PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Daily Mail (United Kingdom)
DA: Church knew of ‘sick’ letter written 30 years ago by priest about teenage brothers on sadomasochistic outing
A letter detailing incidents of sexual abuse and sadomasochism at the hands of priests, written 30 years ago, could help prove that church officials turned a blind eye to molestation.
Prosecutors are asking that the letter – which the The Archdiocese of Philadelphia allegedly learned about in 1968 – be used in the trial of William J. Lynn, the archdiocese’s former secretary for clergy.
The letter was said to contain details about teenage brothers on a sadomasochistic outing in which a boy, 15, was strung up and flogged in the woods by his brothers, aged 17 and 18.
Prosecutors say the letter will help them prove that Lynn’s actions regarding two other priests, facing trial with him, are part of a long-term pattern or practice by the church of protecting abusive clergy and hiding their conduct from parishioners.
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