Episcopal scandal
Uncategorized October 1st. 2009, 8:13pmI’m still in Ireland – family from Canada with me for another two days and then I’ll stay here for about two more weeks to clear out my brother’s home and take care of paper work.
I was told about the charges against Bishop Raymond Lahey. I was not surprised. I am thankful that people were on their toes at the Ottawa airport. Beyond that I can only say that I hope and pray this makes its way to trial and I also hope and pray that between now and then we aren’t inundated with a multitude of variations of the old chestnut that someone put those dirty pictures on the poor man’s laptop when he wasn’t looking. Whatever the case, rest assured that the episcopal wagons are being circled, tongues are wagging and phonelines are burning.
Does anyone know where Lahey was in the United States England?
Does anyone know who he was going to visit in Ottawa?
And any word on who he has retained to defend him?
I do wish I was home with access to my files. I recall quite vividly being floored and intrigued to discover some years back that Bishop Lahey, then Bishop of St. George’s Diocese in Newfoundland, was dispatching his priests off to the Oblate facility in Arnprior, Ontario for Enneagram workshops. I also recall that he was referenced in Michael Harris book Unholy Orders. And I do recall that he was considered by many to be one of the prima liturgists in Canada .
And then of course there is the stuff of the layman’s grapevine - “rumour and innuendo” sort of things which we dare not speak precisely because they are legally deemed to be just that – nothing but “rumour and innuendo.” (Those who have followed the Cornwall sex abuse scandal and inquiry know all about that!)
Anyway, I will be watching word of Bishop Lahey’s ‘alleged’ possession of kiddie porn with deep and great interest from afar. I pray that those who have anything of merit to add to the current allegations will have the courage, grace and strength to do so.
Those following the breaking news please give us the news and keep us all updated on this thread – also please post links to articles of interest.
I do believe a few knees are knocking 
.
Enough for now.
Sylvia
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
I hope someone has him under suicide watch!!!
Anyway, CBC is covering this scandel Sylvia. I think they hit well over 700 comments on the story. It’s really upsetting people!!!
Here’s some links I hope you can pick up over there…..
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/10/01/ns-lahey-charged-sydney.html
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Images+focus+investigation/2057158/story.html
He was in Britian – they are trying to identify the children found in the images on his computer.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 am
Micheal Edelson from Ottawa is representing him (got the mayor off).
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
Hey Sylvia…..here’s the local Damage Control….(Freeholder Letter to the Editor)….waiting for McIntosh to step into the fray!
Shocked by charges against fellow bishop
Posted By
Posted 3 hours ago
I imagine most readers of this newspaper have been shocked and scandalized at the news that a Canadian bishop has been charged with possession of child pornography. I share their shock. I also feel a great sense of shame that a fellow bishop can have been involved in such a horrible activity.
The seriousness of the charge and the immediate resignation of the accused shakes our confidence in his presumed innocence. It also undermines our trust in all persons in positions of authority, including those who, like Bishop Lahey, have used their authority positively to heal breaches with past victims of clergy sexual abuse. In the face of such paradoxical behaviour, I can only shake my head in bewilderment and sorrow.
I cannot understand what would lead a person to be interested in pornography involving children.
All pornography is demeaning, but that involving children is even more so, since it requires that children be abused in its production. Unfortunately, anyone with an Internet connection can easily access this mate-rial. It has become a scourge in our society, one which needs to be combated as courageously as possible.
My heart goes out to all those who have been deeply shaken by this revelation. My prayers are offered for all of us.
May we respond with an even greater awareness of our weaknesses, a greater commitment to care for our children, a greater engagement in building a society where such horrors do not happen.
Paul-André Durocher
Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
Gee…….isn’t that the Law Firm that signed on to represent Perry Dunlop (“Google” “Michael Edelson”)….gee whiz!!! What ever happened to Perry’s representation? Didn’t “the system” leave Perry to rot in jail because in part, he was seen as a flight risk?
Brief recap: Go back to a couple of days before Bishop Lahey surrendered to Ottawa police as a Canada-wide warrant for his arrest had been circulated.
For me, the most “telling and chilling” news clip can be downloaded at the CTV website. Atlantic CTV interviewer Steve Murphy interviewed Halifax Archbishop Anthony Mancini. (view the clip and “you” form an opinion)
It appears the Archbishop discloses he talked to bishop Lahey in the morning but has no idea where he is. I see Archbishop Mancini being very vague and non-disclosing about what he knows. Furthermore, the Archbishop says Bishop Lahey should “present himself with his lawyer”…..with his lawyer. In the broadcast news clip, it appears to me, Archbishop Mancini is also attempting to “instruct” legal counsel.
I mean, wasn’t the bishop, “on-the-lamb”, so-to-speak? Yet, he is immediately released and people like Perry Dunlop are jailed. (2 “systems” here?)I wish I had access to mega $$$$; believe me, I would settle a few outstanding issues pretty quickly.
Many days have passed since September 15, 2009, when Bishop Lahey was confronted at the Ottawa airport in Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA. Does anyone believe everyone just sat around and waited for time to pass (conspiracy theorists??)
Then the bishop steps down for personal reasons, over the weekend and “goes on the lamb”, so-to-speak. But, was he really “on-the-lamb”? Had he been actually been charged when he could not be found to be served or arrested?
Over the past decades thousands of sex scandals have seen the light of day, yet, based on these most recent allegations against Bishop Lahey and others, it appears “the accused” have learned nothing and continue to “act” without fear of anything, anyone or God.
Finally; this remark is for the academic, legal, “pear heads” out there.
To be brief, if the allegations are fact, then I suggest this is yet another example why the “Applied Social Sciences” approach to intervening in social systems (to resolve social problems)from the “shared responsibility-unlimited dollars-public inquiry” theory fails. Especially when elitists with unlimited dollars are the “individual problem”.
As I see it, “NO INDIVIDUAL accountability, NO INDIVIDUAL responsibility, NO individual consequences”, and no so-called “healing and reconciliation”…we remain, “frozen in time”. Yet perpetrators believe they are safe and continue their deviant acts and acts of ommission….the effects augmented with BIG MONEY and BIG LAWYERS.
And yes, Commissioner Normande Glaude will table his report.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
Yes, the on-line version of the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder published the Bishop Durocher letter to the editor…quickly, wouldn’t you say. Yet, I was unable to see any other news article/comments about the story on the “S-F” online version (is there more than one version? Can anyone direct me to the online story and comments please?)
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Funny…there is NO on-line story in the Freeholder about Lahey in the local news….however in the Canada news on the site an article about Lahey’s bail has been posted 4 hours ago AFTER Derochers letter to the editor was posted 5 hours ago!!!
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1778774
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Someone go help John – he’s puking!!!
Move over John!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I would say the “S-F” online version, is not looking for too much feedback.
Additionally; my previous email. I believe I am wrong about Michael Edelson re: Perry’s representations. I believed Michael Edelson was at one time or was currently a “Partner” with Lawrence Greenspon. Sorry for the misinformation.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Prima Facie – Edelson represented Leduc at the preliminary hearing.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Ohhhh yes. Right. Lawyer Michael Edelson represented Lawyer Jacques Leduc, who was one of numerous people “accused” of allegedly “abusing” young boys, among other things. Lawyer Michael Edelson did a good job for Jacques Leduc, as I recall….from Jacques Leduc’s perspective, of course.
Yes, now that I go back to Sylvia’s home page and search for Jacques Leduc in “the inquiry” files, quite a lot of information “comes up”.
Thanks very much “Reality Checker”.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:20 pm
…sorry again, I mean the http://www.theinquiry.ca files……John, move over…..
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Prediction:
1. McIntosh will weigh-in in the morning with some absurd opinion peice to get his audience riled.
2. We will hear some kind of statement from the Canadian Bishops and/or Vatican about this poor-poor Bishop. Have mercy. No sympathy for the victims.
3. Unless someone has the Bishop under suicide watch – we may here about an unexpected death prior to trial.
4. The International Child Exploitation Unit will be able to trace the Bishops movements over the past while and those children who are portrayed in the images on his computer will be identified and helped!!! (Pray for them!)
October 2nd, 2009 at 5:43 pm
OMG…..$800/hr for Edelson!!!
Who the hell can afford that in this day and age!!!
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1145491.html
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
Lahey has been court ordered to stay at a Monestary in Rogersville NB – it was actually a papal directive. I think the church has a problem – they don’t want him there!!!
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/10/02/nb-bishop-lahey.html
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm
re: #12 above, “Reality Checker”:
I believe I saw a couple of minutes with a spokesperson from the “Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops” or whatever…..oh….what’s his name.
The interview was before “Lahey” “surrendered” to police and after he had retained counsel, but when he was still “on-the-lamb” or at least “running from getting caught”, so-to speak. No-one knew where the “perceived” highly respected, honourable, loved, trustworthy, beyond reproach, Bishop Lahey was…..in seclusion.
The interview was conducted by the C.B.C.’s Suhana Meharchand. I urge people to track down the interview.
It goes without saying, I was not impressed….and then the “icing” on the cake… Suhana was so impressed with the “spokesperson”….I mean, so very, very impressed. “You are just such a wonderful person..”, she said…or at least something to that affect.
Again: As I see it, Suhana is just a blatant example of the “lapdog, mainstream news media”…she has been so conditioned by the words of “hand-picked” mouth pieces, spinning their agendas, that she believes them to be the truth sayers.
…my, my, my…..”Dear God, Give me the strength”.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Here is an excerpt from the Ottawa Citizen story which ran on the day after Lahey turned himself in.
“On Thursday, Lahey flew from New Brunswick to Ottawa, where he met with an associate of his lawyer, the prominent Ottawa attorney Michael Edelson.
Lahey then went to his lawyer’s downtown office before hopping into a black Porsche SUV and heading to the police station, where Edelson cleared a path through a media horde.
Wearing a button-down shirt and sweater under a tan jacket, a grim-faced Lahey said nothing as he entered police headquarters. Edelson also refused comment.
Soon after entering police custody, Const. Alain Boucher said Lahey was “being processed,” meaning the charges against him were read prior to the standard procedure of fingerprinting and photos.
A few hours later, he was in Ottawa court, where he spoke briefly to the justice of the peace who granted his release on $9,000 cash bail and imposed several strict conditions.
“Mr. Lahey, do you understand the conditions?” asked Justice of the Peace Richard Sculthorpe.
“Yes, I do, your worship,” Lahey replied.
“Are you prepared to abide by them?” asked Sculthorpe.
“I am indeed,” said Lahey, who sat throughout much of the hearing with his arms crossed in front of him in the prisoner’s box.
Lahey was released less than three hours after turning himself in.
Prior to the hearing, Sculthorpe asked Edelson if he was in court for the “big emergency.” Sculthorpe also offered to stay until 5 p.m., when court closes, to sign Lahey’s release papers after Edelson’s office had to make arrangements to get the cash needed to secure Lahey’s release.
Assistant Crown attorney David Elhadad did not oppose Lahey’s release, so long as he agreed to abide by what Elhadad described as “rather strict” release conditions.
Edelson told Sculthorpe he was aware of some of the evidence in the case, although none was presented in court.
Following his release, Lahey quietly left court alongside two of Edelson’s associates, walking down and eventually crossing Elgin Street as TV cameras recorded his every step.
Under his conditions, Lahey may not possess pornographic material and may not possess or use a computer or any device that can access the Internet, such as cellphones with browsing capabilities.
He is barred from Internet cafés or anywhere that Internet services can be obtained for a fee or free of charge.
Lahey is prohibited from using or possessing a web cam or external hard drive, and may not use any online chat lines, including MSN and Twitter, or file transferring services and e-mail.
He cannot possess any software that would allow data to be hidden or erased, or any items that can store digital media, such as thumb drives.
Lahey was ordered not to attend any public park, library or place that may be frequented by people under age 18.
He must not be alone with anyone younger than 18 unless the young person’s parent is present.
Lahey will be required to live at Les Pères Trappistes in Rogersville, N.B., and must report bi-weekly to the local RCMP detachment. Edelson told Sculthorpe that the “large” residence Lahey will be residing in does have Internet access, but it would not be readily available to him.
Lahey’s next court date is Nov. 4, but Edelson may appear on his behalf.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I can also tell you journalists in St. John’s, Newfoundland are looking back over hundreds of hours of video taped interviews and testimony from the Winter Commission to see what they can find on Lahey. It will be interesting if they can properly address the fact Shane Earle saw things in Lahey’s house he wasn’t allowed to talk about at the inquiry. The fact of the matter is possession of child pornography didn’t become a crime until sometime in the early 1990s, so when the Winter Commission was underway, not only was it not a crime, but Earle likely wouldn’t have been allowed to testify about what he saw because defense lawyers would have argued it was irrelevant to the Mount Cashel issue. There is so much more to this story than meets the eye. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the coming weeks and months.
October 4th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
re: 16, 17 above: I see there have been some more news reports, “post surrendering to authorities” (Thurs-Fri), I was out of the country. I haven’t looked at Saturday’s news or todays.
Also, as per the above “posts”, it appears they provide “excerpts” from the reporters’ quoting of facts as they occurred and were recorded “on the scene” and “on-the-record.”
In addition, “Absent Observer” writes, “I can also tell you journalists in St. John’s Newfoundland are looking over hundreds of hours of video taped interviews and testimony from the Winter Commission to see what they can find on Lahey.” Thank-you for your assurance.
In the context of “post #12″ above and despite reporting about the so-called initial “emergencies”, including the surrendering of Mr. Lahey and if posts 16-17 are accurate, then, I say,
1)Good. The reporters and the lawyers, “so far”, appear to have NOT included speculation, ambiguous conjecture, or personal opinion, as I believe they and reporters/writers with “Canadian Press”, etc., have often done in the past.
Also, as of Saturday, October 04, 2009 (to my knowledge) columnists, editorialists, reporters, or other public opinion formers, etc., like the Margaret Wente’s, Claude McIntosh’s of the world, have not “as yet” published their own “opinion editorials” or similar. I suspect they will be coming…soon.
However, as per the “posts”, this is all good; maybe people, institutions, systems, have learned from past experiences, just like many of the people, institutions, systems, who presented at the “Cornwall Public Inquiry” have learned. You know, the many institutions and other “systems”, that had no resources, education, knowledge, experience, technology, in-the circa, to do “the right job”…They just had people, doing the best they could to get something accomplished while, “walking in the dark.”
2)Also, in the event reporters in Newfoundland research and discover “significant” related information on Lahey, I ask, will the country be informed or will the information be simply disseminated throughout the northeastern-Canada or smaller “region”, which is the case these days with most news stories. And, will it be published, with or without the type of editing, speculation, I suggested above?
For example, rarely is the situation, where the whole country or at least multiple regions of the country, are informed and updated on significant stories happening in the other regions.
Instead, we are pre-occupied with stories in the U.S., bashing the U.S., beer drinking and hockey.
Finally, (yes I know, Thank God).
I definitely believe, “there is much more to this story than meets the eye.” Just as there is more to the story, relating to issues surrounding “The Cornwall Public Inquiry”, “Project Truth”, etc., etc., “than meets or will ever meet the eye”, so-to-speak. But, one of my concerns is, if anything at all, what will our eyes (readers-concerned citizens)eventually see?
October 4th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
You knew the spin was coming…well here is the first and I doubt the last of it. http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/holy-post/archive/2009/10/01/asking-for-help-not-easy-for-priests.aspx
The title is Asking for Help is Not Easy for Priests. It all boils down to arrogance and pride and an inability to face the problems they have be it addictions, depression or a sexual interest in children. Priest have easy access (Southdown, to name just one of the many facilities available to them) to mental health care that will paid for them. This is more than any Canadian can say is true for them.
October 4th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
How big is that toilet John’s puking in???
I have the heaves again after reading that one Nellie!
October 4th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
How the heck can they rationally and logically release Glaude’s Report in the midst of this scandel involving Lahey???
Isn’t Glaude’s report suppose to be out within the next week or so and in the mean -time they“re possibly opening up Mount Cashel again
BAD OPTICS – VERY BAD!
This should be interesting……
October 4th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Hey Everyone…….WHERE THE HECK IS HE???
For the information of the Press and any other inquirers.
Bishop Raymond Lahey is not in residence here. The press seems to have anticipated something that may have been discussed in the court proceedings but was not definitively decided upon. Ultimately some other arrangement has been made for Bishop Lahey’s residence. We are not expecting him coming to reside here.
The Crown Prosecution Service never formally requested my consent to Bishop Lahey’s coming here, and I am not expecting them to do so.
Bede Stockill
Abbot
Sunday 4 October 2009 AM.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
DID he have to surrender his passport???
Anyone know???
October 4th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
http://www.calvaryabbey.com/
October 4th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Do we have an extridition treaty with the Vatican???
Is Lahey able to flee the country and take refuge in the Vatican??? I’m serious – CAN HE???
CAN HE DO THAT???
If the Pope knew the reason for his resignation – didn’t inform anyone else in the Dioscese or any of the Canadian Bishops of what was to come – and no one knew where Lahey was after he resigned – he’s charged -let go on bail and now he’s NOT at the ordered Monastary – where do you think the most likely place he would flee to???
I’m sick – can’t sleep – and that toilet has been my best buddy!
October 5th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
“For The Greater Good”
October 6th, 2009 at 4:35 am
Where oh where is “Bishop” Raymond Lahey????
He’s not at the Rogersville N.B. abbey where everyone thought he was. So, where is he? Should parents not know where this man is holed up? I certianly think they should. I hope and pray he hasn’t managed to slither his way out of the country and right off to the protective walls of the Vatican. Someone (Reality Checker?) queeried if Lahey’s passport had been taken. Surely common sense prevailed and it was? but, … as we well know common sense frequently falls by the bye when it comes to protecting children from sexual perverts, clerical or other.
I don;t have my files so no chance to check things which are on my mind, but for now a few notes of interest:
(1) Lahey went to Ottawa’s University of Saint Paul and was ordained in 1963.
(2) Dale Crampton, one of Ottawa’s convicted clerical paedophiles Dale Crampton, also attended USP and was ordained 1963.
(3) Bernard Prince, one of Pembroke’s convicted clerical paedophile Bernard Prince, was ordained 1963. I THINK Prince went to USP but don’t have my files on hand to confirm that. Can anyone out there help me? Prince did later teach at USP, but I do think his seminary studies were conducted at USP.
(4) Father Frank Morrissey, the Oblate canonical guru who testified at the Cornwall Public Inquiry, studied at USP and was ordained at 1961. There certainly would have been an overlap of a few years before Morrissey left.
Morrissey has traditionally gone to bat for the Roman Catholic clerical paedophiles of the world. I wonder what he has to say about a bishop with stash kiddie porn?
Four final observations
(1) I read and was totally repulsed by that National Post article.
(2) I see the Diocese of Antigonish will not pick up Lahey’s legal tab: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/10/05/ns-lahey-legal.html
I am more inclined to think that in this instance it would be the CCCB (Canadain Conference of Catholic Bishops) who will or might foot the bill. I think that would be worth a check out if anyone has the time.
If CCCB deny they are offering assistance or footing the bill then I would say that Lahey must have a very healthy bank account to mount his legal defence, and that to me means that the “alleged” acquistion of kiddie porn has stood him in good financial stead. Or, perhaps he has friends with deep pockets provately looking out for his or their best interests?
Where is the money coming from? Who in his right mind would foot this bill?
