Jacobs: Father Philip Jacobs

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(some documents spell his given name with a double L,i.e.,  Phillip Jacobs.  It looks as though it should be Philip)

American priest.  Ordained 1974 for the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio.  Known to have molested in the States.  Taken into Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia by Bishop Remi de Roo.  Now incardinated in Diocese of Victoria. Left 2002 when his past caught up with him publicly.  Teaching in Saudi Arabia from 2007-2010.  .  Address listed in 2010 Canadian Catholic Church Directory that of the Victoria Diocesan Centre .  Charged August 2010.   Father Jacobs was out on bail pending trial.  $25,000 surety was paid by a former parishioner.  25 February 2013:  GUILTY to one count sexual touching.  04 September – five month conditional sentence and two years probation (the five months includes two months of house arrest)

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-4 September 2013:  Bishop Gagnon Statement regarding Father Phil Jacobs conditional sentence

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Scroll down for media for past coverage

05 September 2013:   BLOG That was the end of it

04 September 2013: BLOG  Conditional sentence for priest convicted of sex offence in Saanich

04 September 2013:  “Saanich priest given conditional sentence for sexually touching teenage boy” & related article

04 September 2013:  Saanich priest given conditional sentence for sexually touching teenage boy

04 September 2013: Conditional sentence for priest convicted of sex offence in Saanich

03 September 2013:  Don’t hope for too much

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 (Picture Right:  Father Philip Jacobs, February 2008, Saudi Arabia)

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Phil Jacobs  at graduation Charles Univeristy Prague cropped

Dr. Phil Jacobs at formal graduation ceremony at Charles University in Prague, sometime between 2004 and 2006.

Please note that there is also an active blog thread here: Pictures of Father Philip Jacobs in Saudi Arabia: a tough life!

Scroll down page for links to media coverage and blogs

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13 November 2012:   Victoria Law Courts Public Access Supreme Court Criminal List: 13 November 2012

Pictures of seaside home where Father Phil Jacobs lived for a a few weeks after he was arrested in the Diocese of Victoria, BC

27 September 2012: Bishop of Victoria re pending trial of Father Jacobs 

06 August 2010:  Bishop Richard Gagnon letter re charges laid against “a member of our clergy who has been inactive as a priest since 2002…”

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Next court date: 04 September 2013: 10 am, Judge to render verdict on sentencing, Victoria BC courthouse19 July 2013:  10 am, Sentencing, Victoria, BC courthouse; 29 May 2013:  2 pm.  Progress review to see if pre-sentencing and forensic psychiatric report are completed.  If they are a sentencing date will be set, Victoria courthouse, Victoria, BC; 06 March 2013: to set sentencing date, Victoria courthouse25 February 2013: 09:00 am, Victoria BC courthouse, VERDICT to be rendered by trial judge ; 08-09 January 2013: final submissions from defence and Crown,  Victoria, BC courthouse; 10 December 2012: TRIAL booked for two weeks, 10 am, Victoria courthouse;  13 November 2012: decision to be rendered on second voire dire ; 09 October 2012:  10 am – TRIAL – booked for 2 weeks, Victoria BC court house14 December 2011: to set a trial date for the BC Supreme Court, Victoria BC courthouse;  30 November 2011 2:00 pm., to set a trial date with the BC Supreme Court, Victoria, BC courthouse [adjourned to 14 Dec.]; [ Ordered to stand trial after about 21/2 days of evidence  ] Courtroom 07 -10 November 2011 inclusive:  Preliminary hearing, 09:30 am, Court room #201, Victoria courthouse, British Columbia);  03 October 2011: trial confirmation hearing (Victoria courthouse, British Columbia); 15 December 2010 (09:00 am for pre-trial conference, Victoria );17 November 2010(2 pm ,Victoria);  10 November 2010 (Victoria, BC) (six court dates prior to this)

 Next court dates: 27 July 2012 Judgment on voir dire  at 10 am, Victoria BC courthouse; 23 July 2012- 27 July 2012:  voire dire, Victoria, BC courthouse – hearings conducted 23 & 24 July)

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12 January 2012:  preliminary investigation being conducted in Ohio re allegations of sex abuse in Ohio dating to the 1980s.

Dr. Philip Jacobs page on Jubail University College website

Pictures of Father Philip Jacobs in Saudi Arabia: a tough life!

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia…Jubail University College:  Faculty Academic Information for Jacob, Philips J [sic – Philip Jacobs]

May 2002 (?): The gay-priest problem hits Victoria

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Unless indicated otherwise the following dates and information are drawn from available Canadian Catholic Church Directories (CCCD), media (M) and personal contacts (PC).  Additional timelines will be added as information becomes available.

25 February 2013:  GUILTY verdict to one count of sexually touching a young person while in a  position of trust

10 December 2012:  TRIAL starts

11  October 2012:  start of voire dire – expected to take about four days

Trial was scheduled to commence 09 October.  Two voire dires (trials within trials) were held.   Trial commenced 10 December 2012.  Verdict to be rendered 25 February 2013.

09 October 2012:  TRIAL starts

10 or 11 August 2010:  Bail surety of $25,000 paid by friend Bruce Lemire-Elmore from Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church.  Conditions of  bail include:  surrender his passport and all travel documents; not to around persons under age 18; live in a home in Sooke, B.C. ; no contact with those who allege he abuse them; not to go near St. Joseph the Worker Church in Saanich where he once served.

04 August 2010:  Arrested at Victoria BC airport on return from San Francisco – charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and sexual interference in Canada.  According to news reports – three alleged victims have come forward.

2007-2010:  In charge of English department at Jubail University College, Saudi Arabia (internet and blog)

09 July 2010: charges approved.  Canada-wide warrant issued for Jacob’s arrest (M)

2009:  complaints to Saanich police which led to investigation regarding Jacob’s conduct at St. Joseph’s (M)

2007-2010:  Teaching at Jubail University College in Saudi Arabia – did not tell people he is a priest (P)

around 2003 – 2007:  Teaching at Charles University in Prague (P)

April 2002:   Left Diocese of Victoria after word that he was a molester became public (an investigation was conducted in Saanich at the time – no charges were laid)

1998-2002:   St. Joseph the Worker Church, West Burnside Road, Saanish (CCCD)

2000:  seems he is now incardinated in the Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia (CCCD)

1999:  Canadian Catholic Church Directory indicates incardination in Victoria with an asterisk, meaning incardinated outside Canada but practising his ministry in Canada. (CCCD)

1996-1998:  St. Rose of Lima, Sooke (CCCD)

1996:  Transferred to Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia.  Bishop Remi de Roo aware that Jacob was a molester.  Assigned to a parish – parishioners not told.  (M)

mid 90s (93 ?) : “Treatment” after removed from Josephinum by Bishop James Griffin (following allegations of sex abuse of a minor) (M) Allegations not reported to police (according to diocesan spokesman this was at request of victims family).

