Halifax Chronicle Herald

 Thu. Feb 4 - 4:54 AM 

OTTAWA (CP) — Court proceedings involving a Roman Catholic bishop facing child-pornography charges are not scheduled to resume until April 9. Raymond Lahey was charged in September with possessing and importing child pornography, 10 days after he was detained by customs officers upon arriving in Ottawa aboard a flight from Britain.

cbc

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 3, 2010 | 9:21 AM ET

The plea of a Nova Scotia Roman Catholic bishop charged in Ottawa with importing and possessing child pornography won't be known until at least April.

The new date was set after his Ontario provincial court appearance Wednesday was postponed.

Raymond Lahey, 69, was charged after his laptop was seized at the Ottawa International Airport. He was detained briefly on Sept. 15 and then released.

Lahey resigned as the bishop of the diocese of Antigonish in Nova Scotia before being formally charged on Sept. 25.

His next court appearance is scheduled for April 9.

Regan19 wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 4:49 PM ET

Is this story for real? How many more court dates are going to be cancelled for Lahey? Is this latest delay because of the olympics? Seems like everyone elses excuse lately. Maybe we'll see a complete year go by from the time of his initial charges before a plea is even entered. This is beyond ridiculous!

Socialistboy wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 2:38 PM ET

Its time to back tax the church and get them out of government, social services and education for good. I think its a conflict of interest on all counts!

 BigTWPG wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 2:10 PM ET

The church has changed the way priest are brought into the church - check it out - Homosexuals are not allowed to become priest and they now have very strict guild lines to prevent this from happening - but being that these pedophile put themselves in all part of society , schools , police , daycare , etc , anywhere they have access to children it is very hard to weed them out as we all know until their caught in the act , for all you know someone very close to you is a pedophile , how would you know unless you caught them or they told you so. I will never persecute the church for the sins of a mortal . And yes the church has been infiltrated by evil - it is to be expected and it is always a man and his actions not the church. evil wants to destroy the church and make people fall away - this man knows he will have to answer to god for this and no man on this earth can tell him he will be forgiven , as for that matter Jesus says in the gospel anyone harming a child will be dealt with severely at their judgment - their are sins that can't be forgiven and this is surely one of them by Christ's own words.

idedish wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 2:03 PM ET

I don"t think he would have resigned as bishop of a diocese if he was not guilty

LeniReifenstahl wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 1:04 PM ET

PrimeNumbers wrote

LeniReifenstahl - then stop being Catholic. Don't support them either via finance or having you as a "number" on their books. If you wish to still remain religious, go find a church that respects you, people and life in general and that lives and does things in ways that you too would act.

________________________________________________________

Its easy to run from something you don't like. If every Catholic that was opposed to this sort of thing (and there are many) abandoned the faith, nothing would ever change! We can be the impetus for change - running away accomplishes nothing.

arnulf wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 12:32 PM ET

What? Yet our moralanother one? It's getting really difficult to know which of our moral guardians to believe in.

exroyal wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 12:24 PM ET

-demondelight, if the bishop was inocent he wouldn't be avoiding this like he is. the man is as guilty as they come....he's just enjoying the most of the free time that he's got left....cause frankly he going to die in jail as he should.

PrimeNumbers wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 12:22 PM ET

LeniReifenstahl - then stop being Catholic. Don't support them either via finance or having you as a "number" on their books. If you wish to still remain religious, go find a church that respects you, people and life in general and that lives and does things in ways that you too would act.

Stay tuned wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 12:08 PM ET

The Catholic Church isn't the only religious organization associated with sexual and other forms of abuse - there are books written on this sublect by Canadian authors, but they are not high profiled by the media or libraries!

Why didn't the CBC feature the map of child pornography cases prepared by Canadian police services on The National!

The incidence of child abuse - everywhere in the world - is much higher than most people want to admit, and, it is highest within families!

Locoyote wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 12:06 PM ET

Maybe Fantino can get his pals to help this slime bucket out.

itsjustmyopinion wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:59 AM ET

No wonder people have stopped going to church and are doing their own religious things at home. We don't want our kids exposed to freaks like this. I hope he gets time in jail and receives the same "treatment" he inflicted on his young victims. And to the young victims, rest assured that he does NOT represent the majority of Roman Catholics. I hope you find peace one day.

gordon ingram wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:53 AM ET

All of his friends don't have their story straight yet, the self appointed GOD hav'nt got it all covered yet, but they will, and it will probably all go away, eventually

LeniReifenstahl wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:46 AM ET

danielinOttawa wrote

You should be even more ashamed to admit it publicly. Your church survives because of people who refuse to see the evil that it has done throughout history and continues to do today.

