No Sanctuary

News Articles Reporting Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by Ministers, Priests, Rabbis and Other Clergy

Experts from many denominations have reported on the dramatic extent and harmful impacts of sexual boundary violation of adults by ministers, pastors, priests, rabbis and other clergy. News accounts and online reader comments below, however, show confusion among the general public about the nature of sexual exploitation of adults by clergy. Some of these articles have online reader comments illustrating the often vicious retaliation alleged victims suffer in their own community.

For a daily digest of news stories related to abuse by clergy, see: Abuse Tracker, a project of BishopAccountability.org. If any news story below does not have a link, you can search the archive on AbuseTracker for that article or for additional articles on the same case.

2010 articles

2009 articles

2008 articles

2007 articles

2006 articles

2000-2005 articles

1990's articles

2010 articles

Keely Knowles. "'Unwell' vicar (Stephen Smith) is rested after being 'naughty'." Bedforshire News (February 5, 2010).

Anne Jungen. "Priest (Edmund Donkor-Baine) faces sex assault charge." Winona Daily News (February 4, 2010).

Rich Cholodofsky. "Allegheny couple alleges sexual misconduct by priest (Richard Curci)." Tribune Review (January 30, 2010).

"Catholics, Mormons back synagogue in suit: Roman Catholics and Mormons are providing legal support to a Nevada synagogue sued by a woman who says she was molested by a cantor (Michael Segelstein)." UPI.com (January 13, 2010).

Michael O'Malley. "Former Cleveland Catholic Diocese priest (Patrick O'Connor) begins jail sentence for sexual offense." The Plain Dealer (January 5, 2010).

2009 articles

Paul Pinkham. "Former pastor (Darrell Gilyard) admits to fathering child: The woman said he raped, impregnated her, but he was not charged." The Times-Union (December 11, 2009).

Samantha Tyrka. "Woman files suit against priest (Edson Fernando Costa) and church." NorthJersey.com (December 10, 2009).

"Priest (Sean McKenna) resigns over relationship." BBC News (November 16, 2009).

Kathy Lauer-Williams. "Priest (Luis A. Bonilla Margarito) removed from duties after admitting affair. Had inappropriate relationship with 18-year-old. He previously served in Emmaus, Orefield." The Morning Call (November 16, 2009).

"Pastor (Harley Michael Keough) charged with sexual battery." WCNC (November 14, 2009).

Gary Tuchman and Katherine Wojtecki. "Father Henry (Willenborg), a secret father." CNN Anderson Cooper 360 (November 12, 2009). See three-part CNN video online.

"Former employee files lawsuit against pastor (John Hunter) of First African Methodist Episcopal Church, alleging sexual impropriety." Los Angeles Times (November 4, 2009).

"Pa. priest (Edward Lyman) removed from duties for computer photos." KDKA 2 (November 2, 2009).

"Franklin pastor removed from post: Sappenfield admits to abusing professional relationship." WSMV.com (October 23, 2009).

Susan Weich. "Woman who says she was victim of a priest (Henry Willenborg) asks other victims to come forward." St. Louis Post-Dispatch (October 23, 2009).

Alan Neushwander. "Catholic priest (Johnson Pappusamy) pleads guilty to sexual assault." WKLA (October 22 2009).

Laurie Goodstein. "A mother, a sick son and his father, the priest (Henry Willenborg)." New York Times (October 16, 2009).

Shannon Delcambre. "Jemison preacher (Simon Bussie) charged with sex abuse." NBC13 (October 6, 2009).

Nick Madigan. "Women tell of abuse by rabbi (Jacob Max): Long silence broken with accounts of mistreatment by synogogue's [sic] founder." The Baltimore Sun (October 4, 2009).

Jeanine Deboer. "Three say pastor (Jonathan Locust Sr.) took them for sex and money." Courthouse News Service (September 29, 2009). Available on AbuseTracker Archive.

Guy Kovner. "Former Santa Rosa Catholic bishop (G. Patrick Ziemann) gravely ill." The Press Democrat (September 28, 2009).

"N.J. investigating Rev. John H. Harris and Galilee Baptist Church in Trenton for sexual harassment and retaliation." newjerseynewsroom.com (September 25, 2009).

