The post Women can be pornography addicts too appeared first on NZ Catholic Newspaper.

The charges, brought by the Jackson County prosecutor in relation to the diocese’s handling of the case of Fr Shawn Ratigan, were acknowledged in an October 14 statement on the diocesan website.

“Bishop Finn denies any criminal wrongdoing and has cooperated at all stages with law enforcement, the grand jury, the prosecutor’s office” and the independent commission appointed by the diocese to study the matter, said Gerald Handley, the bishop’s attorney. “We will continue our efforts to resolve this matter.”

Fr Ratigan was arrested in May on state charges of possessing child pornography. In August, federal prosecutors charged him with producing child pornography. The priest, a former pastor, also is facing accusations made against him in two separate lawsuits filed several months ago.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Bishop Finn also have been named in the civil suits, which accuse both of failing to keep Fr Ratigan away from children apparently after learning disturbing images were found on the priest’s computer and being warned of the priest’s inappropriate behaviour around children.

In early September, an independent report commissioned by the diocese to examine its policies and procedures on assessing child sexual abuse allegations found “shortcomings, inaction and confusing procedures”.

The report also said that “diocesan leaders failed to follow their own policies and procedures for responding to reports” relating to abuse claims.

The post Bishop enters not guilty pleas appeared first on NZ Catholic Newspaper.