1986-1993: taught philosophy at the Pontifical College Josephinum on the Far North Side (M)

date ?:  vice rector in the College of Liberal Arts, Pontifical College Josephinum, the Far North Side seminary ( Columbus, Ohio) (M)

1986-1989: priest in residence at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Westerville, Ohio (M)

removed from his position at the Josephinum after two men alleged child sex abuse by Jacobs in the late 70s (M)

1981-1986: Studies at Boston College (M)

1986:  PhD Logic of Science, Boston College, Boston, MA (Jubail University College website)  Lived at St Mary’s Parish in Brookline, Massachusetts while he studied and taught at Boston College.  Said to have been ” loved by all.”  filled the church, involved in all of the youth groups, and frequently travelled with the CYO.  Reports that he gave the boys alcohol and had copies of Penthouse and Playboy around.   (P)

1979-1981: St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, East Side (M)

1980:  MA Linguistic Analysis, Ohio State University (Jubail University College website)

1975-1979: St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, North Side (M)

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MEDIA coverage and blogs

20 August 2013:  Ex-local priest faces sentencing for abuse

19 July 2013: Victoria priest Philip Jacobs to be sentenced Sept. 4 for sexual touching conviction

19 July 2013: UPDATE: Former Saanich priest convicted of sex offense to be sentenced in September

17 July 2013:  Phil Jacobs scheduled for sentencing Friday

29 May 2013:  Former Saanich priest to be sentenced in July

07 March 2013: Priest to be sentenced in early June

25 February 2013: Former Saanich priest guilty of sexual exploitation (CTV Vancouver Island) VIDEO

25 February 2013: “Father Phil Jacobs guilty of sexual touching, acquitted of 3 other charges” & related articles

25 February 2013:  Excerpt from Victoria courthouse courtroom docket re Madam Justice Groper R vs Jacobs

25 February 2013: Father Phil found guilty of sexually touching young person; acquitted of three other charges

 

25 February 2013: “Father Phil Jacobs guilty of sexual touching, acquitted of 3 other charges” & related articles

25 February 2013: BLOG A “guilty” on one

25 February 2013: “Former Saanich priest guilty on one count of sexual touching” & related article

25 February 2013: Father Phil found guilty of sexually touching young person; acquitted of three other charges

25 February 2013: BLOG A “guilty” on one

09 January 2013: Father Phil Jacobs can’t be believed, sex assault trial told

09 January 2013:  Saanich priest’s actions not criminal, argues lawyer

21 December 2012: Testimony ends at Phil Jacobs sexual abuse trial

20 December 2012: Behaviour with boys not appropriate, Father Phil Jacobs says in court

19 December 2012: Saanich priest had to keep self in check, court hears

19 December 2012: Crown grills former priest on sexual compulsions around young boys

19 December 2012: Father Phil Jacobs trial expected to wrap today

18 December 2012: Columbus diocese urged to search for priest’s victims

17 December 2012: Priest admits U.S. abuse, but denies any crimes in B.C.

17 December 2012:  “Accused former priest testifies in own defence” & “Father Phil denies abuse allegations”

15 December 2012: Accused priest to take the stand

14 December 2012: Former friend testifies against accused former priest

14 December 2012: Ex-student uneasy about priest’s touch

13 December 2012: Priest’s sex talk distressing, trial told

12 December 2012: Witness testifies to alleged sexual abuse at Saanich church

12 December 2012: Priest touched genitals, witness says

11 December 2012: “Former altar boys recall being touched by priest” with VIDEO

11 December 2012: Catholic priest Phil Jacobs given Sooke post to avoid kids, court hears

10 December 2012:  Trial begins for priest facing sex abuse charges (VIDEO – CTV Victoria)

10 December 2012:  Sex assault trial starts for former Saanich priest

22 October 2012: “Philip Jacobs trial now set for December” & related article

11 October 2012: Ex-priest’s trial begins today

09 October 2012:  Priest abuse case (CHEK TV Victoria, BC – 09 October 2012)

09 October 2012:  BLOG Disclosure issues

09 October 2012: A woman’s past compels her to attend child abuse trial

09 October 2012: Trial Delay for Saanich Priest Accused of Sex Crimes (with VIDEO clip)

09 October 2012: Sex assault trial starts for former Saanich priest

08 October 2012: BLOG  Ocean front property

27 September 2012: Bishop Victoria re pending trial of Father Jacobs 

28 June 2012: Sex abuse case against former Saanich priest moves forward in July

12 January 2012: BLOG Reliable sources

11 November 2011: Catholic priest heading to B.C. Supreme Court to stand trial on four child sex abuse charges

08 November 2011: Priest faces hearing on sexual offences

06 November 2011: Court hearing to open into sex charges against ex-capital region priest

09 November 2010:  That ‘sixth sense’

02 November 2010:  BLOG Are there victims there?

07 August 2010:  May 5, 2002:  The two faces of Father Jacobs:  How a dirty little secret caught up with the ‘perfect’ priest

07 August 2010:  Ousted Columbus priest arrested: Sex crime allegations surface in Canada

07 August 2010:  Ex Saanich priest hit with four sex charges

07 August 2010: Priest charged with sex crimes, had been removed from Ohio ministry for alleged molestation

07 August 2010: Priest faces sex charges involving three children

06 August 2010: Sex charges laid against a B.C. priest wanted on oustanding country-wide warrants

28 April 2002: “Victoria diocese stands by priest dismissed in Ohio” & related article

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Police receive stream of tips about priest in sex case

Times Colonist

09 August 2010

By KATIE DeROSA

Saanich police have received numerous phone calls and visits from people with information about a former Saanich priest charged with sex offences.

On Friday, Saanich police announced that Father Philip Jacobs was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation in relation to complaints by three witnesses under the age of 14. The alleged offences occurred between Sept. 1, 1996, and June 20, 2001, while Jacobs was a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Victoria.

Saanich police appealed to anyone with information about Jacobs to contact them and, since Friday, several people have come forward, police spokesman Sgt. Dean Jantzen said.

He would not say what information they provided or whether more alleged victims have been identified.

“[The tips] are in the hands of the investigators and they’re being acted on.”

Jacobs arrived on Vancouver Island from the U.S. in 1996, spending two years as a priest at St. Rose of Lima in Sooke. He then served as parish priest at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Saanich from 1998 to 2002.

Jacobs was hired as a priest even though the diocese was aware of allegations of misconduct while he served as a priest in Columbus, Ohio.

Bishop Richard Gagnon said last week that the diocese now has a tighter screening policy and Jacobs would not have been hired under the new standards.

Raymond Roussin, Victoria’s bishop from 1999 to 2004, said Jacobs was ruled out as a risk by experts, citing two psychiatric assessments. He said one was conducted after his dismissal in Ohio and a second one by the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development.

However, a spokeswoman from the ministry said they have no record of Jacobs being assessed.

Jacobs is still a priest, holding a “non-church occupation” in Europe.

He was released on a $25,000 surety put up by friend Bruce Lemire Elmore, a Sooke resident, according to court documents.

Under his bail conditions, the priest must report to a bail officer once a week and reside at a certain location.

Jacobs is not to attend St. Joseph the Worker parish. He also cannot be in the presence of anyone younger than 18 and is not to attend any place frequented by children younger than 14.

He had to surrender his passport and will not be allowed to leave Vancouver Island without permission.

His next court date is Sept. 2.

kderosa@tc.canwest.com

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Priest charged with child sex offences; Kept on job despite earlier allegations of misconduct at an Ohio church

The Vancouver Province

08 August 2010

Katie Derosa

A Catholic priest from the U.S. who spent six years working in Sooke and Saanich has been charged with four sex offences in relation to three Greater Victoria children under the age of 14.

Father Philip Jacobs, 60, was arrested by Canada Border Services Agency personnel on Wednesday as he arrived at Victoria airport from San Francisco. He appeared in court yesterday and was released on a $25,000 surety.