Jacqueline L. Salmon. "Many women targeted by faith leaders, survey (by the Baylor University School of Social Work) says." Washington Post (September 10, 2009).

Madhu Krishnamurthy. "Des Plaines woman sues Catholic priest's (Edwin Bohula) estate over his will." Daily Herald (September 9, 2009).

Tristan Scott. "Former SHEC pastor (John Kameron Erbele) arrested in Minn. prostitution sting." Missoulian (September 4, 2009).

Mike Keegan. "Bishop knew priest's (Peter McDonough) love-child secret." Manchester Evening News (September 4, 2009).

Mark Caudill. "Ex-youth pastor (John Picard) gets 40 years." Mansfield News Journal (September 4, 2009).

Brooks Egerton. "Dallas Episcopal Diocese suspends priest (William Warnky) for 3 years over harassing women." The Dallas Morning News (August 29, 2009).

Mark Caudill. "Ex-pastor (John Picard) guilty on all counts in sex case." News Journal (August 28, 2009).

Jennifer Sinco Kelleher. "Suit: Former LI minister (Lawrence Carrino) a sexual predator." Newsday (August 20, 2009).

"Mega-Church Pastors Zachery and Riva Tims' divorce is finalized after Zachery admits to a year-long adulterous affair with a stripper." BCNN1.com (August 20, 2009).

"Ex-pastor (Matthew Darren Wood) accused of cyberstalking Shreveport woman." Shreveport Times (August 12, 2009).

Jared Cerullo. "Wichita priest (Doug Campbell) arrested for sex crimes." KAKE (August 7, 2009).

Monica Potts. "Court memo claims former Darien priest (Michael Jude Fay) had affair with married church finance board member." Stamford Advocate (August 4, 2009).

Nandini Jayakrishna and Maria Sacchetti. "Priest (Pedro J. Damazio) facing sex allegations." Boston Globe (July 26, 2009).

Globe staff. "Archdiocese suspends priest (Pedro Jose Damazio) after sexual misconduct allegations." Boston Globe (July 25, 2009).

Cameron Langford. "Duplicitous affair alleged against Houston pastor (Johnny McGowan)." Courthouse News (July 21, 2009).

Paul Walsh. "Relationship with exotic dancer costs pastor (Mark Ostgarden) his job." Star Tribune (July 9, 2009).

George Conger. "Vero Beach minister (D. Lorne Coyle) who had adulterous affair is defrocked." TC Palm (July 2, 2009).

Mike Saewitz. "Chesapeake pastor (Bob Groves) who resigned apologizes for affair." Virginia Pilot (June 26, 2009).

Cynthya Porter. "Civil suit filed against Budd: Suit names local and regional church authorities, too." Winona Post (June 17, 2009).

Kate Wiltrout. "Navy chaplain Shane Dillman could face up to nine years in jail." The Virginian-Pilot (May 27, 2009).

Craig Crosby. "Church personnel (Frederick A. Carrigan) barred." Kennebec Journal (May 9, 2009).

Annysa Johnson. "In wake of scandal, (Rembert G. Weakland) will return to East Coast, publish memoirs." Journal Sentinel (May 7, 2009).

Andres Viglucci, Gerardo Reyes and Jay Weaver. "Father Alberto Cutie says he won't identify woman in photos." Miami Herald (May 6, 2009).

Curtis Lum. "Former Kaneohe pastor (Manuel Guillermo Taboada) pleads guilty to sex assault, to serve at least 6 years." Honolulu Advertiser (May 1, 2009).

"Founder of JMS cult convicted (Jung Myung-seok)." JoongAng Daily (April 24, 2009).

Jeff Lehr. "Area pastor (Randall (Danny) Russell) sent to prison for sexual abuse of teens." Joplin Globe (April 21, 2009).

Patrick Tolbert. "Local grand jury indicts NY priest (Stephen Mary Valenta) on sex charges." KXXV-TV (April 20, 2009).

"Rabbi (Jacob Aaron Max), 85, found guilty of fondling woman." UPI.com (April 15, 2009).