(3) Father Kevin
MalloyMolloy- now of Florida – gave Lahey “a warning” twenty years ago?!!! http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2069365A warning?!!! And then stayed silent for 20 years?!!! About an illegal activity? (Perhaps I err, but I am guessing the “pornography” Lahey had 20 years ago was akin to that he was caught with days ago – kiddie porn)
Was that before Lahey was installed as Bishop of St. George’s in NFLD in 1986? If yes, he remained silent when Lahey was named bishop of St. George’s?
Or was it just after Lahey was installed? In that instance he knew Bishop Lahey was into porn and he remained silent?
Who did Molloy tell? And why pray tell did he not at the very least report Lahey to the police?
(4) A bit of shenanigans and lots of tap dancing over the monastery. Seems Lahey was in fact initially holed up at the monastery http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Vatican+arranged+hideout+plans+bishop+facing+child+porn+charges/2069360/story.html
but not an inkling of that fact in this article:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1146123.html
Nor a boo of it on this notice posted on the monastery website: http://www.calvaryabbey.com/
All rather pathetic isn’t it? Getting to the truth is like pulling teeth.
So in fact it seems Lahey was indeed briefly squirreled away at the monastery, and then he was gone. And it seems that the powers that be at the monastery sort of pretended Lahey had never been there and accordingly didn’t offer the tid bit that in fact he had been there. Until someone asked the right question mum was the word.
The name of the legal game is offer no information unless the question is asked point blank. We saw it at the inquiry, we are seeing it again.
Anyway, yet again “rumour and innuendo” regarding clerical sexual perversion seems to be bearing fruit.
Must carry on now with the business at hand here – much to do.
One final note – I spotted a short news item in an Irish paper re Lahey.
Enough for now,
Sylvia
(cornwall@theinquiry.ca)
October 6th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Just saw this …
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
News Ottawa and Region
Reports bishop is missing untrue: Lawyer
By TERRI SAUNDERS, SUN MEDIA
Last Updated: 6th October 2009, 1:26pm
Reports a retired Catholic bishop charged with possession of child pornography is nowhere to be found aren’t accurate, the bishop’s lawyer said Tuesday.
“I know where he is,” said Michael Edelson, the Ottawa lawyer who is representing Bishop Raymond Lahey. “I’m not going to say where he is but I can say this will all be resolved.”
On Tuesday, reports began surfacing in the media that Lahey hadn’t turned up at a monastery in Rogersville, N.B. where he’s been ordered to reside as part of bail conditions issued by an Ottawa justice of the peace last week.
There were also reports Lahey hadn’t responded to e-mails written to him by Edelson.
“I don’t know where they’re getting that,” said the lawyer. “He is under strict conditions not to use a computer and not to access the Internet, so reports about e-mails … I don’t where that’s coming from.”
Edelson has a theory about where the stories are coming from.
“I think this is a case of a very aggressive east coast media,” he said. “These are small communities and there’s a lot of misinformation going around. He’s not missing.”
Lahey’s conditions of release do include residing at the Rogersville monastery and check in weekly with the RCMP in that community. His first date to report is tomorrow. He must also notify Ottawa police within 24 hours of any change of address.
When asked if his client was in full compliance with all of his bail conditions, Edelson had nothing to say.
“I’m not going to make any further comment,” he said.
terri.saunders@sunmedia.ca
Also, I heard the Crown forgot to ask the judge to require Lahey to surrender his passport. Word is that might be fixed today.
October 6th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Well that’s it folks. The lawyer for “the accused” has spoken(ambiguously), so MUST be true!! ALL IS WELL!!
Even though, it appears (above posts)that the “Inn Keeper’s” are unaware of the guests reservation.
October 6th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
…or..is it to be accepted by “us” or is it legal?
I guess, if “the system” asserts it knows the whereabouts of an accused (in this context), then it’s okay…right?
If someone is “ordered” to report somewhere on a “specific date”, then am I to accept that it doesn’t matter what the accused does or where the accused goes, in the interim?
I ask: If “you” were an accused, prominent person facing criminal charges and you were given “time free” before reporting somewhere, what would you do?
October 6th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
…..go somwhere where they couldn’t touch me.
October 6th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
This is getting ridiculous!!!
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/10/06/ottawa-bishop-lahey-child-pornography.html
Why didn’t they just leave him in jail – then everyone would be certain where he was!!!
I gather from this latest article he IS down in New Brunswick but NOT at the Monastary!!! WHERE IS HE???
October 6th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Lahey will be back in court in Ottawa Thursday for two bail variations … place of residence and reporting. Basically he’ll be asking to live somewhere other than the monastery and that means he’ll need to report to a different police detachment. Word is he’ll be living in Ottawa. Apparently he’s in Ottawa right now … possibly at the Vatican’s embassy house in Rockcliffe Park. Seems when a reporter from the Ottawa CTV station called the embassy to see if he was there, whoever answered the phone hung up when the reporter identified himself.
It’s the lead story all over the place in Ottawa today. One thing … I bet Bertrand Leblanc, the mayor of Rogersville, N.B., is pleased to hear Lahey won’t be back in his town anytime soon.
October 6th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Wait a second…..Global is reporting he’s in Ottawa BUT CBC is reporting he’s in New Brunswick…
Exert from CBC…
” The Rogersville monastery said Lahey was not there Tuesday, and Ottawa police confirmed that. They said he is in New Brunswick and would report to RCMP in Rogersville on Wednesday as scheduled.”
WHICH IS IT – NB or OTTAWA???
October 6th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Looks like Ottawa it is ….
CanWest News Service
06 October 2009
5:02 pm
OTTAWA — Former Roman Catholic bishop Raymond Lahey, who faces criminal charges of possessing and importing child pornography, is expected to take up residence in Ottawa this week.
“He notified the investigator this morning that he will be moving to the Ottawa region,” Ottawa Police spokesman Const. Alain Boucher said Tuesday.
An application was also filed Tuesday in Ottawa court to change three of Lahey’s bail conditions, including: where he is to reside and the police department to which he will report.
Global News reported Tuesday Lahey will live at a monastery in the Ottawa area.
Lahey, 69, is also expected to be required to surrender his passport after that condition was overlooked during a court appearance last week.
Boucher said Lahey will still report to RCMP in Rogersville, N.B., on Wednesday as part of his standing bail conditions, which also forbids him from using the Internet or attending any public parks, libraries or places where children frequent.
He will be back in an Ottawa court on Thursday.
Lahey was freed on $9,000 bail last week in Ottawa after being charged on Sept. 25 with possession and importation of child pornography following a search of his laptop computer at the Ottawa airport.
The day after he was charged, he resigned as the bishop of Antigonish, N.S., where he just finished overseeing a historic, $15-million, out-of-court settlement with people who were sexually abused as children by a former priest at the diocese.
The ex-bishop’s current location is unknown despite numerous reports that stated he would be living at a rural New Brunswick monastery while awaiting trial.
However, the head priest of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Calvary, in Rogersville, N.B. said Monday he hadn’t seen Lahey in nearly a week and has not heard from Ottawa police or prosecutors about any court-ordered plan for the former bishop to reside at the historic lakeside abbey.
Lahey’s lawyer, Michael Edelson, confirmed Tuesday he knew where his client was located but refused to say where.
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
October 6th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
CBC NEWS 5:34pm
Accused bishop wants to move to Ottawa
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 | 5:34 PM ET Comments1Recommend9CBC News
A Nova Scotia bishop facing child pornography charges is seeking a change to his bail conditions that would allow him to move to Ottawa.
Ottawa police said they were notified Tuesday that Raymond Lahey, 69, who was until recently the bishop of the Antigonish diocese in Nova Scotia, wants permission from a judge to allow the move. His current bail conditions require him to stay in Rogersville, N.B., where there is a monastery.
The Rogersville monastery said Lahey was not there Tuesday, and Ottawa police confirmed that. They said he is in New Brunswick and would report to RCMP in Rogersville on Wednesday as scheduled.
Lahey, who is originally from Newfoundland, has lived in Ottawa before, while he was a student at St. Paul’s University.
Msgr. Kevin Beach of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa said he has not been in contact with Lahey and does not know the former bishop’s whereabouts.
Lahey turned himself in to Ottawa police on Oct. 1, a day after the force announced Lahey was wanted on child pornography charges following the seizure of his laptop at the Ottawa International Airport on Sept. 15. He had resigned suddenly from his post less than a week earlier.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Now the question is where in Ottawa? At the Nuncio’s palace in Rockliffe Park? at any of a number of Oblate residences throughout Ottawa? or at St. Paul University? or perhaps even at the residence of convicted clerical paedophile and ex-classmate Father Dale Crampton? possibly at a clerical or episcopal cottage somewhere nearby? perhaps some good bishops pulled out a hide-a-bed in some little corner of CCCB (Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops)facilities? He could be anywhere, couldn’t he? Ottawa covers a pretty vast territory.
So his lawyer and few sundry souls know where Raymond Lahey is – …what about the rest of the populace? Don’t parents have a right to know where a bishop who is “allegedly” enthralled with kiddie porn is hiding out? Don’t parents have a right and wisdom to decide for themselves whether or not their children are or may be at risk?
Speaking of which I was told that Lahey was flagged at the airport becuase he is a frequent flier to Thailand and Cambodia! I’d say that that possibly takes things to another level. We all know what “allegedly” happens to little children in Cambodia and Thailand. I believe that news item was on CTV Halifax. I tried to find something on it but no luck. Did anyone catch it? If yes would you share the details.
I also hear there is a news report which advises that Shaun Earle, the Mount Cashel victim, confirmed that he reported Lahey to the police way back when over the porn business. I beleive the wird is that a bishop was also told.
Please convey any info on any of the above.
My goodness but this is sounding and smelling more like Cornwall by the minute. But, whoopsie – I forget – it’s all nothing but rumour and innuendo
October 6th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
It was a columnist on The Halifax New Net Sylvia that indicated Lahey’s travel itinerary…..
http://www.halifaxnewsnet.ca/index.cfm?sid=292495&sc=612
“I can now tell you why Lahey was red-flagged by Canada Border Services Agency personnel at Ottawa International Airport upon his return to Canada September 15th after a trip abroad. It was his travel history including visits to southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia. Both are countries police sex crime investigators say are favoured destinations for child sex predators. A check of Lahey’s laptop revealed what were described as images of concern and Ottawa police were called on to take a closer look. It was after their forensic probe on his laptop and other media devices that the decision was made to lay the child pornography charges.”
October 6th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I can’t keep track of this. He’s in Ottawa. He’s not in Ottawa. He’s in the monastery in New Brucnswick. He’s not in the monastery but he may just be in New Brunswick.
Perhaps when I wake up Ireland time I can find out for 100% sure where Bishop Raymond Lahey is?
I do hope that there aren’t too many roads leading to Rome from whereever he’s resting his weary head. And I do hope “they” nabbed his passport.
Final thought: I wonder if by chance the beleagured bishop took a wee jaunt back to his palace in Antigonish to tidy things away? Perhaps it was Ottawa to monastery, monastery to Antigonish, Antigonish to Ottawa (or perhaps Antigonish to New Brunswick but not monastery in New Brunswick?)
No special considerations the likes of this when Perry was arrested – and cuffed – and incarcerated. But then Perry didn’t have Edelson, and Perry didn’t have a laptop full of kiddie porn, and Perry didn’t have friends in high places, and Perry doesn’t run back and forth to Cambodia and Thailand.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Way to go RealityChecker! Thanks
Here’s the complete text for those who want to see every word:
Rick’s Rants Tuesday October 6th/09
Where’s Lahey??? and Strike likely now at NSCC!!
RICK HOWE
Halifax News Net
Where’s former Antigonish Bishop Raymond Lahey? The bishop is supposed to be staying at a monastery in Rogersville, New Brunswick, but he’s not there. It was a condition of his bail after being charged with child pornography offences. Neither Ottawa police nor the Catholic church appear to have any idea where he might be. An abbott with the monastery says he beleives Lahey has decided to stay in Ottawa, close to the lawyers defending him. Police investigators, who hope to determine his whereabouts today, say Lahey is supposed to inform them of any variation of his bail conditions.
I can now tell you why Lahey was red-flagged by Canada Border Services Agency personnel at Ottawa International Airport upon his return to Canada September 15th after a trip abroad. It was his travel history including visits to southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia. Both are countries police sex crime investigators say are favoured destinations for child sex predators. A check of Lahey’s laptop revealed what were described as images of concern and Ottawa police were called on to take a closer look. It was after their forensic probe on his laptop and other media devices that the decision was made to lay the child pornography charges.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
And hats off to Rick Howe for getting that little tid bit of what some might call “rumour and innuendo” out into the public domain
October 7th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Maybe forgetting to take his passport (mentioned in earlier blog) wasn’t really forgetting….that is, if Lahey is hold-up at the “Apostolic Nunciature”, “Rockliffe”, with the Papal Nuncio, isn’t that the same as staying at a Foreign Embassy…on foreign soil and do not such residents enjoy certain diplomatic priviledges??
Also, on another note relating to Laheys desire to live in Ottawa with many fine-tuned lawyers at his leasure, perhaps the word is getting out all over the world that Ottawa and Ontario generally is friendly to_?_, oh, let’s say everyone with power and trips to Bankok are unnecessary. “For The Greater Good”…of course.
October 7th, 2009 at 11:14 am
A new meaning for “Sanctuary City” or Province.
October 7th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I feel left out here….about a year and a half ago I wrote the Papal Nuncio (Liugi Ventura) and asked for an audience, he never responded to me. Lahey (if thats where he is) gets invited. Guess I should have told the Nuncio that I had some naughty stuff on my laptop, then maybe I would have been invited!!!
October 7th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Here’s the confirmation. Read the article below. Clearly enough people “allegedly” knew what Lahey was up to 20 years ago and NOTHING was done! Nothing!!! Lahey continued to compose his little liturgical ditties for the Mass, and dispatched his priests to Galilee in Arnprior Ontario where they were presumably enlightened through Enneagram workshops, and all the while those that knew twiddled their thumbs while Lahey “shephereded” his flock.
How a man with a penchant for kiddie porn can profess to be a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church who shepherds the flock and helps them attain salvation just streches my imagination well beyond its limits! Such downright hypocrisy. And how those who knew could watch and twiddle stretches – well, what can I say? Sympathy and understanding stretch to the bishop’s door – not a clerical or episcopla thought for the little children.
Lest they all forget, what is the verse from the Bible? ‘Woe to he who scandalizes any of these little ones – better thatr a millstone be tied around his neck.’
Not my words. Christ’s.
On that note, the article from the Toronto Globe and Mail:
ANNA MEHLER PAPERNY AND OLIVER MOORE
TORONTO and HALIFAX — From Tuesday’s Globe and Mail
Last updated on Wednesday, Oct. 07, 2009 02:59AM EDT
.Two decades ago, a young man poured his heart out in Rev. Kevin Molloy’s Portugal Cove rectory.
Father Molloy said he was “appalled” to hear about the pornographic images the man allegedly found, as a teenager in the home of a fatherly clergyman, who would befriend boys at Newfoundland’s Mount Cashel home and often take them out to movies or to his home for the weekend.
“Just the fact that he was a priest and this young boy would find this kind of material in the priest’s rectory appalled me terribly,” Father Molloy told The Globe and Mail in an interview last night.
Father Molloy immediately told then-Archbishop Alphonsus Penney about the allegations about what had been found in Rev. Raymond Lahey’s house. Then he phoned Father Lahey, who was in Cornerbrook at the time.
“I said, ‘Bishop Lahey, I’m calling you on a very serious matter…’ He was quite aware of what I was saying.”
In the middle of the Mount Cashel sexual-abuse inquiry, Father Lahey knew exactly the kind of trouble that kind of discovery could cause, Father Molloy said.
“He said to me, ‘Would you keep in touch with me if anything were to come up?’”
Nothing happened, until Father Lahey was arrested and charged last week with possessing and importing child pornography.
Father Molloy, who now has a parish in Tarpon Springs, Florida, hasn’t spoken with Father Lahey since that phone call in 1989, and was “in shock” when he found out about the child pornography charges last week.
“What really bothers me is that more than 20 years ago … I had called him on this issue of pornography and obviously he didn’t pay any attention.”
The young man, Shane Earle, was 16 when he alleges he found the catalogue of photos in Father Lahey’s home of sexually aroused teenage boys.
“It changed everything for me. I couldn’t talk about it, I couldn’t rationalize it,” he said in an interview yesterday. “[Father Lahey] was probably the one person I really trusted. … When you have that level of trust there, that’s the last thing you would expect to experience.”
For years, he couldn’t tell anyone. But in 1989, as the inquiry into the sexual abuse he experienced at Mount Cashel got under way, he came forward.
Mr. Earle says he can’t understand why nothing happened until the former bishop was charged last week.
Mr. Penney, who could not be reached last night, resigned in 1991. He quit after an inquiry, which he had established, criticized his failure to deal with the problem of sexual abuse by clergy. The inquiry found that he had heard allegations against priests who were later convicted of abuse.
Any action he took against Father Lahey is unknown.
Father Lahey’s career flourished. By the time the complaint was made he was serving as bishop of St. George’s, on the western side of the province. He spent years there and was later made bishop of Antigonish. He resigned last month, a day after being charged.
Michael Edelson, Father Lahey’s lawyer, said last night he had no comment on Mr. Earle’s allegations.
The immediate distress at Father Lahey’s arrest has been furthered by his recent role in brokering an historic $15-million settlement with victims of alleged sexual abuse, in which he was not personally implicated, going back decades. Allegations of misconduct on his part have infuriated parishioners.
Questions were immediately raised after Father Lahey surrendered to police last week about who would be funding his court battle.
Yesterday Archbishop of Halifax Anthony Mancini, who has temporarily taken over administration of the Antigonish diocese, moved to defuse the controversy.
“The bishop has not requested that the diocese meet his legal costs,” he said. “If that request were made, it would be declined by the diocese.”
Police in St. John’s told CBC yesterday they were unable to find any record of Mr. Earle’s claims.
For Mr. Earle, who said he spent decades doing his best to put years of abuse out of his mind, last week’s charges were a rude and traumatic awakening as to how little has changed.
“What we’re dealing with today gives every indication that nothing happened, nobody followed up. I don’t know if it was that nobody believed me at the time, but here we are 20-odd years later dealing with the same issues.”
Comment
DD_11 10/6/2009 11:44:25 AM
As a Catholic-raised person who at one time went to Church weekly, I have struggled with this issue for years. It’s difficult to reconcile one’s faith to the actions of an institution that is supposed to support that faith, when those actions run counter to everything at the base of that faith.
I haven’t been to church in quite some time. I quit years ago when this stuff first started coming out. In recent years I’ve tried looking for reasons to go back – I’ve tried considering the good work the Church does for the community and globally.
But now I’m done. This institution is corrupt, and protects the very worst kinds of criminals. I don’t care if it’s out of embarrassment or fear of financial consequences – its failure to deal with this in a responsible and accountable manner makes the very institution itself complicit in these horrible crimes.
Even our politicians deal with corruption and criminality more appropriately than this organization who’s very existence is supposed to be to promote goodness in the world.
October 7th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
You might want to check out Diocese won’t pay Lahey’s legal bills – Bishop Raymond Lahey not staying at Rogersville, N.B. monastery http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/10/05/ns-lahey-legal.html
If he doesn’t have the money and the diocese won”t foot the bill, will the CCCB or worse yet, will he go to Legal Aid and ask the taxpayer to foot the bill?
This should be watched closely.
October 7th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
And more to turn our insides.