Jacobs is charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference and one count of sexual exploitation. The alleged offences occurred between Sept. 1, 1996, and June 30, 2001, according to court documents. They relate to while Jacobs was a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, Saanich police say.

The identities of the alleged victims are protected by court order. Police would not release the age or sex of the victims, other than to say they were all under 14 at the time of the alleged offences.

Jacobs served as parish priest at St. Joseph the Worker Church on West Burnside Road in Saanich from 1998 to 2002. Prior to that, he spent two years serving the St. Rose of Lima congregation in Sooke.

Jacobs resigned from his position at St. Joseph in April 2002 after information was made public that he was dismissed from a church in Columbus, Ohio, in the mid-1990s amid allegations of misconduct.

Saanich police began investigating Jacobs in 2002, but there was insufficient evidence to proceed with a charge, spokesman Const. Dean Jantzen said yesterday at a news conference.

However, in 2009, while Jacobs was living abroad, Saanich police received complaints against him that led to an investigation into his conduct as a priest at St. Joseph’s, Jantzen said. The investigation led to charges being approved on July 9, and a Canada-wide warrant was issued for Jacobs’s arrest.

Jantzen would not say whether any of the victims who sparked the 2009 investigation also complained in 2002.

At the time of Jacobs’s resignation in 2002, the then-bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Victoria, Raymond Roussin, indicated he had learned about the Ohio allegations in 2000.

He said the diocese kept Jacobs on as a priest because Jacobs had undergone two psychiatric assessments — one following his dismissal in Ohio and one by the B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development — indicating he wasn’t a risk.

Roussin said the diocese also arranged for Jacobs to be monitored by two senior priests and two lay members of the church, see a psychiatrist regularly, and not to be alone with individual children.

Yesterday, Bishop Richard Gagnon said the diocese tightened its screening process for priests in 2005, and “under today’s standards, Jacobs would not have been hired by the diocese.”

Gagnon admitted the diocese “could have done more” for parishioners.

He said he was “shocked” when Saanich police informed him of the charges on Thursday. “I am truly sorry for any harm caused by this situation and the impact it has on all those affected. We truly understand the severity of sexual abuse and its effect on people’s lives.”

He said counselling is being provided to those who need it.

Gagnon said that Jacobs is still a priest but is holding a “non-church occupation” in Europe, and has made frequent visits to Victoria since 2002.

Saanich police are urging anyone with information on the case to come forward.

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Priest sex abuse charges prompt more calls

 Undated – around 09 August 2010

ATV Victoria http://www.atv.ca/victoria/4994_73398.aspx

SAANICH – Investigators say they are receiving more calls since word of sex charges against a former Saanich catholic priest surfaced last week.

Father Philip Jacobs is charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.

The allegations stem from Jacob’s time as the pastor at St. Joseph The Worker Parish.

When father Philip Jacobs walked out of jail Friday night the court placed him under strict conditions.

After surrendering his passport and all travel documents, he is ordered to live in a home in Sooke and not to be around anyone under the age of 18.

Jacobs is also to have no contact with the people who allege he sexually abused them, and he is not to go near St. Joseph The Worker Church in Saanich where he once served as parish priest until his resignation in 2002

Parishioners at his former church did not want to talk to /A\ News as they arrived for Sunday services.

In a letter read out at all catholic churches in Bishop Richard Gagnon wrote; “Sexual abuse of minors is not only a crime but like all forms of abuse, but goes directly against what the priesthood is and stands for.  Such activity is totally inappropriate and cannot be tolerated and the news of these criminal charges is both sad and difficult for our catholic community”

As word of the charges spread Saanich police say people began showing up at their door.

But Saanich police acknowledge the investigation could be hampered by people who do not wish to talk about what they may have seen or experienced.

“Even if they don’t feel comfortable we ask them to talk to us” says Sgt. Dean Jantzen “Just talking might help as they could have seen something or know something that will help investigators”

The church is trying to move forward.

The diocese has hired a lawyer to help with the crisis and is also seeking divine intervention.

Bishop Gagnon told his flock on Sunday “With God’s help, we will move forward together and do our part in building up a more purified, trusting and loving community”.

Before that can happen, the courts may have something to say about the situation.

Father Philip Jacobs is scheduled to make his next appearance in a Victoria courtroom on September 2nd.

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Embattled Priest Will Leave Diocese in Canada

Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)
May 1, 2002

By Dennis M. Mahoney

(from Bishop Accountability database)
The Rev. Phillip Jacobs is quitting as a priest in British Columbia, where he went after being dismissed by the Columbus Roman Catholic Diocese for molesting a teen-age boy.

Bishop Raymond Roussin of the Victoria Diocese confirmed yesterday that Jacobs is resigning by mutual agreement.

“He obviously will not be able to function in a parish again,” Roussin said.

Jacobs, who has been staying at his mother’s East Side home since the story of his past surfaced over the weekend, could not be reached for comment.

But he issued a statement through the Victoria Diocese: “In view of the turmoil and anguish these revelations are causing in the parish and the diocese, and because the needs of the church are greater than any needs of any individual priest, I have agreed to resign my pastoral responsibilities.”

Jacobs had been pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Victoria since 1996, two years after he went to the diocese, Roussin said. It is one of the larger parishes in the diocese, with several hundred families, he said.

“He was very efficient,” Roussin said. “He was dynamic in the sense that he brought people together in a way that had not been the case in that parish for years.”

Jacobs was appointed to St. Joseph by Bishop Remy De Roo, who retired in 1999.

Parishioners were told of Jacobs’ background this past weekend. Roussin said some were upset by the news.

Had parishioners been told of Jacobs’ past before his appointment, the bishop said, the appointment would not have occurred.

Roussin said he did not know whether Jacobs will seek to be removed from the priesthood.

Columbus Bishop James A. Griffin said last week that he dismissed Jacobs from the diocese after concluding he’d been guilty of “improper sexual touching of a person who was still a minor.”

He said there had been other complaints against Jacobs. In Saturday’s Dispatch, two central Ohio men — Doug Jacobs of Gahanna, a cousin of Phillip Jacobs’; and Tim Kreider of Westerville — accused the priest of molesting them in the late 1970s.

Griffin said that he had removed Phillip Jacobs from his teaching position at the Pontifical College Josephinum, the Far North Side seminary where he was vice rector in the College of Liberal Arts, and had him enter therapy.

The molestation was not reported to law-enforcement authorities at the request of the victim’s family, diocesan spokesman Tom Berg said last week.

Griffin said Jacobs received “a clean bill of health,” but he decided to not allow him to return to the diocese.

Jacobs applied to the Victoria Diocese and was admitted by De Roo. The Columbus diocese gave Jacobs’ records to the Victoria Diocese at the time, Griffin said.

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 Priest Accused of Molestations Now at British Columbia Parish

Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)

April 27, 2002
By Dennis M. Mahoney

(from Bishop Accountability database)
A priest dismissed by Columbus’ bishop for molesting a teen-age boy is serving as pastor of a church in British Columbia.

The Rev. Phillip Jacobs, a Columbus native, was guilty of “improper sexual touching of a person who was still a minor,” James A. Griffin, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus, said yesterday.

When he found out about the incident in the mid-1990s, Griffin said, he removed Jacobs from serving at the Pontifical College Josephinum, the Far North Side seminary where he was vice rector in the College of Liberal Arts, and required him to enter therapy. He would not say where.

Tom Berg, diocesan spokesman, said that at the request of the victim’s family, the molestation was not reported to authorities.

