UNITED STATES
U.S. Catholic
Monday, March 26, 2012
By Scott Alessi
Today begins the much anticipated trial of Msgr. William Lynn, a Philadelphia priest accused of child endangerment for his role in the cover up of child sex abuse allegations. The trial has major implications for the church, as it marks the first time a church official is facing criminal charges for failure to remove an accused priest from ministry.
Lynn, in his role as secretary for clergy for the Philadelphia archdiocese, was responsible for investigating abuse allegations and ensuring that appropriate action was taken against priests who posed a threat to children. A Philadelphia grand jury determined that he failed in that role and recommended he face charges along with the priests who actually committed the abuse.
Meanwhile Bishop Robert Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is facing his own legal trouble for failure to report to authorities a priest who was in possession of child pornography. Finn avoided indictment in one county last fall by making a deal with the prosecutor but he may not be so lucky in the second county where he faces charges.
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