Look at this. A priest in Nova Scotia who sodomized a young lad recyled and back in sanctuafry. Someone on the parish council said OK, we’ll take him and that was it. I must tell all here that in such instances where the parish presumably agrees it is in fact not parishioners but usually only a very small cadre from the parish council who know anything about Father’s perversions and quietly agree to give him a second chance. Why are ALL parishioners not informed so that sensible and concerned parents can at the very least try to protect their children and keep them out of harm’s way? Best ask our bishops, and Father Frank Morrissey and all those who penned or approved the guidlines allowing such atrocities to transpire.
On that note, here’s the artcile from CBC News:
Priest’s gross indecency convictions not a secret: parish council
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 | 11:41 PM AT
CBC News
The chair of the parish council of Holy Redeemer Parish in Sydney, N.S., says the group knew their priest had two convictions for gross indecency involving young people when he joined their church more than 10 years ago.
Father Errol MacDonald, 64, was charged with gross indecency in 1995 for incidents that occurred in 1969 and the early 70s when he was a teacher, before he joined the seminary in 1980s.
Court documents detailed two incidents involving two different boys — the evidence in the first case described fondling and the second case involved oral and anal sex.
When the charges were laid, MacDonald informed the diocese of Antigonish and was sent to a clinic in the United States for six months of treatment. He was then sentenced to a year in prison and two years’ probation.
At a time when Roman Catholic parishes across Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are reeling from allegations that one of their bishops, Raymond Lahey, possessed child pornography, the parish council at Holy Redeemer says what’s in the past is done.
Jean Murphy, the chair of the parish council, said members of the council were told of MacDonald’s convictions when they were approached about him becoming their priest.
“I know that the parish council were fully aware and they were representing the parish so they made the decision on behalf of the parish,” she said.
Father Paul Abbass, the spokesman for the diocese of Antigonish, said the church believes in redemption and healing and he has no concerns about MacDonald’s presence at Holy Redeemer.
“It is possible for a priest or another employee, actually, who has had a charge like that or a conviction to re-enter the ministry or to be further employed with us, if and when they have met all of the criteria of the policy itself,” he said.
Murphy said there are no restrictions on MacDonald’s interaction with children.
“You know, we all have the right to move on in our lives and if we make errors, I would hope that somebody would be able to forgive us,” she said.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/10/06/ns-macdonald-convictions.html
October 7th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Right you are Nellie. Who’s footing the bill? My first guess is the CCCB – and in essence that means it still comes out of parishioner’s pockets.
If it’s not the CCCB then my next guess is he has one or more “benevolent” benefactors who have a vested interest in paying for a pricey lawyer to keep as much of this sordid mess as possible out of the public domain.
And if it’s neither, dare I even think that the Vatican is digging in to Church coffers to pay Edelson’s hansome fees?
And if perchance Lahey happens to have the funds himself? As far as I’m concerned every penny he has should be distributed equally among those poor little souls who can identified in the pron shots. Never mind lining a lawyer’s pockets – give sit to all those trusting children whose souls have been so cruelly raped.
Here it is. Warning from the Gospel according to St. Matthew. No huggy-bear-kissy-face nonsense here. Not when it comes to children….
6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. 8 And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10 See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
October 7th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Bishop facing porn charges moves to capital
CBC News Services
October 6, 2009
Former Roman Catholic bishop Raymond Lahey, who faces criminal charges of possessing and importing child pornography, is expected to take up residence in Ottawa this week.
An application was also filed Tuesday in Ottawa court to change three of Lahey’s bail conditions, including: where he is to reside and the police department to which he will report.
Global News reported Tuesday Lahey will live at a monastery in the Ottawa area.
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
October 7th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
A note on the above news item. Does anyone know of a monastery in the Ottawa area? I certainly don’t. There’s the Oblate operated Galilee centre in nearby Arnprior, but it’s a long cry from a monastery what with its massage table and all. And there are other Oblate houses in Ottawa, but again, they are a far cry from being what one would call a monastery.
So, of what “monastery” do they speak? Surley they wouldn’t go so far as to call the Nuncio’s palace a monastery?
Anyone have a clue what in the Ottawa are could remotley be construed as a monastery?
And then from today’s Globe & Mail – artcile pasted below.
More questions. Condoms? In the rectory?!!!!
And the police and Bishop knew?!!!
And no records that anyone knew?!!!
And Bishop James Weisgerber is disturbed that this Bishop who, according to a victim, had condoms and porn lying around the rectory, is being tried in the court of public opinion?
Really? Tried?! I think not. Bishop Weisgerber should know as we all know all to well that the voice of the public invariably means nothing when it comes to speaking out against child sexual abuse.
(Bishop Weisgerber incidentally is another former classmate of Bishop Lahey. The pair went through Ottawa’s St. Paul’s seminary together – both were ordained in 1963.)
Anyway, on to the article form today’s Globe & Mail….
Accused bishop is leaving the Maritimes for Ottawa
Church protecting their own, says man who alleges he found porn in Lahey’s home in 1985
OLIVER MOORE AND ANNA MEHLER PAPERNY
HALIFAX and TORONTO — From Wednesday’s Globe and Mail
Last updated on Wednesday, Oct. 07, 2009 08:42AM EDT
.In the public frenzy surrounding charges he possessed and imported child pornography, Bishop Raymond Lahey is leaving his Maritime roots for Ottawa – the city where he began his theological studies.
The Newfoundland clergyman, who was arrested and charged last week and let out on $9,000 bail on Thursday, informed Ottawa police yesterday he intends to move the address designated under his bail conditions in New Brunswick to Ottawa, Constable Alain Boucher said yesterday.
Ottawa is where the St. John’s native began his journey through the priesthood – a meteoric career path that saw him named Prelate of Honour by the Pope in 1985, the same year Shane Earle alleges he found a catalogue of child pornography in the home of the priest who represented the closest thing he had to a father figure.
Mr. Earle said yesterday that the length of time it took for Bishop Lahey to face charges indicates the church still has difficulty dealing with these issues among members of the clergy.
“They keep protecting their own people. They just keep moving them around.”
Mr. Earle says he approached the church, police and a commission dedicated to investigating sexual abuse of boys at Mount Cashel orphanage two decades ago to complain that the priest had pornography in his home.
“Shane was a very credible witness, I believed him,” Rev. Kevin Molloy, who heard his initial complaint, said yesterday from Florida, where he has a parish. The priest said he passed the allegation to then-archbishop of St. John’s Alphonsus Penney, who had appointed Bishop Lahey his number two in 1981.
Herbert Vivian acted as executive secretary to the high-profile Hughes Commission, which conducted an 18-year inquiry into child abuse at Newfoundland’s Mount Cashel orphanage. Mr. Earle says he told the commission about the pornographic materials he allegedly found in Bishop Lahey’s possession, but the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has said it has reopened its files from the commission but hasn’t found any references to child-pornography possession.
Mr. Vivian said the reams of documents, interviews and recordings from the commission would all have been given over to police and Crown prosecutors, and it was up to them to pursue criminal charges as warranted. But he notes that Canada’s child-porn laws were different then – their modern incarnation came into effect in 1993 – and it’s possible those assessing the evidence concluded there wasn’t enough to go on.
At the time Bishop Lahey’s career was flourishing. In 1986 he was ordained Bishop of St. George’s, on the western side of the island. His rise continued until his arrest on child porn charges last week. The news came weeks after he had helped finalized an historic $15-million settlement with victims of alleged sexual abuse by priests.
When arrested, he was Bishop of Antigonish, having risen far from the Mt. Pearl rectory that became a popular refuge for boys from the Mount Cashel orphanage.
“He was all these idealistic things you want in a father,” Mr. Earle said yesterday. “He would embrace the kids and he would embrace me. It felt good to be embraced.”
But Mr. Earle said it became impossible to ignore the pornography and condoms he alleges he found in the rectory. He began to shun Bishop Lahey, he said, attempted suicide and ended up in a psychiatric ward.
It took four years before he finally screwed up the courage to tell Father Molloy what he’d seen.
What then-archbishop Penney did with the information from Father Molloy remains unclear. He is not available and no record of any disciplinary action has been found by current staff at the archdiocese.
Archbishop James Weisgerber, president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, remembers a 17-year-old Bishop Lahey starting his studies at St. Paul’s seminary in Ottawa 1957 – a brilliant, talkative student and a “voracious reader” who tore his way through much of the seminary’s world-renowned library and could hold forth on just about any subject.
.
Archbishop Weisgerber said he was shocked and angered by the allegations against Bishop Lahey, and added he doesn’t think it’s fair that Bishop Lahey is now being tried “in the court of public opinion” before his case has gone to trial.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
My final posting for the day
From “Rick’s Rants” on HalifaxNewsNet blogs three hours ago. Seems to me Lahey can do what he wants and go where he pleases – no big deal:
“The mystery over ex-Antigonish bishop Raymond Lahey’s whereabouts has been solved. Lahey will check in today with the RCMP detachment in Rogersville, New Brunswick, a condition of his bail after child pornography charges were laid against him. He will not however be staying at the monastery. Lahey will make his way back to Ottawa where he’ll be living while his legal troubles are played out. Ottawa police say it’s not an issue. Lahey is only required to notify police of any change of address and he has done so. Lahey is represented by an Ottawa law firm. The church has already indicated it will not help him with his legal bills.
“One of the victims of sexual abuse by an Antigonish priest is dropping out of the settlement reached in a class action lawsuit against the diocese. A London, Ontario law firm says its representing an individual who wants to commence his own civil lawsuit against the church for the abuse he suffered as an altar boy. A news release says he feels the settlement has done little to deal with the problem of clergy sexual abuse of minors. He will identify himself at a news conference tomorrow morning. Bishop Lahey was of course a key player in reaching the $13 million settlement. ”
(http://www.halifaxnewsnet.ca/index.cfm?sid=292933&sc=612)
October 7th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
So, in reality and “if” the information in post 51 is correct (believe it when I see it), the public has really been existing in a “without a trace” mode for how many hours? “IF” the information in post 51 “acts out” as reported.
The only one who knew or really knew anything and would say nothing is Laheys Ontario Lawyer (ex-Jacques Leduc lawyer), Mr. Edelson.
And on “sanctuary cities”; Ontario may just be the place for the Canadian versions of “Bernie Madoff.”
Wasn’t it just a couple of weeks ago when “that” other great Ontario lawyer suggested his clients should go on college/university speaking tours, discussing the shortcomings of robbing from your trusting clients..or something like that? This lawyer, as you may remember, was, representing defendants who were ultimately guilty of defrauding hundreds of millions of dollars in investment dollars from trusting clients.
Just wonderful….oh ya. And the Honourable Dalton McGuinty (Ontario Premier)today, suggests guilt should be shared to rationalize away the missing billion plus dollars the Ministry of Health (e-health).
Wonderful!!!!
October 7th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Will this work? I’m posting a link which should take ypu to CTV’s coverage re Shane Earl finding kiddie porn strewn about Lahey’s room. No mention here of the condoms, but first-hand info re the porn:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091007/bishop_folo_091007/20091007?hub=TopStoriesV2
October 7th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
The RCMP in Nova Scotia are investigating him. And some talk that his palace may have been vandalized…..
N.S. RCMP doing own Lahey investigation
ChronicleHerald.ca
By PATRICIA BROOKS ARENBURG Staff Reporter
Wed. Oct 7 – 6:34 PM
Nova Scotia RCMP are investigating Bishop Raymond Lahey to see if he will face further charges here.
RCMP in this province have been assisting Ottawa police with their investigation into child pornography charges involving the former head of the Roman Catholic diocese in Antigonish.
“Based on information we received from them (Ottawa police), we opened up our own investigation,” said Sgt. Brigdit Leger, an RCMP spokesman.Ottawa police sent materials from their investigation to Nova Scotia RCMP for review.
The initial investigation stemmed from the Sept. 15 seizure of the cleric’s laptop computer by Canada Border Service officers at the Ottawa International Airport.
“At this point in time, the investigation is resting with our child exploitation unit,” Sgt. Leger said.
The unit is responsible for investigations related to child pornography and the exploitation of children over the Internet, including luring.
Sgt. Leger confirmed that no charges have been laid but refused to say whether police here have received tips and leads from the public.
Anything “relating to the specifics of the chain of investigation that were taken, I wouldn’t be able to discuss with you,” she said.
She did, however, repeatedly say that “every avenue of investigation, anything that we have received, we are completely exploring.”
When it came to searching for evidence, such as at the bishop’s home or office in Antigonish, she again refused to comment, citing the “ongoing investigation.”
If it is deemed necessary, Sgt. Leger said, investigators will apply to a judge for the proper warrants to search for evidence in the case.
There’s no indication that any of the images allegedly discovered on the bishop’s computer involved local children, Sgt. Leger said.
But “investigations like this are very sensitive to the police,” Sgt. Leger said.
“We realize the images on the other end of those (types of) photos, those young children, they’re victims of child sexual abuse. Nothing short of.” The bishop is scheduled to return to Ottawa court on Nov. 4 to face one count each of possession and importation of child pornography.
Until then, he is free on $9,000 cash bail and a number of conditions.
He was ordered to avoid any place where people children under 18 may frequent and cannot be alone with anyone under 18 unless the young person’s parent is present.
The judge also ordered him not to delete any records of Internet activity and barred him from possessing or using a computer system, using webcams or external hard drives, possessing software to encrypt or hide data, possessing software designed to eliminate evidence of Internet activity, possessing anything that helps store digital media, accessing the Internet in any way (including chat rooms, Twitter, among a long list of services) or being anywhere where he can use Internet services for free.
He also had to surrender his passport and must report his whereabouts to police.
Although court documents state that he was to reside at Les Peres Trappistes in Rogersville, N.B., the monastery later announced he wouldn’t be staying there.
CBC television reported that Bishop Lahey checked in with RCMP in Rogersville on Wednesday as scheduled.
Ottawa police now say he will likely live in the Ottawa region for the time being.
A source said Bishop Lahey’s home in Antigonish is being guarded “24-7″ by staff from a security company based in Halifax.
The source couldn’t confirm rumours the bishop’s home had been recently vandalized.
(pbrooks@herald.ca)
October 7th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
What’s the time difference Sylvia??? I was just going to post the previous article and see you beat me to it!
October 7th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Hi RealityChecker
Five hours. It’s just past midnight here – decided before calling it a day to do a quick check to see if anything was new
October 7th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
You were asking about a “Monastary” in Ottawa – I started looking and googling last night to see what I could find in and around the Ottawa area – even typed in Abbeys – the only thing I came up with was something called “Filles De La Sagess”. Anyone have any idea what that is??? And “Holy Family Religious Centre” is listed as a Monastary/Abbey.
October 8th, 2009 at 6:13 am
Neither are Monasteries RealityChecker.
Another article – from yesterday’s ChronicleHerald.ca. I;m guessing a lot of folk are busy getting their stories straight about what Shane Earle did or did not tell them, and when…
‘Everyone failed Shane Earle’
Church, authorities should have taken closer look at teen’s allegations against Lahey — archbishop
By ALISON AULD The Canadian Press
The ChronicleHerald.ca
Wed. Oct 7 – 4:46 AM
Bishop Raymond Lahey
The archbishop of St. John’s says police and the Roman Catholic Church may have failed a Newfoundland man who alleged two decades ago that he found pornographic images of children in the house of a priest who later became a bishop and now faces child pornography charges in Ottawa.
Archbishop Martin Currie acknowledged in an interview Tuesday that officials may have done little to investigate a claim by Shane Earle that he saw pornographic magazines in the home of Raymond Lahey.
“It seems that perhaps the whole system — the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the social services and the church — perhaps everyone failed Shane Earle and for that I’m very sorry,” Currie said from St. John’s. “You’d think they would have made a closer look at it.”
Earle, then a 16-year-old boy whose treatment at the Mount Cashel orphanage led to a public inquiry, said he became a close friend of Lahey’s in the mid-1980s as he sought out someone he could trust.
Earle said Lahey became a confidante who took him to the beach, for drives and regularly had him over to his house in Mount Pearl, where the young man felt free to discuss his troubles at the notorious orphanage.
“He was a beacon of light in a very dark place,” Earle said Tuesday in a telephone interview from his Halifax home.
Earle alleges that all changed when he made a routine visit to Lahey’s house when the priest wasn’t home. He said he discovered a stack of magazines of sexually aroused teen boys and explicit videos in his bedroom.
Years later and after he was treated for depression, Earle claims he told police and another local priest, Rev. Kevin Molloy, about what he allegedly saw. Earle also testified at a public inquiry into abuse at Mount Cashel in October 1989, that he saw something disturbing in Lahey’s home as a teenager in 1985.
Molloy has said he informed the archbishop at the time, Alphonsus Penney, of the allegation, but that he didn’t know what he did with the information, if anything.
Currie said he would ask Penney, who was in Ontario and unavailable for comment, how he responded when told of the allegation.
“Why didn’t Bishop Penney do anything differently? I don’t know. He’s the only one that can answer that question. I can’t,” Currie said.
Molloy said Earle told him in the late 1980s only that he saw pornography but didn’t indicate that it involved children and that he assumed the archbishop would deal with the claim.
“Shane told me that he was shocked to have witnessed there, to have seen there, pornography,” Molloy said Monday from Florida. “I just simply got the word ‘pornography’ from him.”
None of the allegations against Lahey has been proven in court.
Penney resigned in July 1990 after a scathing report into sex abuse by priests found that because the archbishop failed to act, “children continued to be abused by some priests, even while under criminal investigation.”
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is also reviewing Earle’s allegation but has said so far it cannot find a record of it.
’It seems that perhaps the whole system — the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the social services and the church — perhaps everyone failed Shane Earle and for that I’m very sorry.’
MARTIN CURRIE
October 8th, 2009 at 6:28 am
And one that a spotted a few days back and didn’t have time to post.
Note that Shane Earl says that while he was testifying at the Mount Cashel inquiry he was stopped by the inquiry lawyer from testifying that he saw porn in Lahey’s rectory. The lawyer isn’t sure why he would have stopped Shane – possible because it wasn’t relevant!!
Here’s the article…
Police reviewing 20-year-old allegation against bishop
Newfoundland man says his brother saw child pornography in the Mount Pearl, N.L., home of Raymond Lahey in 1985
St. John’s — The Canadian Press
Last updated on Saturday, Oct. 03, 2009 04:13PM EDT
.Police in Newfoundland and Labrador say they’re reviewing an allegation that Raymond Lahey — a Roman Catholic bishop facing child-pornography charges in Ontario — possessed child pornography more than 20 years ago.
Billy Earle told CBC on Thursday that his brother Shane saw child pornography in the Mount Pearl, N.L., home of Mr. Lahey in 1985.
Constable Paul Davis of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said Friday investigators became aware of Mr. Earle’s allegation on Thursday and immediately began a review.
“We became aware of this information late yesterday (Thursday), minutes before the first broadcast and we immediately began a review to determine if the information is accurate,” he said in the statement sent by e-mail.
Const. Davis said police are reviewing audio and video records of interviews with “victims and offenders” from their investigation of sex abuse allegations at the Mount Cashel orphanage, including those of Billy and Shane Earle.
“We are continuing to review our files, audio and video records of interviews with victims and offenders including those of William and Shane Earle and so far have not located any evidence to support the allegations made by Mr. William Earle purportedly on behalf of his brother Shane,” he said. “We will continue our search in effort to locate any record.”
During a public inquiry into abuse at Mount Cashel in October 1989, Shane Earle — a former resident of the orphanage — testified he saw something in Mr. Lahey’s home as a teenager that disturbed him and caused his hospitalization for depression.
