Harrisburg Catholics to Receive Letter about Child Sex Abuse Reform

By Mike Parker
ABC 27
June 7, 2016

http://abc27.com/2016/06/07/harrisburg-catholics-to-receive-letter-about-child-sex-abuse-reform/

[with video]

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg is preparing to distribute a letter in opposition to child sex abuse reform legislation. The letter takes aim at PA House Bill 1947, which would eliminate statutes of limitations on future child sex abuse cases, and expand statutes of limitations for which both future and past victims of child sexual abuse can file civil lawsuits.

“I can say, regarding the legislation, that the church is not opposed to the criminal statute of limitations being eliminated,” says Joe Aponick, spokesman for the Harrisburg Dicocese. “What we’re opposed to is the retroactive portion of this.”

While HB 1947 addresses all cases of child sexual abuse in Pennsylvania, Aponick says the retroactive portion of the bill is “unfair” due to the potential countless number of lawsuits that could be filed against the church based on findings of previous sex abuse investigations. In most cases, including scathing findings in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, the statute of limitations for victims to file suit against alleged abusers has expired.

“Abuse happens everywhere in society, and this is not a Catholic problem,” adds Aponick. “That’s why this legislation is so unfair. Because it just really targets a small section of victims. It really created two classes of victims.”

Aponick says Catholics within the 18 county diocese should find the letter in parish bulletins within the next week or two. Catholic schools in the region may also send a copy to parents of students.

The letter promotes the current services offered to victims of child sex abuse by the Catholic church, while also making a case against HB 1947. Among the claims in the letter is that the financial impact of potential lawsuits filed against the church could result in the closing of parishes, schools and ministries.