Later, Jacobs was accepted to the Diocese of Victoria in British Columbia, and today he is pastor at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Victoria.

He was not at the church yesterday and could not be reached for comment. Victoria Bishop Raymond Roussin was out of town and unavailable to comment.

Additionally, two other local men — including a cousin of Jacobs’ — say they were molested by Jacobs in the late 1970s.

Gahanna resident Doug Jacobs, now 39, said that he was molested at a family cottage in 1976, two years after Jacobs was ordained.

Doug Jacobs said he never told anyone about the incident until 1996, when he reported it to his parish priest and to the diocese.

Tim Kreider, 35, of Westerville said he was molested by Phillip Jacobs several times in 1978 and ’79 while Jacobs was an associate pastor at St. Philip the Apostle Church on the East Side. He, too, said the incidents occurred at the Jacobs family cottage.

Griffin said there was more than one complaint about the Rev. Jacobs.

“As far as I remember, there were a couple of complaints and some other, I would say, reports of conduct that people thought were . . . unbecoming or imprudent on the part of a priest,” he said.

The mid-’90s report was the one complaint Griffin said he could verify and on which he based his removal of Phillip Jacobs. He said he did not know the exact age of the victim.

Parishioners at St. Joseph the Worker were shocked and incredulous yesterday when told of the allegations against their priest.

“It’s unbelievable,” said church volunteer Leo Van Dyk, who has known Jacobs since he joined the church in the late ’90s.

“I’m not going to dispute what happened back there, but it sure doesn’t show here. I don’t think you will find one person who will say anything adverse about him.”

In addition to teaching at the Josephinum from 1985 to ’94, Jacobs helped with Masses on weekends at parishes, including St. Paul Church in Westerville.

Jacobs received “a clean bill of health after the therapy, that a therapist thought he was not a danger,” Griffin said. “But I chose not to reassign him to the diocese.”

He said Jacobs found a position in British Columbia, applied for it and was accepted. The priest’s records were sent to the Victoria Diocese, Griffin said.

Bishop Blase Cupic, Josephinum rector at the time and now bishop in Rapid City, S.D., said Griffin told him in the mid-’90s that he was removing Jacobs so he could “go away for some assistance.” He knows no details about the removal, he said.

Cupic said he never received any complaints about Jacobs, whom he called “a wonderful teacher.”

Monsignor Michael Lapierre, chancellor of the Victoria Diocese, said Jacobs went there partly to work at the Center for the Study of Religion and Science at the University of Victoria.

Jacobs was accepted by then- Bishop Remi Deroo, said Lapierre, who added that Deroo and the diocesan personnel committee would have thoroughly reviewed the priest’s record.

Doug Jacobs, a first cousin of Phillip Jacobs, said he was 14 when the priest molested him.

He said his cousin invited him to spend a summer weekend playing golf in Granville and spending time at the cottage, at Buckeye Lake in Licking County. The cottage was owned by the priest’s family, Doug Jacobs said.

He said only the two of them were at the cottage. During the night, Doug Jacobs said, his cousin came into his bedroom and molested him.

He said his cousin told him never to reveal what happened, saying: “They’ll never believe you. I’m a priest.”

Doug Jacobs said he never told any relatives about the incident and that his relationship with his cousin was cold from then on.

“I believe it was because of the humiliation. There also was a sense of guilt on my part, thinking that even though I was only 14 and naive, I should have known better.”

In 1996, he said, he began having nightmares about his cousin.

He went to his parish priest at Church of the Resurrection in New Albany and told him the story, he said. The priest arranged for him to meet with the diocesan vicar at the time, Monsignor Joseph Hendricks.

Doug Jacobs said Hendricks told him that the diocese had had “numerous” complaints about Phillip Jacobs. He said Hendricks told him that the Rev. Jacobs had been in treatment at a Connecticut facility and that he would not be returning to the diocese.

Doug Jacobs, married with three young children, said the diocese paid for his therapy with a Northwest Side psychiatrist for more than a year.

Ironically, he said, his cousin officiated at his wedding in 1992. He allowed it, he said, because his family expected it.

Doug Jacobs said he doesn’t understand how his cousin still can be allowed to work as a priest.

“The fact that he’s standing up there as a representative of the church of Jesus Christ, and yet he’s got this dark side . . . How can you let an immoral man preach morality?”

Kreider, who is married and has two children, said Phillip Jacobs was very popular at St. Philip the Apostle and used to invite parish members to his family’s cottage. Kreider attended the parish school.

On four or five occasions, he said, the priest invited him to go to the cottage overnight. During those times, the priest molested him, he said.

He never told anyone, he said.

“There’s shame involved,” Kreider said. “And, God, my parents were in love with the guy.”

After he left St. Philip, he said, he occasionally encountered Jacobs during high school and college. There were no further incidents, he said.

Jacobs officiated at his wedding in 1990.

“I figured that’s what people would expect,” he said. “And I guess I hadn’t really come to terms with the idea that I was molested.”

In ’93, Kreider said, he saw news coverage about a priest involved in abuse and decided to tell his story to the diocese.

He said he met with Hendricks and Paul D. Ritter, the diocese’s attorney. Shortly after, he said, he received a letter from the diocese, stating that Jacobs had admitted molesting him, and a letter of apology from the priest.

Kreider said he did not want the incidents reported to authorities.

Hendricks, now pastor of St. Brigid of Kildare Church in Dublin, did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

Kreider said he has been in contact with officials in the Victoria Diocese and that they were “emphatic that they didn’t believe (Jacobs) was a danger.”

He said he wants the diocese to do “the right thing” and bar Jacobs from serving in a parish.

Jim Beatty of The Vancouver Sun contributed to this story.

American priest – Diocese of Columbus.  Ordained 1974.  Known molester.  Molested several boys, including his cousin in the USA.

135 Responses to Jacobs: Father Philip Jacobs

  1. Beaver says:

    *What is the latest news and updates on this case????

  2. Sylvia says:

    Father Jacobs trial starts 09 October 2012 – it is scheduled to run for two weeks.

  3. Sylvia says:

    The voire dire concluded Thursday.  There was talk of setting a trial date in November or December.  Yesterday (Friday) was an in camera session – no one allowed in.  What in the name of goodness is going on there?

  4. Sylvia says:

    The judge will rule on the second voire dire 13 November 2012.  There will probably be no new trial date set until after that ruling.

  5. Sylvia says:

    Father Philip Jacobs sex abuse trial is scheduled to start 10 December 2012 and is booked for ten days.  If you might have a chance of popping in to keep tabs on what’s happening be sure to get your Christmas shopping done now so you are free to go.   It is important for the complainants and their families, plus the more eyes and ears in the courtroom the better for keeping us all abreast of the goings on.  Once the trial starts people will be free to report what is said in testimony –  yes, there will probably still be a publication ban on the names of the complainants and anything which might identify them, but, barring that what is said in testimony and what is entered into evidence at trial is in the public domain.

  6. Leona says:

    *Thanks for this info, Sylvia! I can probably manage 1 day away from work.

  7. Sylvia says:

    Start time on 10 December is 10 am.

  8. Leona says:

    I am wondering if there is anyone else who reads this site who may be able to attend the trial at all. I want to be able to attend at least one day in support of the victims. I think this may be a good opportunity to make a call out to BC survivors of Clergy Abuse and I’d like to propose a meet up in Victoria to coincide with the event. Sylvia has my contact information. Please feel free to contact me.