The inquiry heard that the incident happened in 1985 at Mr. Lahey’s home. Mr. Earle said he lost control after spotting something in the house, but at that point inquiry lawyer Clayton Powell quickly warned him not to mention what he had seen.
“I remember I was in the house by myself, I got very upset and took some vitamin pills,” Mr. Earle testified. “I wasn’t acting very sensible.”
Neither Shane nor Billy Earle could be reached for comment on Friday. Shane Earle’s lawyer during the inquiry has also refused comment.
Mr. Powell, who is now a lawyer in London, Ont., said Friday he had “no recollection” of cutting Mr. Earle off during his testimony.
He said it was possible he advised Mr. Earle not to say what he saw at Mr. Lahey’s home because it didn’t relate specifically to Mount Cashel, but Mr. Powell said he couldn’t be sure.
Mr. Lahey served as bishop for the archidocese of Antigonish, N.S., for six years before resigning last weekend. Before that, the 69-year-old was a bishop in Newfoundland and Labrador.
His laptop and other media devices were seized by border guards when he was returning to Canada at the Ottawa airport on Sept. 15. Ottawa police charged him with possession and importing child pornography on Sept. 25 after a forensic investigation found images that police say were of “concern.”
He surrendered to police on Thursday in Ottawa and was released on bail until a court appearance on Nov. 4.
Mr. Lahey’s lawyer could not be reached for comment on Billy Earle’s allegation. A spokesman for Archbishop Martin Currie of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of St. John’s said he would not comment beyond a statement he issued on Thursday.
“We now must wait for this matter to work its way through the court process,” Mr. Currie said in a letter that priests across the province have been invited to read on the weekend.
In his testimony to the public inquiry, Shane Earle said senior officials of the Christian Brothers at Mount Cashel — including Mr. Lahey while he was still a priest — were told about sex involving boys and brothers at the orphanage.
Mr. Earle said he told Mr. Lahey that he had seen a brother having sex with several boys and the priest told him he had recommended to a member of the order’s executive council in Toronto that the brother be removed from the orphanage, which was run by the Roman Catholic lay order for decades.
Weeks after his conversation with Mr. Lahey, the brother left the orphanage, said Mr. Earle, whose allegations sparked the inquiry into Mount Cashel by retired Ontario judge Samuel Hughes.
Mr. Earle said he told the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary earlier in 1989 about his conversation with Mr. Lahey.
So
October 8th, 2009 at 6:45 am
From today’s Globe & Mail.
Is it just me or does Archbishop Richard sound a wee tad testy here? Surely he understands that parents want to know where a bishop charged with offences relating to children is hiding out? Particularly a bishop who “allegedly” had a stash of kiddie porn and a few condoms lying around his rectory over 20 years ago.
Archbishop Richard isn’t helping matters a tittle. By the sound of things Lahey was up to no good while he was priest – BEFORE he was consecrated bishop.
My question is who in the ranks of clergy and bishops knew and remained silent?
Here it is….
Lahey being tried in court of public opinion, critics say
Oliver Moore
From Thursday’s Globe and Mail
Last updated on Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009 02:58AM EDT
The arrest of former bishop Raymond Lahey, 69, on child-pornography charges has provoked a passionate and at times anguished response from church leaders. But there has also been criticism that he is being tried in the court of public opinion, with his every appearance drawing journalists.
Several were on hand yesterday as Father Lahey reported to a small-town RCMP detachment south of Miramichi, N.B., trailing him on a circuitous route to a residence run by the Congregation of Holy Cross in Moncton.
André Richard, the Archbishop of Moncton, bristled when asked what Father Lahey had been doing at the facility.
“Why do you want to know?” he asked a reporter. “It’s not the public’s business where I live or where he lives. You would not divulge where you live. Goodbye.”
Two residents said later that Father Lahey was not staying there.
Father Lahey was arrested after the contents of his laptop raised concerns with border agents at the Ottawa airport.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:55 am
…and to reiterate; “Absent Observers” post on October 4, 2009 time listed as 10:45am, details an excerpt from the “Ottawa Citizen” wherein the “Justice of the Peace Richard Sculthorpe” and Mr. Lahey, confirm the “strict conditions” Mr. Lahey was obligated to meet.
Among other things, since September 15, 2009 there are many still unanswered concerns about Mr. Lahey’s whereabouts during specific time periods,. i.e.)”without a trace”, even though one police officer and Mr. Laheys lawyer stated Mr. Lahey was following “orders-conditions”, as set by the “Justice of the Peace”.
“Yes I do, your worship,” Lahey replied.
Believe me, these unaccounted for, “time periods”, which will be forever forgotten and now minimized, are “critical” to how the related events will unfold.
Also, utilizing a “Justice of the Peace” in an emergency situation may be common. Was this really an “emergency case” above others? (what criteria had to be met).
This may sound trivial.
Just days ago, readers were led to believe Mr. Lahey had been headed to Rogersville, N.B., even though a local website announced they had no notice, consultation or otherwise that he was suppose to go there.
It’s easy to forget important “facts” from earlier news stories, as we are captured by the most current stories, blogs, comments, blogs, etc. (another strategy relied on by lawyers, etc).
October 8th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
The latest …
Hearing for bishop’s bail conditions delayed
THE OTTAWA CITIZEN
OCTOBER 7, 2009
OTTAWA — A hearing to change the bail conditions for a former Nova Scotia bishop accused of possessing child pornography has been adjourned until Friday. Raymond Lahey, 69, is expected to appear in person for the brief hearing, which is expected to change where he is going to reside and which police department he will report to.
Lahey had been required to live at a monastery in Rogersville, New Brunswick, as his criminal case goes on, but he’s seeking to change that condition.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Security posted at bishop’s house
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 | 10:44 PM AT
CBC News
A private security firm has been hired to guard Bishop Raymond Lahey’s residence in Antigonish, N.S., after it was vandalized.
Ronnie Horne, who lives around the corner from Lahey’s house, said a neighbour told him someone hung a sign from a post in front of Lahey’s house within 24 hours of his child pornography charges becoming public.
“Someone had put a sign on the post saying, ‘Pedophile lives here,’” Horne said. “I don’t know how the lady found out but she came out, took it off and she threw it in the garbage — and from then on there’s been security there.”
He said security guards had been stationed in front of the house on 23 Silverwood Drive for 24 hours a day since Oct. 1.
Lahey was charged on Sept. 25 for allegedly possessing child pornography on his laptop. He resigned as bishop of the diocese of Antigonish the next day and turned himself in to police on Oct. 1.
Bruce MacIntosh, a lawyer for the diocese of Antigonish, said he did not know how long members of Reliant Security would be on the property.
He said he believes the anger that some people are feeling will subside.
“It reflected a frustration that some people must feel and it was decided that it would be prudent to take precautionary steps to have somebody keep an eye on the property for a bit of time until people have an opportunity to reflect more calmly on some very difficult circumstances.”
Father Paul Abbass, the spokesman for the Antigonish diocese, said the diocese will cover the cost of keeping the property secure because the house is their property.
October 8th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
..and as I watched on a C.B.C. news broadcast today, C.B.C. reported that, BEFORE, alleged “kiddy porn” was discovered on Mr. Laheys (technology-not just laptop), but subsequent to initial questioning at the “Port of Entry”, Mr. Lahey allegedly disclosed, vigorously, that he admitted to being attracted to young men between the ages of 22 and 26 (or thereabouts). The news reporter went on to say that there was nothing illegal between consenting adults…but then of course, later, alleged “kiddy porn” was discovered.
So, the following may flame a few fires, but anyway; in my humble and unsolicited opinion, as a non-catholic, I submit, as we proceed and as many have done before him;
1) Mr. Lahey’s efforts will be focussing among other things, on same-sex relationships between consenting adults. I believe this will ignite a bomb within the community, the Church and special interest groups (exactly what the “accused” and defense counsel hopes). Many will be pre-occupied fighting the “gay-lesbian” issues and defocussing from “the facts” surrounding the intial charges. Public opinion will become sympathetic to Mr. Lahey’s case and similar cases.
Again…we will all, unfortunately, get defocussed
I believe everyone knows, the “homosexuality” card, good-bad or indifferent, despite how the populous see’s it, is a heavy card to play and will continue to be argued and fought from various perspectives.
2) And in the context of the above, including our current social policy of “shared responsibility”, I believe Mr. Lahey, unlike the rest of us, is well informed of the direction the Church will be heading over the next fifteen years…hence his voluntary disclosures/assertions.
October 8th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
ANYONE GOT HIM ON A SUICIDE WATCH????
Bishop on child-porn charges given shelter by Ottawa diocese
The Ottawa Citizen
October 8, 2009 5:21 PM
OTTAWA — Former Antigonish bishop Raymond Lahey is staying at a Catholic priests’ residence in Ottawa while he faces criminal charges of possessing and importing child pornography, according to Ottawa’s Catholic archbishop.
Terrence Prendergast said in a message to Ottawa’s priests that he chose to let Lahey stay in a residence on Kilborn Place because the bishop had almost nowhere else to go.
“In Christian charity, and believing that it was the action that the Lord would want us to take, I have accepted that he stay at our Priests’ Residence on Kilborn Place,” Prendergast wrote. “I thank the priests of our residence for their generosu spirit in receiving him in their midst.”
Lahey faces charges in Ottawa since it’s here that, according to police, he arrived on a plane with child pornography on his laptop. He resigned as bishop of Antigonish shortly before the charges became public.
When he was initially released on bail last week, Lahey was ordered to stay at a monastery in Rogersville, N.B., but he’s expected in court Friday to ask to have that condition changed.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
October 8th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
He’s staying at Kilborn Place! Not exactly monastery, but there is indeed the possibility of lots of friendly faces from the past. There are several retired bishops in Ottawa who may well be sharing space with Lahey at Kilborn: (1) Aloysius Penny (yes – former Bishop of St. John’s NFLD who knew and did nothing) (2) Joseph Aurele Plourde (former auxiliary bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall and former Archbishop of Ottawa) (3) Marcel Gervais (former Archbishop of Ottawa) and at least two others whose names escape me at the moment.
The Kilborn facility is adjacent to the Ottawa diocesan centre where the Archbishop of Ottawa conducts his daily business. It’s also not too terribly far away from Lahey’s old alma mater: University of Saint Paul. No need to fear that Bishop Lahey will be lonely – he will have lots of old friends to help him wile away the hours.
This note is posted on the Archdiocese of Ottawa website:
ARCHDIOCESE OF OTTAWA
1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, ON K1H 6K9
Tel (613) 738-5025 Fax (613) 738-0130
http://www.archottawa.ca
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, October 8, 2009
ARCHBISHOP PRENDERGAST’S MESSAGE TO PRIESTS REGARDING BISHOP LAHEY’S RESIDENCE IN OTTAWA
Archbishop Prendergast sent the following message to pastors of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, on his decision to welcome Bishop Lahey in a Priests’ Residence on Kilborn:
“When Bishop Raymond Lahey called our diocesan offices on Wednesday afternoon, he was facing very few – practically no – options with respect to a residence in Ottawa. In Christian charity, and believing that it was the action that the Lord would want us to take, I have accepted that he stay at our Priests’ Residence on Kilborn Place. I thank the priests of our residence for their generous spirit in receiving him in their midst.
I am aware, of course, of the serious charges pending against Bishop Lahey.
I pledge our complete cooperation with those responsible for the administration of justice in this case.
I am also aware of how this matter has deeply saddened and shaken our Catholic brothers and sisters, including those of us in ordained ministry. I ask you to join me in seeking that strength and peace which only Jesus Christ can give and to support each other in prayer and fraternal charity.
In this difficult time for our Church, be assured of my prayer for you, and for those in your pastoral care, as I ask for your prayers for me and my ministry. ”
Please note that there is no further comment at this time.
October 8th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Also in Ottawa are the offices of the CCCB. President of the CCCB is Archbishop James Weisgerber, an old classmate of Lahey.
I think Lahey has done rather well for himself. As a Roman Catholic bishop charged with possession of kiddie porn he has smoothly, boldly, brazenly – and without apparent reprimand – managed to slither out of his set bail conditions. Lahey decided he would much prefer to spend time with his friends in Ottawa than sit around a monastery in New Brunswick, …..and he’s done it! And nw it’s poor Bishop Lahey had nowhere to go!!!
Too too much. Too much!
Perhaps a fund raiser is in the offing?
October 8th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Way to go Philip. Way to go. Stay strong. There are lots of people out here supporting you and praying for you.
N.S. man launches church abuse suit, recalls ‘dark, dark place’ of his youth
08 October 2009
By Michael Macdonald (CP)
Canadian Press
HALIFAX, N.S. — Philip Latimer says it’s not about the money.
The 47-year-old welder from Cape Breton, who alleges he was abused by a priest when he was a boy, could choose to apply for compensation under a $15-million class-action settlement recently approved by the dioceses of Antigonish.
But he won’t do it.
On Thursday, Latimer spoke publicly for the first time about his decision to launch a separate civil lawsuit against the diocese and the archdiocese of Halifax in a bid to force the Roman Catholic Church to be held to account in an open courtroom.
Latimer and his team of lawyers from London, Ont., argue that the class action process shields the church from public scrutiny because the disclosure of evidence will take place behind closed doors.
“My motivating factor has everything to do with the young boys of the parish – not money, not the settlement,” he told an emotionally charged news conference at a Halifax hotel.
“I want healing, true healing.”
The settlement, certified by a Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge, is intended to compensate anyone who was allegedly and known to have been sexually assaulted by a priest of the Catholic Episcopal Corp. of Antigonish since Jan. 1, 1950.
Latimer said he was motivated to break his long silence when he learned that the clergyman who brokered the settlement, Bishop Raymond Lahey, had been charged Sept. 25 with importing and possessing child pornography in Ottawa.
“That triggered something within me,” he said, his voice quavering. “When the man that orchestrated the deal was no different than the man that committed the crime, allegedly …. that did it for me.”
Lahey, who resigned as bishop of the Antigonish diocese before the charges became public, is to appear in an Ottawa court on Nov. 4.
Neither the allegations contained in the lawsuit nor those against Lahey have been proven in court.
Latimer’s lawsuit names the archdiocese of Halifax and the diocese of Antigonish as defendants.
Bruce MacIntosh, a lawyer for the diocese of Antigonish, couldn’t be reached for comment on Thursday and he declined comment when the lawsuit was filed Wednesday.
Marilyn Sweet, a spokeswoman with the archdiocese of Halifax, declined to comment on Thursday, saying the case is before the courts.
In his statement of claim, Latimer alleges he was sexually molested by a priest for four years, beginning when he was 11.
He alleges Rev. Allan MacDonald, who died in 2002, plied him with alcohol and abused him when he was an altar boy living in the rural Nova Scotia community of Havre Boucher on Nova Scotia’s eastern mainland.
“When I was a young boy, when this happened to me, I was put into a dark, dark hole, a dark, dark place,” said Latimer, who lives in Pleasant Hill and is married with three daughters and a grand-daughter.
“I cannot describe to you the pain, the shame that I felt … inside. I didn’t ask for that. But then, I couldn’t say nothing about it.”
His brother Warren, who sat at Latimer’s side, alleged that he, too, had been abused by a priest, but he didn’t know about Philip’s ordeal until earlier this week.
“That’s what made me come forward,” he said.
The 45-year-old contractor from Lower Sackville, N.S., said he had yet to decide whether to join his brother’s lawsuit or sign up for the class-action settlement.
One of Latimer’s lawyers, Rob Talach, said his client wants more information put on the public record regarding what the church knew at the time of the alleged abuse and if it failed to act on that knowledge.
“I would suspect the people of this province and the people of this particular diocese want to know what went on, want to know how deep the rot was or is, and need to know,” Talach said.
“If we’re all happy to pay off everyone and move on, then things are great. But if you want more, you have to ask for more, and I think that’s what Mr. Latimer is doing here today.”
The lawyer who negotiated the historic settlement, Halifax lawyer John McKiggan, confirmed the class action process is a confidential one, but he stressed that it requires complete disclosure of evidence – the same as civil litigation – and there is also cross-examination of witnesses.
One of the other major differences is that the plaintiff in a civil action can be cross-examined by the defence, something that doesn’t happen in the class action process.
Talach later confirmed that about 95 per cent of civil lawsuits are settled before they go to court, which means it’s possible Latimer will not get the public inquiry he is seeking.
Talach said the $2 million the lawsuit is seeking represents the maximum allowable claim, and he stressed that civil actions in Canada routinely result in much smaller awards.
McKiggan has warned that claims like Latimer’s could drain the Antigonish diocese of cash and scuttle the hard-won settlement.
Latimer said that won’t happen.
“I’m not here to see it fail,” he said.
Latimer’s statement of claim alleges the diocese failed to look into MacDonald’s background and that the diocese fostered a system in which “deviant sexual practices were bound to develop among a percentage of the priests.”
After the news conference, Latimer’s wife of 24 years, Nancy Latimer, said her husband had told his dark secret soon after they were married, but the lawsuit alleged graphic details that stunned her.
“I had no idea what he went through,” she said. “It’s very hard for him. I’m surprised that he kept it together as well as he did.”
Warren Latimer’s wife Jackie said she had always suspected her husband had a troubled past, but he never told her what he had been through.
“He’s just going through all of the same emotions he did when he was a teenager,” she said.
Copyright © 2009 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
October 8th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Hi Sylvia, thank you for your website and open forum on abuse, I am one of the six involved in the Bob Borne case in Pembroke, your site has been of great help to me as I was involved with him in the late 70’s-80’s, I just want to say keep up the work you are on the right path, they are all interlinked Borne, Prince and Latimer and many more yet to be exposed as in all of these cases it is our word against his, in the Latimer case it finally is hard irrefutable evidence but yes indeed they all knew each other, I would say more but being an open forum and the case ongoing including this month where Borne is seeking to see if there is enough evidence for a trial, however the Latimer case should have shooken him up in the belief he has that enough people think he is a “good man” that his case would be dismissed. Keep up the good work.
October 9th, 2009 at 3:33 am
Hi Snowdog. Good to hear from you. I have been wondering what was happening with the Borne charges. Perhaps now there will be decision to stop dawdling and get into court. For your sake and the sake of all the other “alleged” victims I hope so.
……………
Here is a link to the Bishop Raymond Lahey search warrant:
http://www.canada.com/pdf/Scan_Lahey.pdf.(That doesn’t work. Access the link here: http://www.canada.com/news/Travel+notorious+countries+raised+child+porn+suspicions+about+bishop+Raymond+Lahey+Documents/2083261/story.htmlClick on “The Raymond Search Warrant” under “More on this story.”
I have a copy saved which I can’t transfer here but will eventaully post on the website.
Do please take the time to read the search warrant. It is a quick read – 13 pages. Scroll down to read the comments ’s. Note the nature of the “images” reviewed by security/border officials. And note the following reference to comment made by this Roman Catholic bishop:
“After being cautioned, Lahey admitted that the laptop belonged to him and that he was attracted to males aged 20-21.”
What can I say? Looks like you may be bang on prima facie – right off the bat this “good” Canadian bishop was on his episcopal toes and grabbing onto the age of consent defence.
I’d say though that by the description of some of the “images” in his possess Lahey is not a very good judge of age. Just a mistake on his part I suppose? Or someone planted them? Or he hadn’t had a chance to review his collection and delete the “images” of the boys to whom he is NOT attracted, i.e., those under age 20-21?
Will this case really eventually go to trial?
And, a question….
Are Father Frank Morrissey and the canonical gurus in Ottawa looking into this right now? Or will it be solely the task of canon lawyers in the Vatican to sieve through this filth to determine if Lahey has violated Church law, and then, in the event of a “yea,” to determine if he should not only be demoted, but defrocked?