Lori Jane Gliha. "Second arrest made in Buckeye pastor (Charles Carfrey) sex assault case." ABC15.com (April 15, 2009).

Tasha Kates. "Pastor (Gregory M. Briehl) porn case raises difficult legal questions." Daily Progress (March 30, 2009).

Cara Matthews. "High court throws out case against diocese (Peter DeBellis)." Press and Sun Bulletin (March 26, 2009). See SNAP press release on this case and article on SNAP website.

"Priest (Gerard M. Connolly) settles inmate sex suit: A settlement between a New York man convicted of a 2001 rape in Northumberland County and a Franciscan priest was reached Wednesday in U.S. District Court." The Daily Item (March 20, 2009).

"Former Champaign County priest (Clarence Heis) returns to active ministry: Support group for victims of clergy abuse questions decision." Urbana Citizen (March 19, 2009).

Dwaipayan Ghosh. "21-yr-old temple staffer alleges rape by priest (Laxman Das Yeti alias Laxman Guruji)." Times of India (March 16, 2009).

Paul Pinkham. "Jacksonville church was aware of pastor's (Darrell Gilyard) sexual misconduct, insurer claims: Shiloh Baptist knew pastor's history, which limits payouts." The Florida Times Union (March 13, 2009).

Kevin Behr. "Budd convicted." Winona Daily News (March 10, 2009).

Mark Steigenga. "Bishop addresses inappropriate conduct of priest (Johnson Jeyabal Pappusamy): Meets with parishioners Monday night at St. Mary Church in Custer." Ludington Daily News (February 24, 2009). Article also available on AbuseTracker February 2009 archive.

Janice Burns. "Shamed priest Roddy MacNeil disappears after new scandal." The Daily Record (February 23, 2009).

Michael Crutcher. "Catholic Church continues support of sex-abuse priest." Courier Mail.com (February 20, 2009).

Abe Levy. "Priest (Charles H. Miller) was ousted at St. Mary's in sex case." My SA News (February 19, 2009). See online reader comments.

Margaret Ramirez. "Willow Creek Chicago pastor (Steve Wu) resigns, admits to sexual impurity." Chicago Breaking News Center (February 18, 2009).

Nigel Hunt. "Church investigates Father John Fleming over homosexual claim." Adelaide Now (February 8, 2009).

"Catholic priest (Hirotsugu Inoue) held over harassing congregant." The Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan) (February 5/6, 2009). Article available on AbuseTracker February 2009 archive.

Laurie Goodstein. "Catholic order jolted by reports that its founder (Marcial Maciel Degollado) led a double life." The New York Times (February 4, 2009).

Amy Calder. "Church acknowledges Dumoulin fatherhood, but takes issue with other details." Morning Sentinel (January 25, 2009).

Associated Press. "Suspended Va. priest (Rodney Rodis) sentenced to 13 years." WVEC.com (January 14, 2009).

John S. Hausman. "Outraged judge gives pastor (Jerry Lee DePoy) jail for sexual offense." Muskegon Chronicle (January 9, 2009).

Susan Donaldson James. "Ted Haggard opens up about his past in new documentary: New Life Church pastor, now a pariah, goes public in film about sex-drug scandal." ABC News (January 8, 2009).

2008 articles

Matt Thacker. "New Albany pastor (William D. Hodge Jr) accused of lying to police, harassment." The News and Tribune (December 19, 2008). See online reader comments.

Tristan Kirk. "Woman tried to kill herself after rape by priest (Hindu priest Shashikant Vyas)." Harrow Times (December 17, 2008).

Michael Hewlett. "Mocksville pastor (Thompson Gregory Little) charged with soliciting sex acts." Winston Salem Journal (December 16, 2008). See online reader comments.

"Mamaroneck priest charged with sexually abusing a woman: There may be other allegations against Father Richard Ordonez." Larchmont Gazette (December 10, 2008).

"Marriage advice vicar (Andrew Gair) had affair." BBC News (November 19, 2008).

Mike McPhee. "Minister (Willie D. Simmons) accused of sex assault." The Denver Post (November 19, 2008). See online reader comments.