  9. Leona says:

    I’ll be heading to Victoria tomorrow for the start of the Fr. Jacobs’ trial. John Shuster from the Seattle chapter of SNAP will be joining me in support of the US victims. If anyone wants to join with us, we’ll be meeting on the front steps of the Victoria court house at 9:30 a.m. The trial starts at 10:00.

  10. Sylvia says:

    I recap from the courtroom today (Monday 17 December 2012):

    Today, a motion by the defence lawyer Chris Considine was thrown out by the judge. Considine wanted to throw out on one of the charges on the basis that one complainant did not prove that he was under 14 at the time of the alleged abuse and that there was insufficient evidence that the touching was of a sexual nature.

    My understanding is that the judge did not comply.

    In the afternoon, Father Phil Jacobs took the stand.

    His testimony was his own personal account of his life from adolescence up until 1997. His lawyer (Chris Considine) prompted him to take the Court through the history of his, Jacob’s, life, with particular emphasis on sexual milestones.

    Jacobs recounted the following details:

    (1) As an adolescent, in an all-boys school, he was peer-pressured into masturbating earlier than he felt physiologically prepared. He ended up masturbating, but according to Jacobs, the effects of being pressured to masturbate caused him to develop a psychological compulsion, thereafter, to lead on and coerce other adolescents to masturbate under his direction.
    (2) He enrolled in the seminary in Ohio where he had a homosexual experience with another student at the seminary which essentially involved mutual masturbation;
    (3) He reported that the underlying open secret of the seminary was that all or most of the young students/future priests were homosexuals with active sex lives, most of whom had boyfriends. According to Jacobs, the common arrangement was that the older seminary students would take on boyfriends that were younger and pair off in this manner;
    (4) He recounted how he had another homosexual sexual encounter with a man in Innsbruck, Austria.
    (5) He admitted to abusing Tim Kreider, Doug Jacobs, and others while acting as a priest in Ohio. His abuse usually took the form of coercing his victims to masturbate to ejaculation and this occurred on multiple occasions. Jacobs did not deny any aspect of these two victim’s claims, and fully admitted to abusing them.
    (6) After Tim Kreider brought his allegations forward in Ohio, Phil Jacobs was sent to a therapy facility in Connecticut for pedophiles/child abusers. This facility was not specifically for priests – he apparently mentioned that lawyers, doctors, and accountants were there as well.
    (7) Jacobs said he had had a heterosexual crush on a female worker at the facility in Connecticut, a crush that went unfulfilled when she rejected him;
    (8) According to Jacobs, in the mid 90’s, after a brief stint at Notre Dame University in Indiana, he had opportunity to go to a parish in Victoria, BC – St. Rose of Lima in Victoria, BC. According to Jacobs he did not abuse anyone at St. Rose of Lima or come in contact with children. His testimony will continue tomorrow and will I assume cover his time at St. Joseph the Worker in Saanich

    I am told that Considine went over the specific charges one by one and asked Jacobs if he had committed any of them. To each question Jacobs replied: “‘Never.”

  11. PJ says:

    “I am told that Considine went over the specific charges one by one and asked Jacobs if he had committed any of them. To each question Jacobs replied: “‘Never.”

    So I suppose the victims are the liars under oath because as a collar, he would never commit perjury. Disgusting how it unfolds thanks to pervert collars and their lawyers. I pray that the victims can remain strong and truthful to the point where a judge and jury believes them and not someone who is lying to save their own a$$.

  12. msjustice222 says:

    http://www.eurekaencyclopedia.com/index.php/Category:Ecclesiastical_Province_of_Vancouver#Phil_Jacobs
    this link gives more info on Jacob’s background & names of who knew about Jacob’s history but still hired him.
    Now I am wondering if for an example if Bishop Remi De Roo can be charged with concealing a crime etc.
    Let me know your thoughts,
    Jacqueline

    • Sylvia says:

      I don’t think anyone in Canada has ever faced charges for recycling, or covering up for, a sexual predator Jacqueline. It is just now starting to happen in other countries.

      I suppose the outcome of the trial will determine whether or not charges are a possibility. I personally believe that those who enable these predators should face charges. I don’t know which section of the Criminal Code would apply, but there must be a section which deals with child endangerment? Does anyone know?

  13. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    Sylvia and Jacqueline
    Perhaps this might fall under “aiding and abbeting”, or perhaps in the numberous “complicity” sections, although complicity implies that one took an active part in commiting a felony.
    I will be talking to an old friend tonight (not as old as me) and will get an answer for this question. Mike.

  14. JG says:

    Look up sections 21 to 23 CCC, ”party to offense”.
    jg

    • Sylvia says:

      Here is Section 21:

      Parties to offence

      21. (1) Every one is a party to an offence who

      (a) actually commits it;

      (b) does or omits to do anything for the purpose of aiding any person to commit it; or

      (c) abets any person in committing it.
      Marginal note:Common intention

      (2) Where two or more persons form an intention in common to carry out an unlawful purpose and to assist each other therein and any one of them, in carrying out the common purpose, commits an offence, each of them who knew or ought to have known that the commission of the offence would be a probable consequence of carrying out the common purpose is a party to that offence.

      And here is Section 23:

      Accessory after the fact

      23. (1) An accessory after the fact to an offence is one who, knowing that a person has been a party to the offence, receives, comforts or assists that person for the purpose of enabling that person to escape.

      (2) [Repealed, 2000, c. 12, s. 92]

      R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 23;
      2000, c. 12, s. 92.

      Marginal note:Where one party cannot be convicted

      23.1 For greater certainty, sections 21 to 23 apply in respect of an accused notwithstanding the fact that the person whom the accused aids or abets, counsels or procures or receives, comforts or assists cannot be convicted of the offence.

      R.S., 1985, c. 24 (2nd Supp.), s. 45.

      Yes, JG, I can see where a bishop or priest or anyone who allows a clerical predator to function “abets” him by (1) allowing him to continue to present himself as a priest in good standing’, and/or (2) failing to alert ALL parents and ALL Catholics that this priest is a known child molester.

      Would police lay charges? Would a Crown argue the case?

      • JG says:

        Sylvia,
        I believe most of the prosecutions under these sections have to be stumbled upon to see their way in Court. The Police have an already difficult task to provide the necessary evidence for the perpetrator. It would be doubly difficult unless they “tripped” on some “material” evidence(computers, letters, plane tickets, “shelter”…) I think the “players” in these scenarios have become adept at not leaving any identifiable trails. That is where it becomes important to follow through with the investigations and searches, starting with the personal effects, vehicles, “place(s) of residence…as soon as possible! Not six months, not a year after! Of course, in most cases, the end of life of the abuser/enabler serves to eliminate that trail.
        It cannot be a fishing expedition. Sadly, the “workload”, the “timing” of the discovery of the offence and the “distance” of the enabler from the offence make it a rare success story.
        It takes a very special investigator to go or simply keep in mind that “extra step”. It should be the norm instead of the exception!
        Not an easy one but it can happen when all the stars are aligned! We know these criminals are getting help at every turn. Setting out to find the solid “proof” to prosecute “the shadowy figure” in the background is not in the priorities, unfortunately.
        We will probably have the same conversation in five or ten years!
        jg

        • Sylvia says:

          I agree wholeheartedly JG. That extra step should be the norm.

          It is well known that, in the case of Father Phil Jacobs for example, the bishop who took Jacobs in knew that Jacobs was molester. There are a number of such cases.