_______________________________________________________

I'm sorry, that is incorrect. "My Church", as you so eloquently put it, survives today because of people who run to Church weekly, donate to the collection pot and profess blind faith in all that the Catholic Church says and does. For your information, many of us are not like this. We are born into this faith,but as we age we see the hypocracy that exists and the evils that do occur. I have a very hard time with a religion, any religion, that has treated these crimes the way the Catholic Church does. I have an ever harder time, though, with people who paint all of us "Catholics: (even though we're not even close to practicing) with the same brush as those who have committed these unspeakable acts. Perhaps more than anyone, in fact, we can understand the contradictions of our faith when things like this happen - because we are not the ones doing it!

LeniReifenstahl wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:29 AM ET

JimBexelySpeed

And suicide watch? Really? Suicide is considered a Sin. I doubt this guy has given up his faith, in his own logic and theology he could beg God for forgiveness and probably be absolved, suicide you don't really get that chance. So I highly doubt he's going to kill himself based on his religious convictions.

________________________________________________________

If this man had such strong religious convictions, he wouldn't be in possession of child pornography. Kind of a contradictory statement, don't you think?

tim-pros rebel wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:24 AM ET

sorry the precedent was set last week when someone was released from charges because he used it for EDUCATIONAL purposes the same CLAIM will be used by LAHEY, his only problem now will be the travel issue with his laptop only!!!!!

DaveintheBay wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:19 AM ET

First: those poor kids, where ever they're from.

Second: As a catholic, it's a shame that a "Sneaky Pete" like him, tars all clergy with the one brush.

I spent many a year as an alter-boy growing up and worked for three very good priests, none of which made an advance toward me.

I for one would like to see the church do something proactive to these guys when it's known, or they have been convicted of such things rather than their tried and tested route of denial, transfer and utimately payout to victims. How is it that a multi-billion dollar business, (and don't think for a second that it's not a business) like the catholic church, wouldn't or couldn't have a department to vette these guys out of the mix and hold them accountable, and report them to the authorities BEFORE they hurt someone else.

Any Sneaky Pete is outrageous and in my mind any guilty finding should carry an automatic chemical castration sentence, but as a person from the clergy, this is clearly the most reprehensible of all.

You're supposed to be able to run to these people for help, not run from them.

bendyjenn wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:05 AM ET

Joe Calgarian - when you consider that child pornography is a 6 BILLION dollar a year underground industry, that means that for every one of these over-reactions there are thousands upon thousands of children being turned into porn stars for the titillation of child rapists and pedophiles. I`d say for the few mistakes and overreaction, there are also thousands of children who are saved from a terrible life. Those `sex offender`statuses can be expunged from the records of those accused.

Ad Nauseum suggests a certain indifference and boredom about the whole thing - I don`t think the victims are indifferent and NONE of us should be either.

alphaomego wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:02 AM ET

The Church will protect their own. This is something that will never change despite the mounting pile of abused victims. When covering up and denying abuse doesn't work, it is quickly swept under the rug. Even when the abuse can not be denied or white washed, the perpetrator is sheltered. Such a shame.

Larsiam wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:01 AM ET

Victor Alpha 7 wrote: The church's hierarchy is such an old boys club I'll bet they don't cut him loose even if he is convicted.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

That's an interesting point. I mean, on the surface at least, the church does preach forgiveness no matter the sin. If one were a convicted pedophile in prison and speaking to the prison chaplain, I would assume that chaplain would tell the convict that God will forgive him if he truly repents.

That said, the Church would have no power in the outside world to help this guy get "back in to the world". So when one of their own pulls this sort of thing, is it "right" for the church to forgive him and keep him employed somehow?

I don't pretend to have all the answers as to what goes on in the Pope's and Conclave's minds, but as an utter layman, it seems to me that the Church is pretty well required to forgive Lahey if he repents..?

peace-out wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:01 AM ET

When you say church I think pedophile

When you say religion I think war

When you say god I think lie

When you say muslim I think virgins and rivers of wine

Denounce all religion and evolve

Halifax Guy wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 11:00 AM ET

The CBC article didn't say who asked for the delay. Maybe the Crown did because this story is much bigger than just Lahey and they need more time to investigate. If guilty, who might have been his sources- perhaps other Catholic contacts in a worldwide Child Porn ring.

I'm just speculating. He's still not guilty until proven otherwise

danielinOttawa wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:56 AM ET

LeniReifenstahl wrote: When I hear things like this, I am truly ashamed to be Catholic.

----------------------

You should be even more ashamed to admit it publicly. Your church survives because of people who refuse to see the evil that it has done throughout history and continues to do today.

quinto wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:41 AM ET

gingertoy wrote :"Surprise, surprise, I'm sure they ( the Catholic Church's lawyers) will find a way to postpone this as many times as possible."

right ... because the Church wants this news story to stay alive as long as possible. do some of you people think even for an instant before posting ??

NSinAB wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:40 AM ET

This comment has been removed by the moderator.

landaghaar wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:36 AM ET

gotta love christianity, cause it is all about loving the children.

KM...... wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:35 AM ET

Why is there a delay again ? When he was arrested last year CBC reported that he was due in court Nov 6. C'mon reporters give us all the details !

