Father Charlie 'demonized' by allegations of abuse

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Terri Saunders

16 November 2006

Local News - A city priest says he feels "demonized" by allegations he sexually abused young boys in the 1960s and 1970s.

"I feel that I have been demonized and the harm suffered is irreparable," Rev. Charles MacDonald wrote in an affidavit filed at the Cornwall Public Inquiry, "and (it) gets worse with each passing day."

MacDonald, 73, was charged in 1994 after a number of complainants told police the priest had sexually assaulted them when they were young boys.

After six years of court dates, adjournments and preliminary hearings, the charges against MacDonald were stayed when a judge determined it had taken too long to bring the matter to trial.

"Since 1992 when the allegations first surfaced, my life has (been) forever altered," wrote MacDonald. "The allegations have affected and continue to affect every aspect of my life in adverse ways."

MacDonald wrote about how he lost his vocation after the charges were laid and that he has been unable to minister ever since.

"I was ordered to leave the parish and cease all activities as a priest," he wrote. "My career was essentially over."

MacDonald wrote about how he was kept on salary until he turned 65 but was not permitted to attend to any church-related duties.

"There is no mandatory retirement age for priests," he wrote, "and but for these allegations, health permitting, I would still be practising my vocation today."

MacDonald wrote about how he has spent thousands of dollars on legal fees and continues to live below the poverty line.

"The allegations have caused me the loss of dignity and respect among those in my community," he wrote. "Due to the intense media scrutiny, my reputation and dignity has been torn to shreds and damaged in an irreparable way. I have made over 50 court appearances and have been branded through massive publicity as a pedophile and a member of a 'clan of pedophiles.'"

MacDonald wrote as a result of the charges and the "harmful stigma" associated with them, his health has deteriorated.

"I have suffered from depression and intense stress and anxiety at having serious allegations hang over my head," he wrote. "Many dollars have been spent on medications to deal with my nerves and stress which has increased a hundredfold."

MacDonald wrote about how he cannot move freely in the community as a result of these allegations and media attention.

"I am the recipient of many remarks, insults, stares and glances from people who make me feel demonized," he wrote. "Even friends act awkward around me."

MacDonald wrote since the establishment of the inquiry he has been the subject of "slanderous websites" which he believes labels him as being a member of a "clan of pedophiles."

"I have lived under the cloud of allegations for 14 years," he wrote. "The commencement of the public inquiry has only aggravated the harm due to the intense media frenzy.

"To say my life continues to suffer is an understatement."