          I think perhaps what this boils down to is: Where there is a will there is a way. I think the will to prosecute in such instances has been lacking. However, things are slowly changing, at least in the States and Australia where police are now finally starting to lay such charges. The criminal codes in those countries are different than ours, but in both countries police have managed to find a law on the books to hold those who enabled clerical predators to be held accountable. I think that day will eventually come in Canada too. If we don’t have a law which adequately covers the situation, then the Criminal Code should be amended to ensure that it does.

          If indeed we are to continue to claim that our children are our most precious resource/asset, and if judges are to continue to decry the horror of child sexual abuse (before the almost invariable ‘Tut Tut bad boy’ which must also be remedied to ensure that the sentence reflects the horror of the crime), and if we as a society truly abhor the very thought of a child being sexually abused, then those who aid and abet child molesters and thereby willfully place children at risk must be held accountable.

          I truly hope we don’t have the same conversation in five years JG :). Let’s pray that between now and then the safety and well-being of children becomes a priority in Canada, not just in mouthing words and mumbling platitudes, but in action, both in and out of the Church. Children must be protected. Those who molest children must be prosecuted and put behind bars for a goodly number of years. Those who put children at risk must be prosecuted and put behind bars. Justice must be done.

          (And, of course, within the Church clerical sexual predators must be defrocked. I am beginning to think that perhaps those enable should suffer the same fate. What priest worth his salt enables a clerical sexual predator?)

          • JG says:

            Sylvia,
            At the speed of sound….minds, we wouldn’t have this same conversation again, ever. At the speed of “Justice”, arm yourself with patience! I find comfort to think that what takes a long time to build will last that much longer.

            <>
            Your words. Worth repeating often and again!

            Lets Hope that the collective conscience of Canadians in a position to make the changes “real”, will awaken with a sense of urgency: politicians, judges, policemen,… moms,dads and neighbors! Everyone needs to speak up and look out and step to the plate when it is time.
            There definitely is a way, if we will.
            For my humble part, I have chosen to continue speaking up, not only on your site but in every day life, about this destruction of human lives.
            Not everyone listens or even feels comfortable or concerned! If I only break the silence for one person, it is worth it.
            If for only one child!
            jg

  15. JG says:

    ”Parties to offence” …sorry! Cerebral glitch…
    jg

    • Sylvia says:

      Here is another possibility. Section 219 of the Criminal Code of Canada:

      Criminal negligence

      219. (1) Every one is criminally negligent who

      (a) in doing anything, or

      (b) in omitting to do anything that it is his duty to do,

      shows wanton or reckless disregard for the lives or safety of other persons.

      Definition of “duty”

      (2) For the purposes of this section, “duty” means a duty imposed by law.

      R.S., c. C-34, s. 202.

  16. JG says:

    Section 219…
    Sylvia,
    I’m getting rusty on these matters but I only remember this section used in cases such as in using a motor vehicle, a firearm…in directly endangering the lives of people, with “criminal negligence”,very near or equal to a “criminal intent”…”without due regard for the lives of others”…I can think of many scenarios but I don’t want to spell them out.
    Someone will clarify it I’m sure.
    As you mentioned, maybe the Criminal Code needs an amendment to clearly target the protection of children, without all the ambiguity.
    jg

    • Sylvia says:

      It falls under Part VIII: Offences Against the Person and Reputation. When I read through here I think it could be argued successfully by a Crown.

      • jj says:

        JG and Sylvia,

        Thank you for your discussion here on the CCC and how it can relate to the abuse of children by priests.

        I am somewhat overwhelmed to see that the law can be so convoluted – I expected it to be more straightforward when it came to protecting men who abused children…

        Your points here will make it easier to follow the arguments as they are made in court.

        jj

        • Sylvia says:

          There is much that needs to be done to protect children and to bring sexual predators to justice jj. Victims have few “rights” – the predators can wrap themselves in the Charter (of Rights and Freedoms).

  17. JG says:

    jj,
    Glad you are curious about the legal system but sometimes(most of the time!) it is a monster with a mind of its own. Sometimes you just believe there will never be any such thing as Justice…like a game with occasional touch downs and constant fumbles! As you get older(yours truly!) and not so anxious, it is necessary to “believe” things will get better, that there is Hope with the new generation because they are so much more aware of the world around them and that they will have the desire to make things better. Only time will tell but personally I have more Hope now because young people are not “isolated”(???…another discussion!) as previous generations were. I Hope this “gift” will be appreciated by the decisions makers of the coming years. They need to carry the ball for the team, all the way!
    After Sylvia’s last post above I went online for several hours looking for support for the “criminal negligence” approach…I read of cases which were dropped in relation to Health and Safety issues, the difference between our Canadian wording of section 219 and the U.S. definition of “criminal negligence”(which seemed better worded to me). Then I read Bill C-45, the only document I read in this short time which referred to the difficulties of convicting under 219 because of the required “recklessness” …and on and on! There is also reference to sections 21 to 23….Read it , very interesting. How should individuals and corporations be dealt with. Could a church, such an “association of persons” fall under that same description? …
    If we want this conversation to be over in less than five years, I think the work is cut out for lawmakers. The main criteria should be to keep it simple.
    After yesterday’s reading it occurred to me that if I were to try and imagine our understanding of the Justice system and compare it to something more common, I would have to use a motor vehicle in comparison….Most everyone has access to a car; drive every day, pay for the gas, enjoy the ride, fear any accident..Anyway, you get the idea. A lot or most people however have no idea of the mechanics, the construction, the condition of the “undercarriage”(rusty with leaks and broken clamps!) and will only occasionally get their hands dirty fumbling for the hood latch if they are stuck and have no choice!!
    Finding the latch and lifting the hood is a good start. I guess we are all learning about this “machine” and by demanding the changes necessary to protect the children once and for all, we, the “consumers” may eventually get a model that is not a Model T …

    Really, we have more laws, more rules, more effort spent to care for and provide for our cars than we have to care for and protect our children!
    That should feel very wrong for everyone!
    We want change.
    jg

  18. Roddy A. Stegemann says:

    I am a former colleague of Philip Jacobs at University College Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and listened to him everyday for ten months as we rode to work together. I have just finished reading the prosecution’s final statement and reject the possibility that Philip Jacobs is deceiving himself. The man is ruse, arrogant, and manipulative, and one should have every reason to believe that he knew exactly what he was doing. I sincerely hope that he is punished by the court and tagged as a sexual deviant. Certainly, he should never again be permitted to educate minors.

    • Sylvia says:

      Did Philip Jacobs ever tell you that he is a Roman Catholic priest Roddy? And what did he tell of his background, and why he was teaching in Saudi Arabia?

      • Roddy A. Stegemann says:

        Sylvia: No, I do not recall his having ever stated that he was a priest. He did, however, hang around with another colleague who claimed to have quit his duties as a minister in favor of his current work.

        My reason for stating that he is ruse is the obvious contradiction of what he repeatedly stated in the bus and his ever advancing position within the school administration. In the bus he was forever cracking denigrating jokes about Saudi society and UCJ students.

