far, the petition has received more than 200 signatures.