Check out the following two stories: 1. A former Catholic priest comes forward Monday (4/20/09) to say that another priest abused him as a teenager nearly 30 years ago. (The accused priest has no other similar public complaints and … [Read more...]
Book Review: William Lobdell’s Dishonest ‘Losing My Religion’ (Extended)
William Lobdell's new book Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America-and Found Unexpected Peace is nothing original. A former "serious Christian" loses his faith because he finds a … [Read more...]
At the LA Times, Some Lawsuits Are More Worthy Than Others
Today's Los Angeles Times (Wed. Feb. 11, 2009) features a curious article on page B4, "O.C. priest is focus of suit over alleged molestation," written by the fact-challenged Duke Helfand and staffer Christine Hanley. The … [Read more...]
Yet Another Fallacious Op-Ed on Church Abuse Scandal From the LA Times
As we've stated before, no one can challenge the awful harm wrecked upon youth at the hands of Catholic clergy. The harm is real, incredibly sad, and unspeakably damaging. But that is no excuse for the Los Angeles Times to continue its … [Read more...]
More Disparate Coverage From LA Times in Coverage of Priest and Teacher Sex Scandals
As we reported a couple days ago, when a veteran middle-school teacher in nearby Santa Monica pleaded guilty last month to "multiple counts of illegal sex acts" and molesting nine young girls, the Los Angeles Times didn't … [Read more...]
LA Times Minimizes School Sex Scandals But Trumpets Flimsy Story on Cardinal Mahony
When a veteran middle-school teacher in nearby Santa Monica pleaded guilty last month to "multiple counts of illegal sex acts" and molesting nine young girls, the Los Angeles Times didn't feel the story warranted their … [Read more...]
As Christmas Approaches, LA Times Goes After Catholic Church; Reader Hits Back
It could be Christmas approaching, or it could be the Catholic Church's success last month in its support of Proposition 8, the initiative to restore marriage in California. But it's curious to see what's been on the minds of … [Read more...]
Degree of Coverage in LA Times of Sex Abuse Depends On Vocation of Abuser
On the top of its front page on Monday (12/1/08), the Los Angeles Times splashed a story about monuments and tributes being built around the country for victims of sex abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy. As always, the stories of abuse … [Read more...]
Just In Time For Christmas, Miramax To Release Priest-Molestation ‘Doubt’ Movie
On December 12, 2008, as millions of American Catholics prepare to celebrate Christmas, Miramax films is releasing a film called "Doubt." It is based on a Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning play. In the words of PBS' … [Read more...]
Not the Catholic Church? (Part III): LA Times Misses Further Sex Abuse Charges Against School Aide
A man who was a special education aide for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) "already accused of videotaping himself molesting teenage girls in his private basketball program," was charged October 17 with … [Read more...]