Priest to sue accusers
Posted by News Editor
Thursday, November 30, 2006
A Burbank [USA] priest filed a defamation lawsuit Tuesday against the two brothers who accused him of molesting them more than 20 years ago. The Rev. Robert Stepek, former pastor of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church is asking for more than $1 million in punitive damages from the brothers, claiming they falsely accused him of criminal wrongdoing, sexual misconduct and deviant behavior out of revenge.
Stepek said he refused to write a letter of recommendation for one brother who wanted to attend a graduate seminary school, saying the boy "had character deficiencies" that made him unsuitable for the priesthood.
He also claims the brothers are retaliating for a 2005 incident in which Stepek refused to pay for incomplete and unsatisfactory construction work at St. Albert. The brothers have a financial stake in a company that did work at the church, according to court papers.
A review board determined "there was reasonable cause to suspect that sexual abuse of minors occurred." Stepek remains on leave while the Vatican reviews the case.
Source
For a response to the recent Guardian articles (below) see the letters page (
here)
There is an interesting article in the TIMES (25th November)
The Times article purports to uncover a clear link between religion and sex crime. It says the Home Office has disclosed statistics for the first time, showing the prison population according to their faith and type of offence committed. Two trends emerge: a strong tendency for prisoners who declare a religious faith to be serving time for sexual offences; and a large proportion of fraudsters from oriental faiths. more
A FACT spokesman says the article needs careful reading. Whilst the research does appear to suggest a link between crime and religion the conclusions in respect of cause and effect somewhat shaky. It is a bit like saying that 50% of people who are addicted to vodka take water, 60% of people addicted to Gin take water with their gin, and 33% of people who are addicted to rum take water - therefore water causes alcoholism!
What the research does not seem to acknowledge is that those who follow religion are more likely than those who do not to be accused of certain crimes especially sexual crimes - a good many of whom may be entirely innocent.
The following article appeared in the Burton Mail on 29th November
A police officer is facing an inquiry after a Burton man was cleared of sexually abusi