Brian Maass. "Denver Reverend (Willie Simmons) admits to "consensual" church sex." CBS 4 Denver (November 17, 2008).

"Official notice regarding Father Paul Ines." Diocese of Scranton News Briefs (November 6, 2008).

"Publication of taped conversations breached privacy right (Heber McMahon)." Irish Times (November 3, 2008).

Jessica Layton. "Priest (Gary Mercure), diocese want lawsuit dismissed." WNYT.com (October 31, 2008).

"Queens priest used confessional to pick up woman: Father Elvis Elano suspended after being named in lawsuit." WCBSTV.com (October 31, 2008). See online reader comments.

Terry Bibo. "Groups ask Diocese to stop priest's Mass: The Rev. Szydlik, accused of sexual assault, will lead worship at church's anniversary." PJ Star.com (October 24, 2008).

Christy Gutowski. "Man sues priest (Christopher Floss), claiming affair with wife." The Daily Herald (September 27, 2008). See online reader comments.

Seth Rosenfeld. "Church settles sex abuse suit against priest (Michael Rymer)." San Francisco Chronicle (September 22, 2008). See online reader comments.

Nigel Hunt. "Priest (John Fleming) told me to deny affair." Adelaide Now (September 7, 2008).

Cary McMullen. "Evangelist Todd Bentley had inappropriate relationship, his organization says." The Ledger (August 18, 2008). See online reader comments.

Charles Lavery. "Shamed priest Joseph Creegan is to marry after being sacked over affair." Sunday Mail (UK) (August 17, 2008).

Charles Lavery. "Sex shame priest (Joseph Creegan) drops legal action to sue Catholic Church." Sunday Mail (UK) (August 10, 2008).

Sarah Elmquist. "Pastor (Donald Dean Budd) charged with felonies." Winona Post (August 6, 2008).

Melissa Jenco and Justin Kmitch. "Wheaton's Second Baptist Church votes to oust Rev. (Andre) Allen." Daily Herald (July 19, 2008).

Dan Mangan and Leonard Greene. "It was all in good chaste: Randy Rev. (Thomas Tewell)" New York Post (July 9, 2008).

Steve Gonzalez. "Bishop (Daniel Jenky), Peoria Diocese seek dismissal from priest sex abuse suit (Thomas Szydlik)." The Madison St. Clair Record (June 23, 2008).

Elizabeth Stull. "Fourth Department says priest (Peter M. Debellis) could owe fiduciary duty; diocese might be liable too." Daily Record (May 7, 2008).

Alan Riquelmy. "Pastor accused of battery: James Harold Carter, 74, accused of holding woman down at church." Ledger-Enquirer (May 7, 2008).

"Former pastor (Scott Martin Weisser) pleads no contest to charges." Deseret News (May 7, 2008).

Melissa Wood. "Local minister (Rich Knight) suspended." The York Independent (April 18, 2008).

"Pastor (Haskelle Mulraine) denies sexual involvement with members." Sun St. Kitts News (April 10, 2008).

Karen Dandurant. "Police: Protective order was filed against pastor (Richard B. Knight)." Seacoast Online.com (April 9, 2008).

Sanford Schmidt. "Priest (Thomas R. Szydlik) denies couple's claims." The Telegraph (April 4, 2008).

Steve Gonzales. "Suit claims Catholic priest (Thomas Szydlik) impregnated parishioner then coerced her into abortion." St. Clair Record (April 3, 2008).

Sanford Schmidt. "Priest (Thomas R. Szydlik) accused of having sex with married woman." The Telegraph (April 2, 2008).

"Former Biloxi Bishop (Joseph Lawson Howze) accused of inappropriate behavior with an adult man." WLOX ABC3 (March 7, 2008).

"Appeal date for vicar (David King)." Whitby Gazette (February 29, 2008).

"Bussmann (John Bussmann) found guilty of sexual misconduct" Star News (February 26, 2008).

Kevin Behr. "The Rev. Budd (Donald Dean Budd) to challenge constitutionality of sex charges." Winona Daily News (January 24, 2008). See online reader comments.