    • Jacqueline Lamoureux says:

      Roddy A. Stegemann – My Mom still attends St. Joseph’s Church now under Father Haan who is a very good man. My Dad was choir director from 1976-2000 when Jacobs was at St. Joseph’s. My Father passed in 2004. Anyway they both attended church with Jacobs & thought he was a “wonderful” priest/man. No one had a clue. I even met him on 2 occasions & could sense nothing. I guess good “sheep’ disguise of a wolf.
      This link is to the new laws/amendments for Harper’s crime bill. I don’t know how it will apply to Jacob’s sentencing by the Judge which I thought was today. I searched & searched but can’t find anything. Maybe it got changed? again?

      http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/04/feds-unveil-2013-tough-on-crime-agenda-including-tougher-penalties-for-child-sex-offenses/

      http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/nr-cp/2012/doc_32778.html
      this link is the “backgrounder” on the new legislation

      If anyone has info on Jacob’s sentencing can U please post here? I will try to get ahold of Louise Dickson in the meantime.

  19. patrick says:

    Is anyone going to be at the trial today to report on the verdict?

  20. Sylvia says:

    Yes Patrick, there will. There will also be media coverage of the verdict. because of time zone we in the East probably won’t hear anything until late afternoon

  21. Sylvia says:

    And another from CHEK news, this including comment by Bishop Gagnon: http://bcove.me/cadui8a3

    Here is the essence of the Bishop’s statement:

    “There had been some sexual indiscretions in his previous diocese in Ohio. There had not been any charges made in Ohio, but there was knowledge that there had been some involvement with young people in the 1990’s.”

    Father Jacobs sexual abuse of his 14-year old cousin was no more than “a sexual indiscretion”?
    The sexual abuse of how many young lads was no more than “some involvement with young people”?

    I literally cringe when I read comments such as these from Church officials.

  22. Jacqueline Lamoureux says:

    I am taking issue with Prosecutor Clare Jennings saying in above article “Crown prosecutor Clare Jennings called for a jail term of four to six months for Jacobs followed by at least two years of probation.” The charge he was convicted on – 153(1)(a) of the Criminal Code – carries a sentence of up to 10 years & minimum of 45 days in jail. Can anyone tell me:
    1. Can I write to the Presiding B.C.Supreme Court Justice Miriam Gropper asking her for a maximum sentence rather than the pathetic one of 4-6 months?
    2. Can I write to Clare Jennings re same as above?
    The main question is will it have any impact to do this?
    3. Should I start a petition that will be “VALID” to the Court or impactful on the sentence Jacobs gets?
    Sounds like a “plea deal” to me.
    Then media or Ombudsman of Criminal Justice?
    Sets a very dangerous precedent for future cases of this nature.

    • Sylvia says:

      You send letters everywhere you can think of sending them Jacqueline. Everywhere. The letter to the Crown may not make it through to her right now, but she would see it after sentencing.

      Will the letters make a difference? Possibly not for Jacob’s sentencing, but perhaps they would have an impact in the future. That is worthwhile. And, a suggestion: try getting letters into your local papers too.

      What the Crown asked for is not at all unusual in Canada – and that’s for any child molester, not just clergy. The Crown is actually following, not setting precedent. A gentle tap on the wrist. I don’t agree with it for a moment and, like you and so many others, believe it must change. I was annoyed when I read the article too, but, honest to goodness, I expected it. That’s the Canadian way. Kid gloves.

      Father George Smith in Newfoundland was a pleasant and surprising exception. Eleven years is virtually unheard of. It’s still not enough, but it’s a whoile lot better that a few months and out in the twinkle of an eye for “good” behaviour.

      So, Jacqueline, go for it. Don’t worry about the outcome. Get it off your chest and write those letters.

      Good luck!

      • Sylvia says:

        I would steer clear of letters to Crown and judge at this time, – but you can send those two on their way and have your say after Jacobs is sentenced. A letter to the judge definitely will not make it through before the trial has wrapped up.

  23. Leona says:

    Sylvia, could you let us know why you’d steer clear of writing letters to the judge and prosecutor? I know very little about the law, but I wonder why we can’t call on our judges and prosecutors to act in a way that will ensure the safety of all children. I would like to see the Bishop of Victoria send a message to all congregations prior to the sentencing that shows his support for the Jacobs victims. The church asks for the faithful to voice their concerns on other issues of morality, couldn’t this be done as a matter of protocol when it’s so clear that the victims have done the right thing and that Jacobs betrayed the trust he was given?
    I have also recently met members of the U.S. group “Voice of the Faithful”. I am impressed with their tenacious efforts to hold the church accountable for their actions toward victims. Are there any such groups in Canada? Where are the collective voices (besides your strong efforts, Sylvia) calling out for justice for victims and more transparency in keeping children safe?

    • Sylvia says:

      You will never get a letter through to a judge while he is sitting on the bench on a case. It has to do with real or perceived bias and conflict of interest. Lawyers on both sides (Crown or defence) could have a hay day with that so it just doesn’t happen. It’s much the same for Crowns, but not to that extent, however defence lawyers in Canada could make mince meat out of a Crown who is seen or believed to be taking advice or direction from an individual or group.

      The best way to deal with concerns or complaints while a case is on-going is via the provincial office of the Attorney General for issues related to Crowns and/or the particular case. For a BC judge it would probably be through the Office of the Chief Judge.

      Things are different in Canada. I think everyone knows that all sorts of documents are out in the public domain in the States right after charges are laid, and well before a case goes to trial. That does not happen here. There are publication bans here on all evidence at preliminary hearings – rarely if ever for the equivalent in the States.

      I can’t think of any bishop ever asking me or fellow Catholics to voice concerns on morality. Perhaps some have and I didn’t hear about it. In fact, I know that those Catholics who protest abortion started doing so on their own and often, in various dioceses, without the blessing of their local bishop.

      As for the victims doing the right thing in the Jacobs case, the charges by two victims are, unfortunately, gone. He was convicted on the charges from one victim. So, for the bishop to, as you suggest, send a message to all congregations supporting the victims, legally there is only one victim. But, anyone who wants to ask the bishop to send out such a letter is certainly free to do so.

      We all know that there are a number of other Jacobs victims in the States. Statutes of limitations unfortunately prevent anything from being done about those. Many years ago he admitted to a couple, but there are others. No charges will ever be laid for those which transpired in a State where there is a statute of limitations. And, we all know that most victims of clerical sexual abuse do not come forward for years.

      Re groups, there is a French-Canadian group in New Brunswick which has been in existence for a few years now and puts pressure on the dioceses there. Others across the country have come and gone.

      Canada is different. Very different.

      I think there is merit in people individually contacting their local bishop, and/or sending off letters to the office of the Attorney General, and/or writing letters to the Editor and/or calling in to talk shows. I encourage them to do so. Go and talk to your bishop: tell him what you think and what you want him to do. Make an appointment to see your MLA and or your MP. And, keep after them. At some point there would be a critical mass. Things are changing, and people are becoming more informed, but ever so slowly.

      Does there have to be a “collective”voice? I don’t know, but I think there is merit in a whole lot of people holding a whole lot of feet to the fire. I’ve always felt that a whole lot of voices are better than one, mainly because we all think differently and express ourselves differently. Plus, can you imagine how much work it would be for a diocese if 100 people were besieging them with letters and questions? The same for the office of the Attorney General, and so on.

      Anyway, it doesn’t entirely answer your question, and I am well aware that I am dancing around wanting to ensure I don’t open the door for discussions which I truly do not want to entertain on Sylvia’s Site. I do not, for a variety of reasons, want the site to become used as a platform for other organizations. I think we are on the verge here again.

