Top Left: Edward Avery, Top Right: James Brennan, Bottom Left: Charles Engelhardt, Bottom Right: Bernard Shero.
nbcphiladelphia.com
10 February 2011
By DAVID CHANG
Updated 12:24 PM EST, Thu, Feb 10, 2011
Three priests and a schoolteacher have been charged with sexually assaulting two young boys over the course of several years, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
The men have not been officially arrested but they turned themselves in Thursday morning.
Priests Edward Avery, 68, and Charles Engelhardt, 64, allegedly assaulted a 10-year-old boy at St. Jerome Parish from 1998 to 1999.
Parochial schoolteacher Bernard Shero, 48, allegedly assaulted the same boy at the same Parish in 2000.
Monsignor William Lynn, 60, the Secretary for…
Priest James Brennan, 47, allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old boy in 1996.
Monsignor William Lynn, 60, the Secretary for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has been charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Lynn was responsible for investigating reports that priests had sexually abused children between 1992 through 2004.
Lynn has been accused of endangering children by knowingly allowing dangerous priests to continue in ministry roles in which they had access to minors.
The three priests and the schoolteacher are all charged with rape, indecent sexual assault and other related crimes.
They face a maximum of 67 years in prison if convicted of all charges.
Lynn faces a maximum of 14 years if convicted.
The Grand Jury also recommended that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia overhaul its procedures for assisting victims and for removing priests accused of molesting minors.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, released a statement in response to the allegations:
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office issued a report of the Investigative Grand Jury earlier today concerning the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and matters related to sexual abuse of minors. Since the report was just released this morning, the Archdiocese has not yet had the opportunity to review it and, therefore, I am not able to comment specifically on its contents. It is my intention to consider carefully and take very seriously any observations and recommendations of this Grand Jury. I also welcome the opportunity for ongoing collaboration with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office in the vital work of protecting children.
At this moment, as people of faith we must reach out in compassion and support for one another and for all who are affected by this news. Victims of sexual abuse by clergy may find this news deeply painful. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. It is in this spirit that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is cooperating fully with the civil authorities in this and all related matters.
Through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we recommit ourselves to pray and to labor in His Spirit to do everything possible to rectify the injustices suffered by victims.
Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy is urged to call a special phone line set up by the District Attorney’s Office at 215.686.8783.