Witness the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as A.W. Richard Sipe and Patrick J. Wall, both former Benedictine monks and world-renowned experts on clergy sexual abuse, return to their Minnesota roots in support of survivors of sexual abuse by a former Abbot of St. John's Abbey. ---
In return these former Abbey insiders are met by denial and confusing actions by the current Abbot, actions which do not follow the established St. John's "Policy on Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation" and violate a recent agreement of the Abbot with over a dozen survivors. ---
If you are looking for wisdom and the "truth," it's provided in this video of the press conference and enclosed supportive documents.
Great respect for these men, going against many years of indoctrination that often starts at a young age, can't be an easy. I believe all seminaries and monasteries of the RC Church, and to some extent, in few other denominations, cultivate an attitude of separation between clergy and laymen. Note that at 21.50 he says, "I did try to do what I could, and I did try to do it for the good of the monastery. Most of us would have ran to the police and then say "we did it for the children".
CorvusDreams 3 months ago
This important, shocking, and very sad video should be seen by all friends of the Benedictines worldwide.
Frank Douglas
publisher, Voice from the Desert blog
frankjdouglas6262 8 months ago
Excellent video. So revealing; so horrendous. Systemic, institutionalised, international, clerical abuse of children, power, sacraments, and the Truth.
monamaryhayes 8 months ago