October 9th, 2009 at 7:36 am
The Bishop Raymond Lahey Search warrant is now posted and available on the theinquiry.ca Home page and Of Interest
October 9th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
October 09, 2009.
1302hrs Eastern Time:
So, let the “spin begin”…big time!!
We are now “post appearance” of this morning and Mr. Lahey has been granted his wish to reside in Ottawa; even though some of us could argue, that despite the assurances of a few “reputable citizens and associates or agents” of Mr. Laheys, Mr. Lahey has been “without a trace” since September 15, 2009. Believe me, a lot can happen during sporadic appearances and unproven whereabouts of an “accused”. (media-savy, conspiracy theorist?? I think not.)
This is “the time” the “spin-doctors and special interest groups/individuals”, will start-the ball rolling BIG TIME…NOW!!! Fasten-up!!
Already, on blogs (Ottawa Sun, etc.,comments), bloggers and other participants are referencing research papers, doctorate dissertations, etc., suggesting the innate physiological and psychological NEEDS of ALL human beings and how priests among some others, are being denied, prejudiced against, oppressed and mentally abused, with their inabilities to satiate this innate physiological need….that all human beings were “Blessed” with.
Hence the argument against celibacy.
Unfortunately, the bloggers omit reference to copious research data, dissertations, papers, etc., suggesting a variety of other interpretations/variables (opposing arguments)etc, on similar research topics or related research topics, etc.
My point is, you can find a reserach paper to support any theory.
In addition: Re: discussion of the above scientific studies utilized to corroborate social policy/change and public opinion.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, how do the bloggers/others then, rationalize Mr. Laheys “blurting out, a.k.a. voluntarily disclosing” that he is attracted to 20-21 year old, young men?…So, here comes the “dual defence”, i.e.)a)innate needs vs. celebacy and b)homosexuality.
In my opinion, hardly a coincidence. So, as I see it, before asking for a lawyer now, some people MAY be informed, that when they are “caught” to openly or obviously (through appearance) project/assert the celebacy interpretation/”rules” and the assertion that they are only attracted to a specific age-group, i.e.) legal age for consenting adults defence….then ask for a lawyer.
May I suggest, this particular “very high profile case” could lead into unchartered waters, so-to-speak or at least waters many people/institutions were afraid to swim in and avoided. Will “the church” use this “very high profile case” to lay-the foundation for “revolutionary change”?
Will the facts of “this case” be forgotten and yet again, will we all be defocussed on “innate, physiological needs and homosexuality?”
Is there no one in the “homosexual” community, sick and tired of so many “accused” depending on the “homosexual-homophobia-religious-secular-good-bad, etc., etc., etc” war as a defence for “kiddy-porn” charges or allegations of pedophilia?
Hang on!!
October 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
…and finally…..surrendering of the passport today, Friday October 09, 2009. Not September 15, not September 25…but…today.
So many people/institutions rely on our naivite and ignorance; Putting aside the, “I forgot to ask for his passport” declarations by some pearheads; are we expected to fall for the, “no technology, no education, no standard-operational manual/procedure, shared responsibility, etc.” assertion, relating to the surrendering of the passport delay.
Ask Mr.Lahey or his agents, if was abroad or on foreign soil (Holy See consulates or equivalent included) since the September 15, 2009 “Port of Entry” discoveries. While you are at it, ask the same if he has been guaranteed to be given and already received, special priviledges, status, or otherwise, have these discussions been explored.
October 9th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
A general question:
Has anyone ever heard a man say that he is attracted to females age 20 to 21?
October 9th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Ex-Halifax archbishop welcomes Lahey to Ottawa diocese
ChronicleHerald.ca
By PATRICIA BROOKS ARENBURG Staff Reporter
Fri. Oct 9 – 10:37 AM
Raymond Lahey has a place to lay his hat — in the diocese of his friend, the former archbishop of Halifax Terrence Prendergast.
Now the Archbishop of Ottawa, Rev. Prendergast issued a news release explaining his decision to allow the troubled former bishop to stay in a priests’ residence on Kilborn Place.
“When Bishop Lahey called our diocesan offices on Wednesday afternoon, he was facing very few — practically no — options with respect to a residence in Ottawa,” the archbishop wrote.
“In Christian charity, and believing that it was the action that the Lord would want us to take, I have accepted that he stay (there).”
Mr. Lahey, who is currently facing child pornography charges in Ottawa, was released on bail and ordered to live at a New Brunswick monastery. The Catholic institution refused his entry and Ottawa police said the accused was looking to stay in that city.
Archbishop Prendergast wrote that he was aware of the charges and “aware of how deeply this matter has saddened and shaken our Catholic brothers and sisters.”
“I ask you to join me in seeking that strength and peace which only Jesus Christ can give and to support each other in prayer.”
The archbishop also “pledged our complete co-operation with those responsible for the administration of justice in this case.”
The archdiocese refused to comment further.
Rev. Prendergast served as Archbishop of Halifax from 1999 to 2007, when he was appointed Archbishop of Ottawa.
In June 2003, Rev. Prendergast and a representative of the pope led Rev. Lahey to the bishop’s chair in a ceremony installing him as Bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish.
Mr. Lahey was in charge of 130,000 Catholics in Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough and Cape Breton and made him chancellor of St. F.X. university.
(pbrooks@herald.ca)
…………..
Warrant describes evasive bishop
Behaviour, travel destinations prompted search that found photos
ChronicleHerald.ca
By DAN ARSENAULT Crime Reporter
Fri. Oct 9 – 4:46 AM
Bishop Raymond Lahey avoided eye contact, changed his vocal tone and gave evasive responses when a border agent at Ottawa International Airport questioned him last month about his electronic equipment.
A Canada Border Services agent asked the bishop if he was carrying any electronic media such as cellphones, laptop computers or BlackBerrys when he arrived at the airport at 3:43 p.m. on Sept. 15, says a search warrant application. Bishop Lahey had just arrived from London, England.
The bishop told the border agent he had two cellphones.
The agent then asked the former head of the Diocese of Antigonish if he had a laptop.
Bishop Lahey hesitated before saying he did.
In all, the bishop was carrying a laptop, two cellphones, four memory sticks, three memory cards and a portable hand-held device.
The agent flagged Bishop Lahey for a secondary inspection because of his behaviour and the fact he was a man travelling alone who had visited countries known to be sources of child pornography, says an Ottawa police officer’s application for the warrant on Sept. 23.
The search warrant application was made two days before police charged Bishop Lahey with possessing and importing child pornography.
The documents say he has made several trips to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Spain and Germany since 2005.
A second border services inspector asked Bishop Lahey for his laptop password and then found three sexually explicit images.
Another border inspector joined in the search and waited for the arrival of a police detective.
Border agents and police asked him about the images.
“After being cautioned, Lahey admitted that the laptop belonged to him and that he was attracted to males aged 20 to 21,” the documents state.
The interviewers felt that it was difficult to determine the ages of the naked people and the bishop was released unconditionally.
The Canada Border Services Agency seized the electronic gear. After searching it more thoroughly, border agents turned it over to the police a few days later.
An Ottawa police officer then filed for a search warrant, which a judge approved.
The documents describe eight sexually explicit images involving boys who police believe could be as young as eight. One boy is described as eight to 10 years old with a dark complexion and another is a blond boy believed to be nine to 12, according to the warrant application. Two photos are said to depict oral sex and another two show sexual touching.
Nova Scotia RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. M.J. DeLuco said no search warrants have been sought in this province in relation to the bishop.
“Nobody has come forward and provided us with any information that they saw him in possession of pornography. . . . There’s nothing along those lines whatsoever to date.”
Contrary to earlier reports, Bishop Lahey’s home on Silverwood Drive in Antigonish hasn’t been vandalized, a man from the neighbourhood said Thursday.
However, a derogatory sign was hung on a gatepost, said the man, who refused to give his name.
A security guard is watching the premises.
The bishop is set to return to an Ottawa court on Nov. 4.
He was freed on $9,000 bail and ordered, among other things, to avoid any place that children under age 18 may frequent. He has also surrendered his passport.
With Patricia Brooks Arenburg,
staff reporter, and Monica Graham
( darsenault@herald.ca)
October 9th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Lahey’s arrest last straw for former altar boys
Church hit with $2-million lawsuit after new claims of sex abuse at hands of priest
ChronicleHerald.ca
By PATRICIA BROOKS ARENBURG Staff Reporter
Fri. Oct 9 – 4:46 AM
Warren Latimer, left, holds his head while his brother Philip speaks with news media Thursday about their alleged abuse at the hands of their childhood priest, Father Allan MacDonald. Philip Latimer is suing the Catholic Church, claiming officials were negligent in their failure to supervise the priest and protect children from abuse. (Christian Laforce / Staff)
The two brothers spoke to their wives but never told each other what they endured as altar boys.
That is, until this week.
“I thought I was alone,” Philip Latimer said.
Philip and Warren Latimer told reporters at a news conference Thursday in Halifax that Rev. Allan MacDonald, a former priest at St. Paul’s Parish in the Diocese of Antigonish, had sexually abused them.
Father MacDonald has since died.
The brothers say the abuse started at about age 11, while they were altar boys at St. Paul’s Parish in the Catholic community of Havre Boucher, and continued for a few years.
Philip Latimer told reporters that back then he was a boy looking to get into heaven to be with a friend who died when they were in Grade 1, and he said the priest lured him with trips to hockey games, free pizza and beer.
Now 47, the married father of three said he didn’t come forward until he heard the news that Bishop Raymond Lahey had been charged with possessing and importing child pornography.
The former head of the troubled diocese was instrumental in reaching the $15-million settlement between the church and sexual abuse victims from the diocese.
“I had been keeping track of it, putting it out of my mind as best I could, but when the man that orchestrated the deal was no different than the man that committed the crime, allegedly, . . . that did it. That did it for me,” Philip Latimer said.
He said he tried to contact the lawyer representing the other abuse victims in the settlement, but that lawyer was away on vacation.
Mr. Latimer then contacted Ledroit Beckett, an Ontario law firm representing alleged victims of abuse in a separate case against the Archdiocese of Halifax and the Diocese of Yarmouth.
He said it is troubling that Bishop Lahey, the Archdiocese of Halifax and the Diocese of Antigonish will be able to put the alleged abuse behind them when the $15-million settlement is finalized in the other lawsuit.
But Mr. Latimer said some victims may be left out in the cold if they miss the Dec. 4 deadline to participate in that settlement.
“And then the victims are left in a helpless state.”
Warren Latimer found out about his brother’s abuse from one of their sisters on Monday. When the brothers spoke, they didn’t discuss the details of their alleged abuse.
Nancy Latimer, Philip’s wife of 24 years, said she didn’t know the details of her husband’s abuse until she read some of them in the lawsuit he filed in Nova Scotia Supreme Court earlier this week.
“To read what he went through, I had no idea what he went through,” she said.
When he first told her over two decades ago, “it was just ‘I was molested, assaulted sexually,’ and that was it,” she said. “It was never discussed again, and to read this, it’s very stressful.”
Her husband, a welder from Pleasant Hill, Inverness County, is seeking $2 million in damages from the Diocese of Antigonish and the Archdiocese of Halifax for the abuse he claims he suffered at the hands of the priest.
None of the allegations contained in the lawsuit or discussed at the news conference have been proven in court.
Marilyn Sweet, a spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Halifax, said the church is not commenting on the allegations.
Father MacDonald was ordained in 1940 and served from 1955 to 1999 in St. Paul’s Parish in Havre Boucher.
He was respected by Philip Latimer’s parents, who allowed their son to ride in the cleric’s car and stay unsupervised with him overnight.
The lawsuit says the alleged abuse included fondling, masturbation and “other sexual activities.” It states that Father MacDonald also “engaged in a pattern of behaviour” intended to make the young boy feel special in the eyes of God and “to make the plaintiff feel that his soul was in jeopardy, and that (he) would suffer eternally in Hell, if he did not obey Father MacDonald’s commands.”
Philip Latimer claims both the diocese and archdiocese were negligent in their duties and liable. The diocese was responsible for supervising the priest and it was the archdiocese’s duty to oversee the diocese, the lawsuit claims.
“If the diocese did not know, . . . it was because of the existence of its own rules, principles and ideologies which allowed Father MacDonald to conceal his activities and cover up his deviant behaviour,” the lawsuit said.
In his lawsuit, Philip Latimer lists three pages of consequences stemming from the alleged abuse ranging from mental anguish to loss of religious beliefs to sexual problems, alcoholism, depression and suicidal thoughts. He no longer goes to church.
He said he is not filing this lawsuit for the money, telling reporters he could have collected somewhere in the vicinity of $170,000 without going public. But he wants the church to fully account for what happened to him and others who may have been abused.
His brother Warren hasn’t yet decided if he will join Philip’s lawsuit. His own family is still adjusting to the news. He just told his children, 12 and 14, this week.
“The first reaction of my daughter was she slapped me in the face for coming forward. She was embarrassed,” Warren Latimer said.
“It’s a reaction. She’s young. I don’t hold any grudges to her. She’s a beautiful little girl.”
He said this past week has been difficult, reliving all the memories, especially the time he got drunk at the priest’s house and confronted him.
“I kicked him in the privates, punched him in the mouth, threw him down a flight of stairs, split his head open,” he said.
The priest didn’t press charges “because he knew he couldn’t,” he said.
When he heard the news a few years ago that Father MacDonald had died, “I was happy,” Warren said.
“I hated him. I didn’t like the man, plain and simple. Glad to see him gone when he died.”
Although his faith has been shattered, Philip Latimer said “he’s asking the people of the parish of Havre Boucher and in other parishes not to leave their church, not to lose sight of the true things.”
“If you believe in God, then you trust in him. If you believe in his son, then you trust in him.”
( pbrooks@herald.ca)
October 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Judge Allows Bishop to Stay
Kate Yule
CFRA
Friday, October 9, 2009
A Catholic bishop facing child pornography charges will be allowed to stay in the capital while he awaits his trial.
An Ottawa judge has changed bail conditions for Father Raymond Lahey so he can stay at the city’s Archdiocese.
Since he resigned from the diocese of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, last week, Lahey had been living in New Brunswick. Once the charges of child porn possession were laid, residents said they didn’t want him in their community.
Ottawa’s Archbishop, Terrence Prendergast has already agreed to take Lahey in.
Lahey is due back in court on November 4.
October 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Helen and Perry Dunlop may not agree with me – but you know something …..I really believe this s*** that has hit the fan within the RC church recently involving Lahey quite frankly – VINDICATES Perry Dunlop!!
What the heck was a cop to do when faced with the fact “higher ups” were covering it up???
Perry – you did the right thing – you are actually being vindicated as more and more victims come forward and more and more scandels errupt. A Bishop with kiddie porn??? Sick!
For 20 years they knew Lahey was into porn – no one did anything!!!
For how long did they know something was going on in Cornwall??? You said there was a coverup – you exposed it – you did what was right!
There is no way on earth Glaude can rationally demonize you in his report. There’s no way in hell!
He has no other choice but to vindicate you in his report – you couldn’t ask for better timing!
REST EASY – MY FRIEND!!!
You wanted the victims to speak – they have!!!
Way to go Perry!
October 9th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Judge allows accused bishop to stay in Ottawa
Police will be checking up on former bishop Raymond Lahey after his lawyer handed over the man’s passport. He will also be required to live at the Ottawa Catholic Archdiocese Priest’s Residence.
By: CTV.ca News Staff
Date: Fri. Oct. 9 2009 1:46 PM ET
A Roman Catholic bishop facing child pornography charges will be staying in Ottawa while his case is before the courts.
Raymond Lahey appeared briefly in court on Friday morning, to have some of his bail conditions adjusted.
A judge agreed to allow Lahey to live at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Ottawa until his trial begins.
Lahey was supposed to be staying in New Brunswick, but he requested the change after residents in that province complained about his presence.
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast said in a statement that the accused had limited options which is why the Archdiocese has allowed him to stay with them.
“When Bishop Raymond Lahey called our diocesan offices on Wednesday afternoon, he was facing very few — practically no — options with respect to a residence in Ottawa,” he said in a prepared statement.
“In Christian charity, and believing that it was the action that the Lord would want us to take, I have accepted that he stay at our priests’ residence. I thank the priests of our residence for their generous spirit in receiving him in their midst,” he added.
Prendergast also said the matter has “deeply saddened and shaken” the Catholic community.
The 69-year-old handed over his passport to police and will have to report to authorities on a biweekly basis.
The next hearing in the court case is scheduled for Nov. 4.
Ottawa police Det. Dan Melchiorre said the bishop’s bail conditions were strict.
“The conditions are very stringent…they are very strict conditions,” he told reporters outside an Ottawa courthouse on Friday morning.
“A lot of it has to do with the Internet, computers, that sort of stuff.”
He said that other conditions included restrictions on the bishop’s presence “around children under the age of 18.”
Melchiorre wrote a search warrant application that was used to collect evidence in the investigation involving Lahey.
Lahey turned himself in to Ottawa police earlier this month. He faces charges for allegedly importing and possessing child pornography and remains free on bail.
He was charged after Ottawa airport border agents allegedly found sexually graphic images of young boys on a laptop computer when Lahey returned to Canada from an overseas trip on Sept. 15.
The charges have not been proven in court.
Melchiorre said the decision to lay charges against the former bishop was not made lightly and took time as investigators sifted through the images to determine if a crime had taken place.
“The internet is vast and (people) may come across one image that is potentially illegal,” he said. “I’m not saying that is good, but I’m saying it can happen. And it’s up to us to investigate to make sure that in these cases, that there’s no doubt in our mind that the issue is the charges are sustainable in court.”
Until recently, Lahey was the bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish in Nova Scotia.
He stepped down from his post in late September and Ottawa police issued a warrant for his arrest days later.
Lahey previously served as a bishop in the Diocese of St. George in Newfoundland, where he worked for 18 years. He was appointed to his Nova Scotia post in 2003.
With files from The Canadian Press
October 9th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Well, well…
This was quick. The Archdiocese of Ottawa has settled a suit against convicted clerical paedophile Father Dale Crampton!
When was that suit launched? Not too terribly long ago if memory serves me correct.
Perhaps the Lahey business expedited matters? Crampton after all was a class mate of Lahey. The pair went through Saint Paul’s seminary together. Doesn’t look to good does it? Lahey charged with possession of kiddie porn and saying he is attracted males “20 to 21″ years of age and running around the country violating his bail left right and centre while presumably looking for a place to lay his head – but only in Ottawa. And Lahey’s paedophile seminary classmate in Ottawa facing another lawsuit. Not good optics at all. The pair should have lots to chitty chat about over a cup of coffee.
But, I’m happy for you Alex that it’s over and you weren’t run in circles for months on end.
Perhaps Crampton and Lahey will find time to wile away a few hours in Ottawa remembering the good old days? or discussing the trials and tribulations of being caught? or both?
Here’s the article……
Ottawa Catholic archdiocese settles sex-abuse claim
The Ottawa Citizen
October 9, 2009 6:02 PM
OTTAWA — The Catholic archdiocese of Ottawa has settled a lawsuit filed by a man sexually abused by an Eastern Ontario priest more than 25 years ago, according to a statement from Archbishop Terrence Prendergast.
The victim, who can only be identified as “Alex” under the terms of an old publication ban, was molested by then-priest Dale Crampton, who pleaded guilty in December 1986 to indecently assaulting seven altar boys between 1973 and 1982.