  24. Leona says:

    Thanks for your thoughts Sylvia. You certaunly have a broad knowledge of this issue I recognize that I’ve been away from the church for sometime, so I’m sure some things have changed, but I clearly remember Sundays where the Priest was required to read a letter from the Bishop. I vividly remember a sermon around rallying support to oppose Sunday shopping (that definitely shows my age). I can recall a special talk from a diocesan representative asking the congregation to write letters to their M.L.A. asking for funding for Independent schools. I can’t remember the topic, but I remember Jack McCann being quite upset thay he was told by the archbishop that he had to read a letter at all masses that he disagreed with. Perhaps it’s no longer done, but in this case wouldn’t it be nice if it was?
    I like your idea of many voices, but where are they? It seems much too quiet.

    • Sylvia says:

      I guess I wasn’t thinking of things like that Leona. I was thinking sexual mores since we are dealing with sexual predators. Yes, some parish priests, and on occasion some bishops will ask Catholics to write letters etc – but it’s not the norm, at least not now – probably because there are negative implications for the Church’s charitable status?

      How to motivate people to speak and act? They can’t be forced, any more than a victim can be forced to come forward. I’ve slowly come to accept that it all has to happen in due course, and that I can’t make it happen.

      I go back many many years to a day was a driving home from Cornwall – I had probably been at a trial. I was thinking through what IO had seen and heard and realized that silence was the issue at hand: The silence of the victims, and the silence of the people of Cornwall. Not ALL were silent, a number of victims obviously spoke up, and Perry Dunlop did too. But there are many victims in Cornwall who have never come forward, and there are many many people in Cornwall who know what happened there, and who could have spoken and never did – even when Perry was being drawn and quartered. I decided then that somehow the silence of the victims is mirrored by the populace, at least in Cornwall.

      There’s no answers there Leona. I still am thinking my way through it all. I probably will until the day I die 🙂

      I can tell you however that it is far from quiet for me. I do believe that things are changing. Slowly. I can sense the change. I can’t explain it, and I can’t talk about many of the things people tell me, but I have told a number of people over the past few months that I believe things are changing.

  25. B says:

    I too am appalled by the inappropriately tiny jail term that’s been requested.

    Also, after the guilty plea, I heard the Bishop of Victoria tell the media that he’d sent the matter to the Vatican. I would hope that the Pope/representatives would act on the guilty plea, not on the length of the sentence. And I am waiting for the Vatican to do so in a timely manner; up till this point the church has shown no leadership worth following in every aspect of the case.

  26. Jacqueline Lamoureux says:

    http://thelapine.ca/why-i-dont-picket-or-chain-myself-to-anything/

    My comment spurred by above link:
    that’s why I write to government officials & groups (including petitions) about law & justice. I don’t expect things to change right away (I have been doing this for about 11 years now & seen some change but not enough) but there are victims of all kinds that need help urgently. Holding their (the governments) feet to the fire, getting the word out & doing what I can. If it saves ONE person by what I do it is all worth it. I am currently working on a campaign to hold the government accountable re their “tougher sentences for child predators” & why Philip Jacobs, priest who sexually abused 3 boys only to get convicted on one & facing a sentence of 4-6 months in jail when the law states he should get up to 10 years. Is this really “tougher” sentencing? I think not. Every little bit matters. U have a voice – it’s your choice.

    *I am referring to Jacobs above & what I plan to do as I MUST do something about this horrible miscarriage of justice. I will post DRAFT letter on here & see what ya’ll think. I am open to any & all input & have a quick deadline. I will also be contacting the media with this as well. I just can’t “drop” this one.

  27. Jacqueline Lamoureux says:

    please email me if U would like to give input/comments etc. as I have no notifications to tell me that someone has posted here.

    • Jacqueline Lamoureux says:

      Sylvia – I will be writing to the Attorney General of BC & Canada. The former Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Rob Nicholson‏ whom I have had previous correspondence, is now no longer in that position when Harper decided to have a cabinet shuffle. The new Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada is Peter MacKay. The new Provincial Minister of Attorney General is Honourable Suzanne Anton. Also writing to my MLA John Horgan who is a “go to guy” & works very hard. I know he will advise me as well. And a few media contacts I have as well & they will be researching & doing some of the “leg work” for me.
      *Sylvia – your comment ” I truly do not want to entertain on Sylvia’s Site. I do not, for a variety of reasons, want the site to become used as a platform for other organizations.” I don’t really understand – could U explain further?
      Thx so much

  28. Sylvia says:

    What I meant to say was “I don’t want to open the door for discussions which I truly do not want to entertain on Sylvia’s Site. I do not, for a variety of reasons, want the site to become used as a platform for other organizations.”

    This has been a thorny issue for me for many years Jacqueline. People try to use the site to direct people to an organization or group and/or to promote a particular organization or group. I have spoken to this several times over those years, both publicly on the site, and on occasion have felt the need to contact people privately. My reasons are personal and, for various reasons, I prefer to keep it that way. I simply ask that people honour my wishes.

    Re your letters: Good for you Jacqueline 🙂

  29. Sylvia says:

    I’ve been trying to find a way to post this CTV clip of Father Phil Jacobs after sentencing trying to hide his face as he flees the courthouse . So far no luck. I will keep trying, For now, here’s a link to the CTV website: http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=997080

    • Miecul says:

      His lawyer’s comments saying and I love this B.S. ” He recognizes he should have some counseling and is prepared to do that. He just doesn’t consider himself a sex offender and got no sexual gratification or anything of that nature that we find in the normal situation we find in these cases”. What is he trying to sell.. I hear the harps playing already…..

  30. B says:

    I understand that Jacobs is charismatic and convincing. It’s just part of the pedophile profile that they minimize and deny their motivations and the depth of their perversion. It’s just so sad that his lawyer chooses to be sucked in by his lies, and acts as though Jacob’s not a risk–because he says he’s not!

    If counselling worked on this man, he would not have pursued all those altar boys here; he would have been “cured” after the counselling he received for his first round of abuses in Ohio. Do the lawyer or judge have any understanding of pedophilia at all?

  31. Leona says:

    Jacobs agreed to attend treatment sessions but said he’d have to “swallow some frustrations”.

  32. B says:

    Considering what his victims had to swallow … what an arrogant monster.

    It seems to me that the first round of counselling gave him lies to tell himself: that he had a certain story which he kept playing out (so if any grooming action fell outside that story, he could claim it wasn’t grooming related); that he got no sexual satisfaction from touching boys’ genitals; that he was heroically only thinking of the boys and how to introduce them to their sexuality. Far from promoting self-knowledge, the counselling gave him a facility in fooling himself and others that he could control his urges around young teen boys.

  33. Mike Fitzgerald says:

    “Introducing them to their own sexuality”????????????????????? I thought the sex act, according to the church, is for procreation, and only in the married state.
    I puke in my soup. Mike.

  34. J says:

    I was a seminary student of Jacobs at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH in the early 90’s. I am not surprised by any of this. I knew something must be going on with him and the young boys he was drawn to. It was very obvious how he would focus in on the young guys at the seminary and would pay special attention to them, take them on trips, take them to his private gym to work out and coach them privately with sports, etc. He was very charismatic, convincing, manipulative, and arrogant. I am glad he got caught.

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  36. Sylvia says:

    I have posted an article re breach of publication ban at Father Jacob’s preliminary hearing. The computer gremlins are at it again -for same strange reason I am unable to post it on the Father Phil Jacobs page so will post the link here as well as on the “Of Interest/Canada” page. Here it is:

    15 April 2014: Blogger found guilty of violating judge’s publication ban

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