UrbanerMezei wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:34 AM ET@demondelight

What rock do you live on?727Agree 2DisagreePolicy Report abuse

JimBexelySpeed wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:25 AM ET

And the conspiracy nuts are out of the woodwork. Did you think that maybe instead of the church throwing influence that maybe the Crown is gathering evidence so that they can convict this guy?

I don't know if any of you realize this, but accusing someone of trafficking child porn is very serious, and the courts probably want to be absolutely sure they dot their i's and cross their t's. If they cannot convince that this guy is guilty without a shadow of doubt, then he could sue for damages.

Think about it for a moment: This guy's name, profession, and picture has been plastered all over every news service in the country. Even if for some miracle (pardon the pun) he is some how innocent, his life is ruined. He could then turn around and sue everyone, CBSA, everyone throwing the book at him. And, my dear fellow Canadians, when someone gets a huge cash settlement from the Government for damages, who do you think our elected officials pass down the savings too? That's right, you and I.

So before you should about conspiracy and what have you, how about you think about the situation a little more.

And suicide watch? Really? Suicide is considered a Sin. I doubt this guy has given up his faith, in his own logic and theology he could beg God for forgiveness and probably be absolved, suicide you don't really get that chance. So I highly doubt he's going to kill himself based on his religious convictions.

Joe Calgarian wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:17 AM ET

I'm sure what he had was messed up and hope justice gets served...that said the whole child porn hysteria is getting out of control - reminds me of the Satan worship hysteria of the 80's.

- Man in Australia goes to jail because he had cartoon pictures of the Simpson's naked

- Teacher in the States faces jail because the computer she was using started popping up images of child porn because of a virus

- Kids in the States facing a lifetime sex offender status because they have pictures of themselves on their cell phone and that's considered child porn

etc. etc. ad naseum.

joshuadavid wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:12 AM ET

have you considered that maybe the prosecution doesn't have a case?

cbcnews41 wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:08 AM ET

Anyone who would place a child in a church is negligent, the religious stories will confuse and corrupt a young mind forever, then the sex abuse finished off the self fulfilling prophecy.

LeniReifenstahl wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:07 AM ET

The Catholic Church's handling of cases like these (and they happen all too often) is absolutely hideous. When I hear things like this, I am truly ashamed to be Catholic.

Victor Alpha 7 wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:07 AM ET

The church's hierarchy is such an old boys club I'll bet they don't cut him loose even if he is convicted.

Defeated wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:04 AM ET

Trying to do a little deal to make this all go away, are we?

demondelight wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:03 AM ET

The Bishop is completely innocent of all charges. Amazing how many people out there are so quick to convict!

Toasted wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:01 AM ET

Mmmm

April 9th - that's just after Easter Sunday (April 4th).

Maybe that's what he gave up for Lent - embarrassing court appearances.

Bare-E wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:00 AM ET

Ah yes, the Vatican is hard at work influencing damage control.

Should we expect any less ???

misty1 wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 10:00 AM ET

This is typical, especially by any religious group to delay and put off any attention getting event.

The Catholic church has done this with all the early child abuse by priests, waiting for the news story to cool off and perhaps go away

Oh - Wait a min. This is the same group.

Religion at it's Finest

Wild Otter wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:59 AM ET

Why the delay? It is in everyone's interest (including the Church's) to get this settled.

Lahey obviously needs help, and the sooner he gets it, the better.

teresab wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:59 AM ET

This makes me ashamed to have been raised a Catholic. How can anyone have any confidence in the Church anymore? It's not acceptable no matter how you look at it.

At least our parish priest in the town where I grew up was sent away for only having an affair with a consenting adult .

CDogg75 wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:58 AM ET

The "moral compass" goes awry once again.

Grumpy Ol'Phart wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:58 AM ET

With the history of the Catholic Church's stance regarding these sorts transgressions in Canada and the USA, it wouldn't surprise me if he's unavailable because he's teaching catechism to kids somewhere else.

SIR SHRED'S ALOT wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:54 AM ET

He reminds me of my uncle...... say no more!!!

gingertoy wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:52 AM ET

Cancel the suicide watch.

gingertoy wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:49 AM ET

Surprise, surprise, I'm sure they ( the Catholic Church's lawyers) will find a way to postpone this as many times as possible.

Toasted wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:44 AM ET

Well that's good, the father/former bishop/alleged child porner won't have to be in court during Lent.

Easter Sunday is April 4.

How convenient.

Wendal Grant wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:41 AM ET

why is it that churches are considered "safe" places? the growing number of priest being charged with sex offenses is enough to make me believe that churches and priests are NOT the safe place for child to be as we are all lead to believe.

if a youth does something wrong all youth are painted with the same brush. Why not priests?

Houseman wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:31 AM ET

Is he on suicide watch?

Randy RWilson xRN wrote:

Posted 2010/02/03

at 9:29 AM ET

Is a provincial election being called ?