Crampton was diagnosed with alcoholism and pedophilia — with a preference for boys — and was originally given a suspended sentence, with no jail time, placed on probation and ordered to undergo psychiatric counselling. An appeal of that sentence was upheld in June 1987, and Crampton was sentenced to eight months in jail.
“Alex” filed suit against the archdiocese last June, after learning the archdiocese had paid $150,000 to the families of three of the seven victims in 1990. In June, the archdiocese’s vicar-general Kevin Beach suggested “Alex” had been put up to the suit by his lawyer.
“This occasion gives me the opportunity to apologize to ["Alex"] and to the other victims of Dale Crampton,” Predergast said in his statement. “I state again the commitment of our diocese, and my personal commitment, to create a safe environment in the church for young people and for other vulnerable persons.”
On Thursday, Prendergast announced the archdiocese would offer shelter to former Antigonish bishop Raymond Lahey while he faces charges in Ottawa for allegedly possessing and importing child pornography.
Terms of the settlement with “Alex” were not disclosed.
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
October 9th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Again great work, start tying all the priests together that have been charged or “caught”, you will find they all have something in common, once you know this link you will find other priests yet to be uncovered, follow Prendergast, it goes higher still.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Something I noticed “snowdog” – there sure are alot of priests from the clan – MACDONALD accused, charged or caught!!!
Errol MacDonald
Allan MacDonald
Charles MacDonald
To name a few!
October 10th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hugh MacDonald
Malcolm MacDonald
Milton MacDonald Murray MacDonald
Colin MacDonald
I know it might be a familiar name BUT…there’s certainly something “funny” with that clan!
October 10th, 2009 at 9:50 am
And John – there is absolutely NO OFFENCE meant!!! It’s just something I noticed about the MacDonald name. Coming up way too often in these stories. Why???
October 10th, 2009 at 10:54 am
YOU AREN’T GOING TO BELIEVE THIS!!! (Translated from French – cyberpress). My French isn’t the greatest so bare with me for what I copied)
The Vatican’s ambassador to Canada, Archbishop Luigi Ventura, tried until the last minute to maintain a veil of silence on the scandal involving Bishop Raymond Lahey, charged with possession and importation of child pornography, protests Association of victims of priests in Quebec.
Une semaine après l’arrestation de Mgr Lahey, le pape Benoît XVI a annoncé que Mgr Ventura quittait le Canada pour la France. A week after the arrest of Bishop Lahey, Pope Benedict XVI announced that Bishop Ventura left Canada for France. À Ottawa, la nonciature apostolique, nom officiel de l’ambassade du Vatican, dit qu’il n’y a aucun rapport entre ces deux faits. In Ottawa, the apostolic nuncio, the official name of the Vatican Embassy, said there was no connection between these two facts. «Une chose est sûre : Mgr Ventura part dans la controverse, et j’espère que celle-ci le suivra en France», affirme France Bédard, fondatrice de l’Association des victimes de prêtres. “One thing is certain: Bishop Ventura part in the controversy, and I hope that it will follow in France,” France said Bedard, founder of the Association of Victims of priests.
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Par Ragazou – Publié dans : National Canada By Ragazou – Published in: National Canada
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October 10th, 2009 at 11:15 am
OMG…..seems the Vatican’s Ambassador to Canada – Ventura got shipped off to France awfully darned fast!!! September 22 he was sent.
I can’t cut and paste The Presse reports because of the translations. You got to read this mess!!! There’s a validated time-line reported in the article from The Presse since Lahey was stopped at customs! UNBELIEVABLE!
Ventura appointed Lahey in Antongnish in 2003.
October 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
The article from cyberpresse.ca was written by Andre Noel I think late evening on the 9th then reappeared a.m. on the 10th. My French isn’t the greatest. (Use it or lose it – but I certainly catch the main drift!)
October 10th, 2009 at 11:37 am
The Nuncio VENTURA WAS SHIPPED OUT OF CANADA TO FRANCE ON SEPTEMBER 22!!!
ANYONE CHECK HIS LAPTOP ON THE WAY OUT OF THE COUNTRY!!!
October 10th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Help! We need fluently bilingual readers to translate post #85.
Are all – or some of – the chickens starting to come home to roost?
Translators please. We need a hand…
October 10th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Another news item of interst below.
Comment first
“Even though this particular incident dates from the early 1980s,” So says Archbishop Prendergast to clericial sex abuse victim Alex. The stipulation for an apology was part of the negotiated settlement. Those words are part of the “apology.” What an insult to Alex. What an insult to every victyim of clerical sexual abuse everywhere.
“Even though..”!!!
How utterly disgusting. How terribly pathetic.
That’s the best an Archbishop can do? Perhaps his mind was too preoccupied with the well-being of his colleague and “alleged” kiddie porn possessor Bishop Raymond Lahey to hammer out what might pass for a decent, heart-felt and fitting apology?
The only saving grace in all of this is that’s it’s always good when true colours show through.
And here’s the article, with hats off to Alex and Rob Talach for their candid comments….
Settlement reached in church sex suit
No details released as Archdiocese of Ottawa apologizes for abuse by priest
By Robert Sibley, The Ottawa CitizenOctober 9, 2009
OTTAWA — An Ottawa man sexually abused as a boy by his parish priest has denounced an apology from the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa as “feeble.”
Earlier this year, the 40-year-old, who can only be identified as “Alex” because of a court-imposed publication ban, filed a $2-million suit against the church for abuse he suffered in 1982 as a 14-year-old altar boy at the hands of Rev. Dale Crampton. The one-time pastor at St. Maurice Church on Percy Street was found guilty in 1986 of indecently assaulting seven altar boys and sentenced to eight months in jail.
Late Friday afternoon, the diocese issued a brief statement under the name of Archbishop Terence Prendergast apologizing for the sexual abuse Alex endured from Crampton. The statement was part of an agreed-upon settlement between Alex and the archdiocese.
“I am grateful that we have come to an early and mediated settlement of the claim for, sexual abuse, of A.V.B. (Alex) against Dale Crampton and the Archdiocese,” Prendergast says in the statement. “This occasion gives me the opportunity to apologize to A.V.B. and to the other victims of Dale Crampton.
“Even though this particular incident dates from the early 1980s, we have all been made aware of the pain that these cases, involving sexual abuse and abuse of trust, have caused to the victims and to their families throughout the years. I state again the commitment of our diocese, and my personal commitment, to create a safe environment in the church for young people and for other vulnerable persons.”
In an interview Friday evening, Alex expressed dissatisfaction with the statement, even though, as he put it, “I wasn’t expecting anything more.”
“This media release is as feeble as they come,” he said. “But let’s face it, the Catholic Church is a huge machine and they want to mitigate these things as much as possible. I guess I shouldn’t expect anything more.”
Alex’s lawyer, Robert Talach, with the London, Ont.-based firm Ledroit Beckett, wasn’t satisfied either.
“The terms of the settlement required an apology. They sure aren’t putting out a press release out of the goodness of their hearts,” he said, noting the time of the release — late on a Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend.
Attempts to reach officials with the archdiocese for further comment were unsuccessful.
The amount of the settlement in Alex’s case was not disclosed, but in 1990, the archdiocese paid $150,000 to the families of three of the seven altar boys who’d been abused by Crampton.
Alex’s case attracted considerable attention this past June, when Monsignor Kevin Beach, the archdiocese’s vicar general, suggested Alex had initiated the lawsuit only at his lawyer’s instigation.
“I would think that it was at his lawyer’s urging that this gentleman decided to launch a lawsuit, rather than communicate with us directly,” Beach said.
The accusation still rankles Alex. He recalled attention to a mediation session at which Beach was present:
“I walked into this meeting and this same man was standing there offering to shake hands like he’s my friend. One day he’s trying to make me and my lawyer out to be the bad guys (for initiating a lawsuit), and then he’s acting like a friend extending an olive branch. That was almost more of a slap in the face than having to come forward with all of this.
“As much as they preach about forgiveness and doing the right thing, they don’t seem very forthcoming in trying to live up to these kinds of things.
“I was 14 years old,” said Alex, “and I was abused by a person in a position of power, a person I was supposed to be able to trust, but I was also abused by an institution I was taught to trust. It’s something that remains with you forever.”
Talach shares his client’s sentiment, but sees the church’s response to Alex’s case, including Friday’s press release, as all too typical.
“The standard replay of the Church is first to vilify the victim. When that runs out of favour with the public, the next step is to vilify the lawyers,” he said.
Talach also questioned the wording of the apology, arguing that its specific reference to incidents in the 1980s effectively implies that sexual abuse by priests is all in the past.
“The caution I would have for anyone who makes that conclusion is to remember that there is a time lag on these claims surfacing,” he said, pointing out that the archdiocese was aware of Crampton’s behaviour long before Alex was abused. “Most people come forward in their 40s, so the fact that we haven’t had a complaint or haven’t had anything happen in the Archdiocese of Ottawa recently isn’t a guarantee it isn’t happening now.
“It would be refreshing if the church would step forward, lay its faults bare for the public, and seek forgiveness from the community, consistent with its own doctrine.”
Talach said the settlement is fine for his client and the apology of sorts allows him to go on with his life as best he can, but he questioned just how serious the church is in dealing with its problem priests.
“I think most Catholics and most parishioners would want to know if complaints were reacted to poorly or were ignored,” he said. “What did the church know, and when did it know it?”
Talach estimated that there are “hundreds” of cases in Ontario of alleged sexual abuse by priests. His firm alone is involved with at least a dozen in this province, as well as another dozen or so in the Maritimes. He says his firm has been contacted by other alleged victims of Crampton. “And there’ll be a second chapter to this story.”
As for Alex, he wants to put the story behind him as best he can. He feels that in going public with his case, he’s been vindicated. “I’ve been able to take the shroud of secrecy away from the church by having exposed it on my terms.”
The church may have lost something else, too. “Do I still go to church? No. Do I take my kids to church? No. Do I raise them in the typical Catholic way? I don’t think so, not anymore.”
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Settlement+reached+church+suit/2087699/story.html
October 10th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Reality Checker this is the translation…….
A week after the arrest of Bishop Lahey, Pope Benedict XVI has announced that Bishop Ventura left Canada for France. A week after the arrest of Bishop Lahey, Pope Benedict XVI announced that Bishop Ventura left Canada for France. In Ottawa, the Apostolic Nunciature, official name of the Vatican Embassy, said that there is no relationship between these two facts. In Ottawa, the apostolic nuncio, the official name of the Vatican Embassy, said there was no. connection between these two facts. “One thing is certain: Bishop Ventura share in controversy, and I hope that it will follow in France”, says France Bédard, founder of the Association of the victims of priests. “One thing is certain: Bishop Ventura hand in the controversy, and I hope that it will follow in France,” said Bedard France, founder of the Association of Victims of priests.
Read more el d ‘ article on Cyber Presse.ca Read more of el ‘ article on Cyber Presse.ca
Hope this helps!!!!!
October 10th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/justice-et-faits-divers/200910/09/01-910275-lambassadeur-du-vatican-a-voulu-etouffer-laffaire-lahey.php
October 10th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
On September 15, Bishop Lahey, Bishop of the Diocese of Antigonish in Nova Scotia, has returned from the United States and landed at the Ottawa airport. A customs official found images of boys aged 8 to 10 years in his laptop. This and other objects were seized. The bishop has been arrested and released pending the results of the investigation.
“He announced to the Apostolic Nuncio (Ottawa) he wanted to resign immediately after his arrest at the airport,” said the nuncio in an email to The Press. Bishop Lahey he said why he wanted to resign? “It is very logical that he gave the reasons why he had been arrested, and why the pope accepted his resignation immediately,” said the Nuncio.
Now, the nuncio did not tell anyone for several days, even to the Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops (CCCB). “It was Bishop Lahey decide whether to inform his colleagues,” she said, noting that it has no authority over the CCCB.
A week later, on September 22, the pope announced that Archbishop Ventura, who was appointed Bishop Lahey bishop in Antigonish in 2003, left Canada to become apostolic nuncio in France. The transfer procedure had begun four months earlier, assured his office in Ottawa.
On 25 September, after an investigation by the Ottawa Police on charges of possession and importation of child pornography have been filed against Bishop Lahey. The next day, September 26, the CCCB has issued a statement in which it has explained laconically that “the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Bishop Raymond J. Lahey for personal reasons. ” But it still did not know what those personal reasons, the apostolic nuncio did not have confided that he had been arrested.
“The CCCB has been informed of the charges against Bishop Lahey as Wednesday, September 30 at 14:30 by a CBC Television, said Gerard Baril, the communications department of the CCCB, in an email sent to Press. The “personal reasons” that led Bishop Lahey to submit his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI we were quite unknown. The bishops are not within the authority of the Episcopal Conference, but the pope. This explains that Bishop Lahey was not required to inform the CECC reasons why he had asked to be relieved of his episcopal office. ”
“Two weeks after being informed that Bishop Lahey had been arrested at the airport, the Vatican ambassador in Ottawa had not even informed the Canadian bishops, said Bedard. What did he expect? He is not accused? Such secrecy are not surprising: they are the rule. The Vatican has even threatened to excommunicate members of the clergy who denounce the existence of sex crimes in the Church. ”
“Before being appointed Bishop of Antigonish by the Apostolic Nuncio Luigi Ventura, Bishop Lahey was bishop in Newfoundland, said Bedard. The Archdiocese of St. John’s (Newfoundland) admitted he was aware for years of allegations made against Lahey by a victim of sexual abuse at Mount Cashel orphanage. The victim says he was shocked in 1985 when he was young boy, seeing pornography who was at Lahey, then a priest. This did not prevent him from becoming a bishop, first in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. “
October 10th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Just so everyone knows – the news items on Ventura’s transfer to France on September 22/09 are all in French and/or Italian and need translating to English.
Everyone was focusing on the charges and where Lahey was overlooking the fact the Papal Nuncio was being reassigned in the midst of this scandel.
At present – We have no Papal Representative in Canada – the position is Vacant…and I can’t find anything indicating WHO is going to replace Ventura.
October 10th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
I’d like to know HOW Michael Valpy from the Globe and Mail wrote “CHURCH VOCAL IN FACE OF SCANDAL” on October 08/09 claiming……
“And the Pope’s representative in Canada this week told theology students in Toronto that the Canadian church had been wounded.”
The Pope’s representavive in Canada was long gone and out of Canada the first week of October!!!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/church-leaders-vocal-in-face-of-scandal/article1317794/
October 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Reality Checker; very strange isn’t it or magnificently coincidental? A “State’s (Vatican) Ambassador” is re-assigned suddenly and without “celebation”. A “State” like others, that has a seat at the United Nations. You do a great job tracking down information and researching it…way to go!
Could you imagine what you could really do, with time and money. Imagine being able to get to the bottom of this story.
It would be so wonderful if some “like-minded” wealthy, philanthropist would come forward and support you and a few “like-minded” individuals to “dig deep” into various “scandals”, i.e.) government, private sector, church, etc. and disclose the facts (whatever they may be), offer intervention strategies and suggest resolution.
From this aforementioned perspective, you et al, would be free from political and special interest manipulations. In addition, you would be able to “defend” yourself against unscrupulous, frivolous litigations.
Unfortunately, today’s intervention strategies are orchestrated by “government” mostly or “special interests”, for a) “damage control”, b)re-interpret history and c) construct a “false sense of security” wherein the “system” attempts to promote the belief that, “all-is-well”: (for the greater good”, as interpreted by the current “ruling class”).
This current “social intervention strategy” (public inquiries, shared responsibility as opposed to individual responsibility, shaming-ostracizing-vilifying-criminalizing-casting out whistleblowers), in the long run, does little to “resolve” problems such as private sector/public sector/church etc., corruption/scandals, we are facing today. To the contrary, I believe todays intervention strategies (ex: public inquiries, shared responsibilities as opposed to individual responsibility, shaming and vilifying whistleblowers, etc) perpetuates deviance and criminal behaviour….i.e.)despite how many pension funds are robbed and how many “priests” have been charged and investigated over the past decades, the behaviours continue…unabated and without fear.
Finally: Does anyone have any information (websites/links) to John Spice (remember him?). Why did he leave the inquiry again? Also does anyone have information on his asociations with Norm Inkster (Inkster was also with Interpol)and their associates/consultants used in work they may have done relating to “trafficking in human beings, people smuggling, child sexual exploitation.
I believe, at some time, “the people” will have had enough and say, “I’m not gonna take it anymore”. Some wealthy and “good” philanthropist will come forward. (what a dream!!)
October 10th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
No the name “MacDonald” is not the link, think in terms of what they have in common where was their starting point, Cornwall is not the answer just an event that had media attention. Look to their histories where they began. Lahey was in Ottawa for a reason, look to who is covering for him where this person is from his beginnings…..
October 11th, 2009 at 3:47 am
What do they have in common????
They’re all Catholic and obviously had some misguided teachings.
I have no idea what the common link is….
Knights of Columbus???
Sons of Mary???
Regis College???
I’m just guessing – anyone else have any ideas?
October 11th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Prima Facie – you have to realize I am a whistleblower and got severely shafted trying to out some wrongs. My own story and what I’m involved with – is far from over!!!
In my own experience – I had lessons to learn and I learned them well!!!
There are very few who can pull the wool over my eyes!!!
And if I think you’re pulling a number on me – I’ll tell you – directly – upfront – in your face – and pull out all the facts!
Someday…the whole story will be told. Patience is the key!
In the meantime – you out the discrepancies and the FACTS!
Have a good day – I’m going back to bed
October 11th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Yes, again you are right “Reality Checker”.
“patience is the key”. Sleep well.
October 11th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I’m sure some of you have watched the television news today, Sunday the 11th of October 2009. Amused or not?
On “CTV”, they first reported about the recent (last couple of days)”Vaticans message to the U.N.” In it the Vatican asserts that past cases have shown that the “clergy” or the “accused”, were not paedophiles, perverts or sexual predators, rather they were homosexuals. So, let the “defocusing begin” and watch the “new order-engineering” evolve.
Would it not be obvious (to some readers)that some of the accused are homosexuals, “straight” heterosexuals, bi-sexuals, etc., etc.? We will so easily get de-focussed; especially with “the powers that be” controlling and pushing the “social planning” “agenda”.
In another interview, I watched “CCCB” spokesperson Archbishop James Weisberger (Winnipeg), fumble around for words and look like a babbling buffoon, trying to find the “words” he would like us to accept.
What I don’t accept are his assertions that no-one knew how to handle abuse allegations, there was no technology, resources, etc. and they did the best they could.
And thanks to “dissertations”, “policy-protocol”, “standard-operational manuals” and the like, compiled and brokered with the “CCCB”, “Ledroit, Beckett”, et al, a couple of years ago, individual responsibility will continue to be circumvented, admission of guilt will continue to be circumvented, individual accountability and consequences will be skirted….and consequently, it is my opinion, abuse will continue.
I predict that massive “arguing” between religion, secular, special interests, beliefs, etc….including extremes on all sides, will be deliberately fuelled henceforth and into the next ten years, sparking, who knows what….. “revolutionary change” in “the church”?
Sorry I don’t have links for any of the above.
October 11th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I don’t know if this is the TV clip prima facie, but even if not the one you reference it’s a stammering stuttering Archbishop James Weigerber – president of the CCCB! – trying to tippy toe around a few questions.
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/latest/church-abuse/#clip222726
The questions which should be put to Archbishop Wesigerber are the following:
(1) How many Canadian clergy who have been reported to or are known to Church authorities as molesters are floating around sanctuaries and/or dioceses in Canada or abroad?
