WAWS [Florida]
March 30, 2006
http://www.fox30online.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id
=2912236E-7C0B-4BD3-ACA2-7F871A3AF64F
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The Episcopal Church Diocese in Florida has been slapped with a five million dollar lawsuit.
A woman who grew up in Jacksonville says she was molested several times by her priest. That priest was allegedly Father Joseph Noll. The woman claims the acts happened at St. Stephen's Church in 1969, a church which no longer exists in Jacksonville.
The alleges victim says it started when she was 11 and that the priest locked the door, showed pictures of naked men, undressed and fondled her. She even alleges that the priest made inappropriate use of ceremonial candle.
The plaintiff says she suffered permanent psychological, emotional and physical injuries.
Now, some are asking why was the lawsuit filed 37 years later? The lawsuit claims the woman only recently connected the abuse with her ongoing problems.
Retired priest Father Barnum McCarty says he knew of Father Noll, who is now deceased, and while he doesn't know if these allegations are true, he's surprised by the news.
The plaintiff also says she believes Father Noll may have sexually abused other minors at the time. Her lawsuit says the diocese failed to provide a safe environment.
There has not yet been a response from the diocese on the case.
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