Lawsuit against Predator Priest Settled, SNAP Responds

SNAP
October 3, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/nj_lawsuit_against_predator_priest_settled_snap_responds

A lawsuit against a suspended priest with multiple allegations of child sexual abuse has been settled. We are grateful to the brave victims who fought for justice and accountability and hope he finds healing from this ruling.

Terence McAlinden was first placed on leave in 2007 after the diocese of Trenton learned about an investigation of child sexual abuse. This was allegedly the first time the diocese learned about allegations against Fr. McAlinden. However in 2011 another man came forward and said that he told the diocese about McAlinden in 1989 and settled with the diocese in 1992. And now they have settled with another victim.

The Diocese of Trenton knew McAlinden was a danger, but chose to ignore the warnings. It was nothing more than a savvy business move. Instead of doing the right thing church officials chose to avoid embarrassment and protect a predator. This settlement is damage control pure and simple.

If this settlement were any real sign of change, why hasn’t the bishop come out and apologized to each of all the other victims which have recently come forward in his diocese? Why hasn’t he posted the names and whereabouts of all the credibly accused on the diocesan website, so other families can be protected?

We hope others who may have seen, suspect, or suffered child sex crimes in the diocese of Trenton, by McAlinden or any other church official, will find the courage to speak up, expose predators and those who cover it up, and start healing.