(2) How many non Canadian clergy who have been reported to or are known to Canadian Church authorities as molesters are floating around sanctuaries and/or dioceses in Canada?
(3) Of the above, how many who are floating about here and there were found guilty in a court of law and were quietly parachuted into a parish or diocese? without a heads up to parents?
October 11th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Hi Sylvia: “YOU GOT IT” Sylvia…on all counts, including 1,2,3.
Can I come over?….for the rest of my life?
October 14th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Search warrants executed on Lahey’s two Nova Scotia residence and an office down there … based on information collected by the Ottawa police.
Search is being conducted today. Could result in charges being laid down there as well.
Also … Cornwall inquiry commissioner seeking ANOTHER extension … says the report is ready but still hasn’t been properly printed and translated. Waiting to hear today what the newest deadline is.
October 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
RE: Bishop Lahey:
So, I would be very interested in knowing where Mr. Lahey was and what he did, after September 15, 2009, when at the “Port of Entry”, he was first questioned, “put on alert” so-to-speak,and, technology, that was on his person, was seized; (without a trace?).
Was Mr. Lahey or any of his “associates” seen in the Antigonish and Sydney areas. (difficult to know, who would be suspicious or not).
RE “Cornwall Public Inquiry” an additional extension of time for Commissioner Glaude to file “report” to Ontario-Attorney Generals Office. Probably.
Don’t forget the we were advised by Commissioner Glaude and news stories that, “Cornwall Public Inquiry” turned into a “research paper” and the were were led to believe the “findings, recommendations” are to be reviewed/implemented by the whole world.
In light of Bishop Lahey’s revelations, the news-cycle, timing, and, the belief that the Ontario Government doesn’t want to look so blatantly “stupid” or “biased”, we may see several delays because of; translation difficulties, no printing ink, technological malfunctions, the whole report accidentally deleted with no “saved” backup, no one really had any education or knowledge on how to do a report or “save” information safely or, maybe even a delay because of a future “ice age”.
And then, who know’s WHEN the public will see it ALL!!
October 14th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
From the ministry today …
At the request of Commissioner Normand Glaude, Ontario has provided the Cornwall Public Inquiry with an extension. The new date for the delivery of the report is December 15, 2009.
October 14th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Glaude’s report was due in mid October of this year and yet he is granted yet another extension to mid December for whatever excues, legit or otherwise, do any of you people out there think that maybe this latest bombshell regarding Bishop Lahey (yet another ‘alleged’ pervert in possesion of kiddy porn) has anything to do with the extension of Glaude’s report???? Me thinks there might be a glitch thrown into the lap of our dearly beloved Commissioner….I’d love to be a fly on the wall in Glaude’s office right about now, especially regarding the latest seizures of Lahey’s files and computers if and when more ‘dirt’ may surface. Now, bear in mind….the Cornwall Public Inquiry has been ‘over and done with’ for 8 months, but NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN by the victims or the Dunlop family. AND, don’t forget….David Silmser was not the only vistim who accepted a pay-off from the Catholic Church…..wasn’t Lahey involved in a multi-million dollar payout as well….which did not surface at the Cornwall Inquiry??? Didn’t anyone come forward with said information while the inquiry was put together or did anyone even have a clue that this happened years ago therefore it would be classed as ‘historical’ sexual abuse and pay-offs???
Move over, Reality Checker, half that toilet is mine.
October 14th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Note that the note that comments on the following article have been disabled for legal reasons. That is as it appears on the Globe & Mail website. What legal reasons I wonder?!!
That aside, is it not a wee late in the game to run in to seize computers in Bishop Raymond Lahey’s homes? Furthermore, as others have said, where exactly was Lahey when he was among the ranks of the missing ……while out on bail? And further to that, which of Lahey friends had or may have had access to the bishops homes? And finally, did anyone order that a watchful eye be kept on the homes of Bishop Lahey – from the moment those kiddie porn files were found on his laptop? If not, why not?
After all of this time I think it will be a minor miracle if anything is found anywhere in Lahey’s residences, but, miracles do happen. We shall just have to wait and see.
Here’s the article….
Child exploitation unit go through two residences and office of the former bishop accused in Ottawa of possessing child porn
Toronto Globe & Mail
Antigonish, N.S. — Canadian Press
Published on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 10:19AM EDT
Last updated on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009 4:02PM EDT
RCMP in Nova Scotia have seized three computers and various storage devices during searches of the residences and office of a bishop accused in Ottawa of possessing child porn.
Police say the latest search was Wednesday at the Sydney residence of Raymond Lahey, who resigned as bishop of the diocese of Antigonish after he was charged with possessing and importing child pornography in Ontario.
Sergeant Brigdit Leger said one computer was seized in the search of an apartment in Sydney. Another two computers were seized Tuesday in Antigonish during a search of Mr. Lahey’s home and his office in the town.
Sgt. Leger said the devices will be examined by a special forensic unit based in Halifax.
She said the searches in Antigonish and Sydney were conducted as a result of information obtained from the Ottawa police and a follow up investigation in Nova Scotia.
Police charged Mr. Lahey on Sept. 25, 10 days after his laptop computer and digital storage devices were seized as he re-entered Canada from the United Kingdom at the Ottawa airport.
Sgt. Leger said the latest search warrants are linked to the original charges in Ottawa.
“This is very much an ongoing and active investigation,” Sgt. Leger said. “By no means is it completed.”
Mr. Lahey, 69, was recently granted a request to live in Ottawa by an Ontario court until his trial begins.
A search warrant used to probe Mr. Lahey’s laptop computer revealed how customs officers found several sexually explicit images of boys believed to be as young as eight years old while the bishop was detained at Ottawa’s airport.
Border officials flagged Mr. Lahey because he was a man travelling alone and his passport showed several trips to Southeast Asia, where several countries are known for child pornography.
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October 14th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
…and, despite defamatory (my opinion) being posted by one or more bloggers against Perry Dunlop on a related story at CBC-Ottawa, I am unable to get my humble message posted there. (after signing up, etc., CBC disclose they pre-view and approve posts/blogs).
I don’t think I was accusatory……
October 14th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Ahhhh…..commissioner Glaude – busy trying to pen his deepest apologies to a few people he had intended to demonize in his report. Just watch!!!
There’s no way with this latest scandal that Glaude’s report can be made public – especially NOW – no way and no surprise!!!
Perry – if it makes you feel any better – your apology is in the works!!! Watch what happens!
October 14th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I too find it suspicious that the Glaude report is delayed again. Would it be possible that he planned a whitewash of the Cornwall cover up with Perry to blame for everything while noting that the Canadian Church had cleaned up the problem after the Newfoundland scandal. This is delicious because the Lahey scandal leaves that carefully crafted lie in tatters. I almost wish that Glaude had made the report public a day before this scandal broke. That would preclude any further lies on that matter. Did he get a heads up? What was the old due date for the report?
October 14th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Myomy, I think it was July of this year…I could be wrong. Can anyone confirm?
October 15th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
The first was due in July of this year….will have more to tell as I have been in the offices of the inquiry for the last few days. Will have to watch my words and who I met, and what is going on!!
John Mac Donald
October 15th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I just came across the following words of wisdom from Bishop Raymond Lahey online. I bet whoever decided to pop it into the current edition of the Diocese of Antigonish Vocations Newsletter would love to retract
.
Does Bishop Lahey really believe that possessing kiddie porn will “promote the good of God and the Church”?
Does he think that the priesthood has truly advanced his personal holiness and the holiness of others?
……………….
EXCERPT FROM A talk on vocations and the culture of vocations presented by H.E. Most Rev. Raymond J. Lahey, Bishop of Antigonish, at gatherings in both Sydney and Antigonish, Oct 17th and 18th, 2005 respectively.
And a response to a vocation is not simply a response, but it must have the character of a true commitment. It must be both a deliberate choice, made in true peace of mind and in freedom, and a life choice, a commitment that comes from the deepest level of one’s being. And although any response to a vocation must be truly personal, it is never a response that can be made by thinking only of oneself.
It must always address the good of others, both individual and social. As a husband or wife will I be able to be a true support for my spouse, not just whether that person can support me? Can I be a good parent? Will I be able as a priest or a religious to truly promote the good of God and the Church? In such a life choice there must always be idealism, but here there must also be an honest examination of personal strengths and limitations and the true needs of other persons and the society in which we live. And finally, as a response to the call of God, and not simply a human call, there must always be the conviction that this way of life will truly advance my personal holiness and the holiness of others.
October 15th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
…..and we all love the Canadian Press reporting on the Cornwall Inquiry – don’t we??? cough…cough…cough – keep making Perry out to be the bad guy – keep spinning – you aren’t going to be able to do it for much longer!!!
Cornwall inquiry gets extension to finish report
Updated: Wed Oct. 14 2009 5:55:28 PM
The Canadian Press
TORONTO — A public inquiry in eastern Ontario established in 2005 to examine institutional responses to sex abuse allegations has been granted more time to complete its report.
The Cornwall inquiry, which has cost nearly $50 million, heard much testimony over three years about allegations that a pedophile clan operated and public officials covered it up.
The report is now due Dec. 15, after Commissioner G. Normand Glaude was granted his second request for an extension.
Testimony wrapped in late February and the report was originally due July 31, but the commissioner requested an extension until late fall to allow for editing, translating and typesetting.
At that time the Ontario government granted what it called a “final extension” to Oct. 15, but that was pushed to December after the commissioner asked for another extension.
Many of the closing submissions focused on urging the commission to finally debunk the pedophile clan theory years after rumours spread through the community.
Many suggest the blame for the sensational story, of which provincial police found no evidence, could be placed on former Cornwall police officer Perry Dunlop.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Oh, Christ, gag me with a spoon. Dump this whole mess on Perry???? There are no victims….there was no cover-up, there were no abuse of little boys….nada! Just a fabricated tale you say? This whole episode/saga/inquiry has gone to hell in a hand basket. And Lahey does not have little boys in sexual acts on his computer either? Make you all a bet that he cleaned out his stuff before the feds got to his personal computers….could be why he was missing for a few days while out on bail….ohhhh, the powers that be. Something to think about.
October 16th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Don’t forget one thing – the Feds already have the computer and media stuff with the porn on it!!! Doesn’t matter what he could have cleaned out from his other personal computers. They got the goods!!!
October 16th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Hey John – I see you’ve had about 100 Roman Catholic bishops and observers from across Canada in town for the annual Plenary meeting. I see Chief Fontaine’s been in town too.
Must be interesting as to WHO is showing up at the Inquiry offices – huh???
October 16th, 2009 at 8:39 am
Oh – and everyone will be happy to know – Cornwall Police Services got an A+ from the Ministry of Community and Safety and Correctional Services during their recent inspection.
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2132711
They do these inspections every 3 years and the Ministry stipulates the report is confidential!!!
HOWEVER, for a confidential report – Parkinson sure is blabbing the results to the S-F!!! Makes them look good!
I sure call that PROFESSIONAL!!! (NOT)
October 16th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Guess they found lot’s of ‘goodies’ on Lahey’s laptop
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/091016/national/bishop_porn
October 16th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
WOAH!!! What a pervert!!!
Are their actual victims of Lahey’s coming forward??? I read a Blog or something from down east stating victims were coming forward but I haven’t seen anything in the mainstream media.
Anyone know???
October 16th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Here’s the Globe article…..
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/bishop-laheys-computer-had-hundreds-of-child-porn-images-police-allege/article1327157/
Told them he’s computer illiterate! Yep – uh – huh!
PERVERT!!!
October 16th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
“The documents said that Bishop Lahey said he did not know much about computers but admitted using file-sharing software and engaging in sex-related online discussions, although only with people he believed were adults.”
October 16th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Here’s two of the articles re the “goodies.” Makes me sick!
This man has been sashaying around the Canadian countryside for months encouraging Catholics to get excited about a new translation of the missal about to be adapted by the Canadian bishops (I think it’s the missal_. He was part of the working group – slaving away to help us all be gender inclusive and politically correct in our thinking and praying – and look what he was probably lugging around on his little laptop and gizzmos as he went from A to B talking about the glory of the liturgy!
I would hanker a bet Lahey knows fellow Canadian liturgist Father Barry Glendinning. Glendenning, from the London Diocese, is a convicted clerical molester – Ottawa’s University of St. Paul had him roaming about teaching liturgy AFTER he was convicted. Saint Paul is Lahey’s alma mater.
Also of general interest, other retired bishops who now reside in Ottawa and may help Lahey wile away the hours are: John S. Knight (former auxiliary of Toronto), Jacques Landriault (an Alfred Ontario boy – former bishop of Timmins ON who was previously an auxiliary bishop in Cornwall, ON), Joseph Aurele Plourde (former Archbishop of Ottawa who was previously an auxiliary in Cornwall), and Peter Sutton (former bishop of Labrador City and Keewatin-LePas)
On that note, two of the articles re what Bishop Raymond Lahey trucks around with him when he’s on the road…
HALIFAX, N.S. – Search warrants says Ottawa police discovered hundreds of pictures and videos on Bishop Raymond Lahey’s laptop computer, with many showing young males involved in sexual acts.
Yahoo News
By Canadian Press
Police found hundreds of videos, photos of young males on bishop’s laptop
The claims are contained in requests filed by Nova Scotia RCMP last week and released Friday to search Lahey’s residences and office in Sydney and Antigonish.
CAUTION TO READERS : This story contains graphic content . Some readers may be offended.
The search warrants say Ottawa police found 964 files in a folder called “downloads” along with 33 videos when they seized Lahey’s computer at the Ottawa airport on Sept. 15 as he returned from the United Kingdom.
Many showed what police believe to be teenage boys engaged in masturbation and other sex acts, the documents allege.
The search warrants also state that Lahey said he chatted online and that the conversations were sexual in nature, but he believed the people involved were adults.
The documents allege Lahey, who has been charged with importing and possessing child pornography, also told Ottawa police he would never abuse a child or take advantage of a minor.
The search warrants contain allegations not proven in court.
Lahey was charged on Sept. 25 and is scheduled to appear in court on the charges on Nov. 4.
He resigned last month as bishop of the diocese of Antigonish shortly before the charges became public.
Earlier this year Lahey helped broker a $15-million settlement for parishioners who claimed to have been sexually abused by priests in the area dating back to 1950.
Lahey was not implicated in the case and had been in the diocese for only the last six years
…………………
Lahey laptop had hundreds of porn files: document
Last Updated: Friday, October 16, 2009 | 5:33 PM ET
CBC News
A search warrant document says Ottawa police found a folder on Bishop Raymond Lahey’s laptop computer containing 964 files and 33 videos, with many showing what police believe are young males involved in sexual acts.
Nova Scotia RCMP used the information to apply for a search warrant for Lahey’s former residence in Sydney. That warrant was executed on Wednesday and one computer was seized.
Lahey is facing charges of importing and possessing child pornography. He is staying at a priest’s residence run by the archdiocese of Ottawa until his next court date on Nov. 4.
In addition to descriptions of sexually explicit images, the document contains a detailed account of what Lahey told investigators with the Canada Border Services Agency when he was detained at the Ottawa International Airport on Sept. 15. He was charged 10 days later.
According to the document, Lahey told investigators he used MSN messenger to chat with other people and that the conversations were “often sexual in nature.” He said he believed the people he chatted with were adults.
The search warrant document also said Lahey told officers he would never have any sexual interest in a person under the age of 18 and had “no time” for child exploitation or child pornography.
Lahey said he does not know much about computers, but used them to write emails and write articles related to his work, according to investigators.
October 16th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
So, Bishop Lahey is on one hand “attracted” to males age 20 to 21, on the other would never have any sexual interest in a person under 18, and on yet another hand lugs around pornographic pictures of little boys as young as eight.
No doubt there will be some interesting and enlightening explanations for all these little discrepancies regarding the bishop’s sexual proclivities in the offing.
And with that another enlightening article from CP…
Police found hundreds of videos, photos of young males on bishop’s laptop
Canadian Press
16 October 2009
By Alison Auld (CP) –
HALIFAX, N.S. — Police allege they found hundreds of files and dozens of videos on Bishop Raymond Lahey’s laptop, with many showing young males engaged in various sex acts, in search warrants used by the RCMP to obtain more electronic devices from his residences and office in Nova Scotia.
The warrants, executed by Nova Scotia RCMP last week and released Friday, cite information compiled by Ottawa police after they seized Lahey’s laptop at the city’s airport on Sept. 15 as he returned from the United Kingdom.
The documents say Ottawa police viewed an unspecified number of the 964 files in a folder called “downloads,” and 33 videos Lahey had on his portable computer, many of them featuring young males masturbating and performing other sex acts.
“Most of the images and videos of concern viewed involved males who appeared to be teenage boys, who could possibly be 18 years old, even though some … (have) very young facial features and were very young looking,” says the warrant to search Lahey’s apartment in Sydney, N.S.
But the warrants also say some images show boys as young as eight, and others aged 10 to 12 exposing themselves.
Lahey was charged with possessing and importing child pornography on Sept. 25 after he was detained and questioned by Canada Border Services Agency officials at the airport more than a week earlier.
None of the allegations made in the search warrants have been proven in court. Lahey is scheduled to make a court appearance on the charges he face on Nov. 4.
Border officials flagged Lahey because he was a man travelling alone and his passport showed several trips to Southeast Asia, Germany, Spain and other areas known for child pornography, the court documents say.
An Ottawa police spokesman couldn’t say how many of the 964 files were images because the search warrants were executed by the RCMP as part of their investigation.
But Const. J.P. Vincelette said, “in general terms, when computer files are searched, all files are searched.”
Lahey, who stepped down as bishop of the Antigonish diocese a day after the charges were filed, also told Ottawa police on Sept. 15 that he “had no time for child exploitation, no time for child pornography,” according to one warrant.
In the warrant, he is alleged to have told one officer that he was attracted to young men, aged 20 or 21, and that he had never done anything abusive to a child and would “never have any sexual interest in a person under 18.”
Ottawa police claim to have found several images of boys as young as eight years old engaged in various sexual acts on some of Lahey’s devices, which included the laptop, a personal digital assistant and other electronic storage devices.
It is alleged in the warrants that one seized image shows a boy of about eight or 10, naked and on a bench. The documents assert that others show boys aged 10 to 12 exposing themselves, with one wearing black and white rosary beads and frowning as he sits on an office chair.
The two search warrants were used to seize more devices from Lahey’s apartment in Sydney and his office and home in Antigonish, where he served as bishop for the past six years.
The warrant for his home in Antigonish states that officers seized two cellphones, cassette tapes, cameras, CDs and DVDs, and two computers, while they recovered one computer from his Sydney apartment.
One of the search warrants says the diocese had purchased four computers for the 69-year-old bishop since August 2003. But Lahey told Ottawa police the seized laptop was his, not the church’s.
One of warrants alleges that Lahey told an Ottawa police detective on Oct. 1 that he did not have a computer in his residence in Antigonish.
The warrant says Lahey told police when he was in Antigonish he would “either use his laptop computer or the computer at the bishop’s office, which was also used by the office staff.”
It says the housekeeper for the diocese recalls seeing two desktop computers in the bishop’s residence in Antigonish and that they were there on Sept. 22, the most recent occasion that she was in the house.
The documents allege that Lahey used MSN to chat with people he meets online and that the conversations were often sexual in nature, but he thought the people involved were adults.
One document also says the RCMP officer seeking the search warrant interviewed Shane Earle, a Newfoundland man who alleges he saw a catalogue of child pornographic images in Lahey’s bedroom when he was a priest in St. John’s in the mid-1980s.
In the search warrant, it is alleged Earle told the officer last week that “the images were of boys not older than 13 years old and that in some of the images the boys were sexually aroused.”
Earle has said in an interview that he told police in Newfoundland about the incident a few years after it is alleged to have occurred. His claims prompted police there to review their files, but they say they have not found any record of it.
The devices seized in Nova Scotia will be examined by a special forensic unit based in Halifax.
October 16th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
And according to one warrant Lahey told officers on Sept. 15 that he “had no time for child exploitation, no time for child pornography.”
Right!
Is that just a little white episcopal lie? Or is it a blatant outright lie?
Or, well, did Bishop Lahey deem that those pictures of naked little boys he was lugging around were part of his new liturgy?
Or, well, was Perry Dunlop really hanging around the Ottawa airport somewhere?
Too too much. Too much. I’ll say one thing – Lahey is doing a grand job of digging himself in good and deep. Edelson has his work cut out for him.
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Hundreds of videos, pics found on bishop’s laptop
The Canadian Press
Date: Fri. Oct. 16 2009 5:35 PM ET
HALIFAX — Police allege they found hundreds of files and dozens of videos on Bishop Raymond Lahey’s laptop, with many showing young males engaged in various sex acts, in search warrants used by the RCMP to obtain more electronic devices from his residences and office in Nova Scotia.
The warrants, executed by Nova Scotia RCMP last week and released Friday, cite information compiled by Ottawa police after they seized Lahey’s laptop at the city’s airport on Sept. 15 as he returned from the United Kingdom.
The documents say Ottawa police viewed an unspecified number of the 964 files in a folder called “downloads,” and 33 videos Lahey had on his portable computer, many of them featuring young males masturbating and performing other sex acts.
“Most of the images and videos of concern viewed involved males who appeared to be teenage boys, who could possibly be 18 years old, even though some … (have) very young facial features and were very young looking,” says the warrant to search Lahey’s apartment in Sydney, N.S.
But the warrants also say some images show boys as young as eight, and others aged 10 to 12 exposing themselves.
Lahey was charged with possessing and importing child pornography on Sept. 25 after he was detained and questioned by Canada Border Services Agency officials at the airport more than a week earlier.
None of the allegations made in the search warrants have been proven in court. Lahey is scheduled to make a court appearance on the charges he face on Nov. 4.
Border officials flagged Lahey because he was a man travelling alone and his passport showed several trips to Southeast Asia, Germany, Spain and other areas known for child pornography, the court documents say.
An Ottawa police spokesman couldn’t say how many of the 964 files were images because the search warrants were executed by the RCMP as part of their investigation.
But Const. J.P. Vincelette said, “in general terms, when computer files are searched, all files are searched.”
Lahey, who stepped down as bishop of the Antigonish diocese a day after the charges were filed, also told Ottawa police on Sept. 15 that he “had no time for child exploitation, no time for child pornography,” according to one warrant.
In the warrant, he is alleged to have told one officer that he was attracted to young men, aged 20 or 21, and that he had never done anything abusive to a child and would “never have any sexual interest in a person under 18.”
Ottawa police claim to have found several images of boys as young as eight years old engaged in various sexual acts on some of Lahey’s devices, which included the laptop, a personal digital assistant and other electronic storage devices.
It is alleged in the warrants that one seized image shows a boy of about eight or 10, naked and on a bench. The documents assert that others show boys aged 10 to 12 exposing themselves, with one wearing black and white rosary beads and frowning as he sits on an office chair.
The two search warrants were used to seize more devices from Lahey’s apartment in Sydney and his office and home in Antigonish, where he served as bishop for the past six years.
The warrant for his home in Antigonish states that officers seized two cellphones, cassette tapes, cameras, CDs and DVDs, and two computers, while they recovered one computer from his Sydney apartment.
One of the search warrants says the diocese had purchased four computers for the 69-year-old bishop since August 2003. But Lahey told Ottawa police the seized laptop was his, not the church’s.
One of warrants alleges that Lahey told an Ottawa police detective on Oct. 1 that he did not have a computer in his residence in Antigonish.
The warrant says Lahey told police when he was in Antigonish he would “either use his laptop computer or the computer at the bishop’s office, which was also used by the office staff.”
It says the housekeeper for the diocese recalls seeing two desktop computers in the bishop’s residence in Antigonish and that they were there on Sept. 22, the most recent occasion that she was in the house.
The documents allege that Lahey used MSN to chat with people he meets online and that the conversations were often sexual in nature, but he thought the people involved were adults.
One document also says the RCMP officer seeking the search warrant interviewed Shane Earle, a Newfoundland man who alleges he saw a catalogue of child pornographic images in Lahey’s bedroom when he was a priest in St. John’s in the mid-1980s.
In the search warrant, it is alleged Earle told the officer last week that “the images were of boys not older than 13 years old and that in some of the images the boys were sexually aroused.”
Earle has said in an interview that he told police in Newfoundland about the incident a few years after it is alleged to have occurred. His claims prompted police there to review their files, but they say they have not found any record of it.
The devices seized in Nova Scotia will be examined by a special forensic unit based in Halifax.
October 16th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Hey Slyvia – that’s a good one!!!
Perry was hanging out at the airport and planted the kiddie porn on the good Bishop’s laptop!!!
No one is seriously concidering that one – are they???
THEY CANNOT RATIONALLY DEMONIZE PERRY ANY LONGER!!!
PERRY WAS RIGHT FROM DAY 1 AND THEY KNOW IT!!!
A MASSIVE MASSIVE COVER-UP!
October 16th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
You’re right RealityChecker – unless they could get away with claiming that Perry bilocates he’s probably safe on this one
Have you happened on the actual search warrant yet for this latest search in Nova Scotia? I’ve been looking and so far no luck. If you happen on it will you post the link so we can all read it verbatim?
October 16th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
The BEST comment I’ve seen posted yet…(CBC)
“I hope he has information that will lead to the capture of others involved in this sordid pasttime.”
Does anyone really believe Lahey was in this alone???
Confiscated: one video camera
two cell phones
two MP3 players
11 CDs/DVDs
one file folder containing 87 pages of computer printouts pertaining to domain name registrations
Oh – me thinks – there’s a few people fretting up in Ottawa with this investigation!!!
We shall see….
October 16th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Oh wait – they’re all in Cornwall this weekend – aren’t they???
Is the plenary over???
October 17th, 2009 at 7:56 am
The plenary is this coming week. In Cornwall.
I wonder if the week’s schedule will be amended to discuss other pressing issues …such as what to do when one of their own is caught red handed with a stash of kiddie porn? and/or what do when one of their own says he is attracted to males aged 20 to 21? and/or what to do to pacify the suddenly less than passive masses? and/or how to help Bishop Raymond Lahey wile away the hours in his Kilborn apartment without being spotted?
Rest assured there will be lots of tongue wagging going on behind closed doors to come up with a unified message.
I’m posting below the notice re the plenary which is on the CCCB website. I see that one of their keynote speakers is Dr. Richard R. Gaillardez. I know very little about Gaillardez but do know that he felt the U.S. bishops exhibited “a horrible moral failure” in advocating a policy of zero tolerance re clercial sexual abuse. I gather that that means he is not an advocate of zero tolerance?
I also see that according to the CCCB website there has been criticism regarding the bishop’s pick of Gaillardez – I’ve posted part of the posting below as well. I checked about and the referenced blog site is SOCO or Bust – it can be accessed here: http://www.socon.ca/or_bust/?p=2984
From the little I have read it looks to me as though Gaillardez would indeed be classified as a dissident – but, nothing new for the CCCB to court dissidents.
Here are the posts from the CCCB website
…………………..
The Bishops of Canada to hold their Plenary Assembly, 19-23 October
CCCB website
16 October 2009
(CCCB – Ottawa)… The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) will hold its annual Plenary Assembly, 19 – 23 October 2009, at the Nav Canada Centre, Cornwall, Ontario. About 90 Bishops will be present to review pastoral activities of the past year and to discuss important questions and issues. They will also elect a new Permanent Council as the two-year terms of its current members have ended, including that of CCCB President Most Reverend V. James Weisgerber, Archbishop of Winnipeg.
In addition to reviewing the work carried out over the past year by CCCB councils, commissions and committees, the Bishops will discuss a number of pastoral issues.
In keeping with the Year of the Priest announced by Pope Benedict XVI, American theologian Dr. Richard R. Gaillardetz, Murray/Bacik Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Toledo in Ohio, will deliver two presentations: on the impact of the Second Vatican Council on the priesthood and its reality today, and on the relationship between the ministerial priesthood and the priesthood of the baptized.
Other issues to be discussed during the working sessions include Catholic identity in the public sphere, Catholic-Anglican relations, the role of Bishops in life issues, and the pastoral response to the poverty afflicting a growing number of Canadians.
Lastly, the agenda will also include an update on the collaboration of Development and Peace with its numerous partners throughout the world, as well as on development projects funded by this organization that the Bishops of Canada founded in 1967.
………..
Professor Richard R. Gaillardetz responds to attacks
CCCB website
01 October 2009
Well-known and award-winning Catholic author and theologian Richard R. Gaillardetz has responded to attacks circulating on a blog about his having been invited by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to give two major presentations on the priesthood at the October 2009 meeting of the CCCB Plenary Assembly. The blog questions whether Professor Gaillardetz is faithful to the doctrine of the Church.
In a letter addressed to CCCB President Archbishop V. James Weisgerber, Professor Gaillardetz affirms his standing as a Catholic theologian who “fully embraces the teaching office of pope and bishops.”
October 17th, 2009 at 8:15 am
A naked boy with two rosaries draped around his neck! What demented sexual pervert thought that one up as a titillating pose?
Another picture of a sad-looking little lad with welts and possibly bruises on his body!
On a bishop’s laptop!!
Such outright unmitigated depravity.
Those poor poor little boys – I do hope they can be found, and I do hope and pray that they are not afraid to talk.
…………..
Warrants detail images on bishop’s computer
Documents say some naked boys appear younger than 12
Halifax Chronicle Herald
By EVA HOARE Staff Reporter
Sat. Oct 17 – 4:46 AM
Raymond Lahey (CP)
ELECTRONIC GEAR SEIZED
Some items confiscated from Bishop Lahey’s residences:
•HP Pavilion computer
•HP desktop computer
•D-Link USB wireless network card
•8-mm video camera
•Four 8-mm videocassette tapes
•Case with 11 CDs/DVDs
•Ricoh 35-mm camera
•Vodafone cellphone
•Nokia cellphone with SIM card
•SanDisk MP3 player
•MPIO MP3 player
•Four audio cassette tapes
•87 pages of computer printouts on domain name registrations
An image of a naked boy wearing only rosary beads was among those found on Bishop Raymond Lahey’s laptop computer, a search warrant has revealed.
The RCMP’s child exploitation unit obtained the warrant in order to search the bishop’s home in Antigonish and his apartment in Sydney. The document sheds more light on what Canada Border Services Agency officers found on the bishop’s computer after it was seized at the Ottawa airport on Sept. 15 as he was returning to Canada from overseas.
Bishop Lahey, 69, was charged Sept. 25 with possessing and importing child pornography. He resigned as bishop of the Antigonish diocese the next day.
Court papers state that the image of the “young, naked male” showed him wearing only “a set of black rosary and a set of white rosary beads around his neck.” The boy appears to be nine to 12 years old, court papers say.
A number of other images of young boys were found on the bishop’s laptop, the documents say, and videos show “young males engaged in sexual acts.”
One image allegedly depicts a young naked male who appears to be “hurt, as there are red welts and marks on his stomach and chest area.”
“He looks sad in this image,” the documents say.
The search warrant also alleges the bishop used the MSN Messenger service on the Internet to have sex-related chats with people he met online and “that the conversations are often sexual in nature.” But the bishop told police he believed to the “best of his knowledge” that all the people involved in the talks were adults.
The RCMP say the images were found on his laptop in a folder called Downloads that contained 964 files. There were 33 videos in another folder, the court papers say.
None of the information supplied in the warrants and supporting paperwork has been proven in court.
The documents also state that on Oct. 9, the RCMP interviewed Shane Earle, who once lived at the Mount Cashel orphanage in St. John’s, N.L.
Mr. Earle, whose treatment at the orphanage in his teens led to a public inquiry, has said he saw child pornography at Bishop Lahey’s home in the 1980s when the clergyman was still living in his native Newfoundland.
Mr. Earle told police last week that he had spent some weekends and holidays at Bishop Lahey’s home in Mount Pearl, N.L., while he was a resident of the orphanage. He alleges he saw a “catalogue containing images of child pornography” during one of his stays at the bishop’s place.
“The images were of boys not older than 13 years old and that in some images the boys were sexually aroused,” Mr. Earle told the RCMP.
Church officials in Newfoundland acknowledged before Mr. Earle’s Oct. 9 interview with the RCMP that little was done to help him in the ’80s after he told them what he had allegedly seen in Bishop Lahey’s quarters.
Last month, during the bishop’s conversation with a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the Ottawa airport, he indicated that “he had no time for child exploitation, no time for child pornography,” the warrant states.
He said he had a computer at home and that it had the LimeWire file-sharing system installed, the documents say. LimeWire was not on his laptop, however.
On Tuesday, the RCMP carried out two searches in Antigonish, at Bishop Lahey’s residence and at his office, and one in Sydney, at Apt. 7 at 29 Xavier Dr., believed to be a home for retired priests.
They confiscated two computers in the Antigonish searches, and a lawyer for the Antigonish diocese told them that there had been a computer in the bishop’s apartment in Sydney, according to the search warrant.
Police were also told that the diocese had bought four computers for the bishop since August 2003, the court papers state.
Bishop Lahey told police in an Oct. 1 interview that he didn’t have a computer at his Antigonish home and he would use his laptop or a computer that office staff also used, the court papers state. But a housekeeper said she had seen two desktop computers there as recently as Sept. 22.
The bishop is free on bail and staying in Ottawa pending his next court appearance there on Nov. 4.
( ehoare@herald.ca)
October 17th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
See the article below.
Damage control. Coral the troubled masses..
Since the agency is retained by the diocese it is therefore no doubt answerable to the same, and all info obtained during counselling sessions will no doubt be channelled right back into the diocese.
I wonder if there is a duty to report any and all allegations of child sexual abuse to police? Does anyone know?
And what about kiddie porn? Would there be a duty to report “alleged” sightings of kiddie porn?
…………………………………………….
Lahey charges prompt free counselling for N.S. CatholicsLast Updated: Saturday, October 17, 2009 | 1:18 PM AT
CBC News
A family counselling organization founded by the Roman Catholic Church is offering free services to parishioners of the Antigonish diocese in the wake of child pornography charges against their retired bishop.
Former bishop Raymond Lahey, who helped negotiate a landmark deal for children who were sexually abused by priests, was charged with importing and possessing child pornography on Sept. 25 after being detained by border officials 10 days earlier at the Ottawa International Airport.
Earlier this week, police in Nova Scotia executed search warrants at Lahey’s homes and office, looking for pornographic images on computers he used.
On Saturday, Family Service of Eastern Nova Scotia had an ad in Halifax’s Chronicle Herald newspaper offering free counselling to individuals or entire parish communities struggling to cope with what it called “past or recent victimization issues.”
According to the ad, the organization has been hired by the Antigonish diocese to provide the service.
The non-profit group was founded in 1969, but traces its roots back to the 1930s, during the Great Depression, when churches set up counselling and assistance programs for people.
Lahey is staying at a priest’s residence run by the archdiocese of Ottawa until his next court appearance there on Nov. 4.
RCMP and the provincial child internet exploitation unit executed a search warrant at Lahey’s residence in Sydney, N.S., on Wednesday. One computer was seized.
Investigators also executed search warrants at Lahey’s former home and office in Antigonish on Tuesday. Two computers and some external media devices were seized.
October 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
(Bishop Paul Andre Durocher letter in the Cornwall Standard Freeholder 03 October 2009)
I imagine most readers of this newspaper have been shocked and scandalized at the news that a Canadian bishop has been charged with possession of child pornography. I share their shock. I also feel a great sense of shame that a fellow bishop can have been involved in such a horrible activity.
The seriousness of the charge and the immediate resignation of the accused shakes our confidence in his presumed innocence. It also undermines our trust in all persons in positions of authority, including those who, like Bishop Lahey, have used their authority positively to heal breaches with past victims of clergy sexual abuse. In the face of such paradoxical behaviour, I can only shake my head in bewilderment and sorrow.
I cannot understand what would lead a person to be interested in pornography involving children.
All pornography is demeaning, but that involving children is even more so, since it requires that children be abused in its production. Unfortunately, anyone with an Internet connection can easily access this mate-rial. It has become a scourge in our society, one which needs to be combated as courageously as possible.
My heart goes out to all those who have been deeply shaken by this revelation. My prayers are offered for all of us.
May we respond with an even greater awareness of our weaknesses, a greater commitment to care for our children, a greater engagement in building a society where such horrors do not happen.
Paul-André Durocher
Bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall
———————————————————–
I have been reading and re-reading this letter to the editor that our friendly Bishop Durocher sent in to the Standard Freeholder on October 2nd….Questions?????
-Is he shocked that a Bishop has been CHARGED?
-”Involved in such a horrible activity”…..meaning what?….getting arrested?
-”Used their authority to heal breaches with past victims”…….HE threw money at them. 30 pieces of silver did not work then…it will not work now!!!!
-”Paradoxical behaviour”….HE is sitting on a mountain of evidence of paradoxical behaviour…is this considered paradoxical?
The message from there then becomes generic…….as much to say that ANYONE can do it, we ALL have access to these sites. BUT he will pray for us!!!! Let the PREYING stop and our prayers will be answered!!!
John Mac Donald
October 17th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Hey Sylvia maybe (ex- priest and molester) Don Grecco can move down east and offer counselling services – after all – that’s what he now does for a living!
October 17th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Why did I not think of that Reality Checker….it could be a family reunion with his brother now a Bishop on the East Coast……so sweet of you to always put family in front!!!!!!
October 17th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
….I think these ones are “behind” – John.
October 17th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Ah, yes RealityChecket! Ex priest and “alleged” molester Don Grecco the counsellor! Makes you wonder who a vicitm can trust these days, doesn’t it?
Good questions and comments re Bishop Durocher’s letter John. I think the shock is that Lahey was caught! And further shock that word is out that a few powers that be have known of Lahey’s proclivites for over 20 years and watched in silence as the man masqueraded as a man of God.
One more comment on this. Durocher says:
“May we respond with an even greater awareness of our weaknesses, a greater commitment to care for our children, a greater engagement in building a society where such horrors do not happen.”
Christ’s ultimate condemnation went to those who harm a child – “better that a millstone be hanged around his neck.” Nothing from Christ about “our weaknesses.” While it is true that we do all have weaknesses, there are weaknesses and there are weaknesses. We do not all molest and/or sexually abuse children. Nor do we all delight in images culled from those who do. In fact I think it is fair to say that the average person is totally repulsed by the very notion of child sexual abuse and/or its images.
As for a commitment to build a society where such “horrors” don’t happen I would personally prefer Durocher and his fellow bishops give us a commitment to purge the Roman Catholic church of clergy who engage in such despicable and deviant acts. Let’s start there and see what happens. Get those deviants out of the priestood -all of them. Clean house.
“Weakness?” Let those who exhibit signs of this so called “weakness” spend the rest of their days making amends to God for the damage they have done – and let them do so as laymen – with millstones around their necks. That would truly show a greater commitment on the part of Bishop Durocher “to care for our children.”