2007 articles

Josh Mitchell. "Navy chaplain (John Thomas Matthew Lee) sentenced to two years in prison." Baltimore Sun (December 6, 2007).

Theodore Kalmoukos. "Priest (Michael Pappas) in San Francisco to be defrocked." The National Herald (November 9, 2007).

Associated Press. "Megachurch leader (Earl Paulk) in mega-sized sex scandal: 80-year-old Georgia man slept with brother's wife, fathered her child." MSNBC (November 19, 2007).

"Former prison priest (Vincent Inametti) charged with sexual assault." CBS 11 (November 8, 2007).

Liam Dillon. "Retired Catholic bishop (Priamo Tejeda) who served in Collier named in sex abuse suit." Naples Daily News (November 4, 2007).

"Synagogue settles sex suit (Tobias Gabriel)." East York-Riverdale (Toronto, Canada) The Mirror (October 18, 2007).

Todd Ruger. "Suit charges sex abuse by priest (Priamo Tejada Rosario): Man says cleric working in Venice diocese implied he would be deported." Herald Tribune (September 23, 2007).

Leila Walsh. "Priest (Michael O'Brien) accused of sexual abuse." WOAI (September 17, 2007).

Sandro Contenta. "Rabbi (Tobias Gabriel), synagogue sued over seduction scandal." Thestar.com (August 29, 2007).

David Yonke. "Bishop Blair knew of priest's (David Nuss) sexual sin." Toledo Blade (July 25, 2007).

Robin Erb. "Diocese: Local priest (David Nuss) had inappropriate contact with woman." Toledo Blade (July 23, 2007).

"Ex-school worker alleges defamation: Says she was fired after affair with priest (Timothy Fell)." Baltimore Sun (June 26, 2007).

Ron Cassie. "Woman alleging priest (Timothy Fell) affair sues archdiocese." The Examiner (June 25, 2007).

Kevin Behr. "Lawyer challenges charges against Winona pastor (Donald Dean Budd)." Winona Daily News. (June 22, 2007). See reader comments online.

John Allen, Jr. "Pope's pastor (Paolo Curtaz) is father of three-year-old child." National Catholic Reporter (June 1, 2007).

Yonat Shimron. "Pastor's removal stuns flock: An evaluation of the Rev. Stephen M. Garrity will see whether he misused his influence in sexual relationships 25 years ago." News and Observer (April 30, 2007).

John Murawski. "Priest (Stephen M. Garrity) relieved from duty." The News and Observer (April 29, 2007).

H.G. Reza. "Priest (Praveen Bunyan) quits rector post in O.C." Los Angeles Times (April 26, 2007).

Tony Santaella. "Pastor (Anthony Dicks) accused of criminal sexual conduct." WLTX.com (March 29, 2007).

Associated Press. "Priest (James Jacobson) admits in deposition to father[ing] children." Seattle Times (March 3, 2007).

Ron Cassie. "Community rallies for accused priest (Timothy Fell)." The Examiner (February 12, 2007).

Ron Cassie. "Priest (Timothy Fell) accused of affair with married woman." The Examiner (February 7, 2007).

"Woman fights for bill to prevent clergy abuse." KSN.com (February 8, 2007).

Associated Press. "Winona pastor (Donald Dean Budd) charged with criminal sexual conduct." WCF Courier (January 31, 2007).

"Priest (Carlos Bedoya) accused of pinning man during sex attack; coverup alleged." Local6.com (January 30, 2007).

Annmarie Timmins. "Priest accused of abuse defrocked: Nolin served Lakeport, Penacook parishes." Concord Monitor (January 27, 2007).

"Deltona priest (Carlos Bedoya and David Estrada) complaint."News 13 (January 16, 2007).

2006 articles

"2nd New Life pastor (Christopher Beard) resigns over sexual misconduct." Chicago Sun Times (December 20, 2006).

"Woman claims priest (Nicholas Voelker) assaulted her." KSN.com (September 5, 2006).

"Third accuser testifies in Hornbuckle trial." CBS 11 News (August 10, 2006).

"Marquette priest (Roy Joseph) removed." WLUCTV6 (May 30, 2006).

Dan Noyes. "Priest (John Bennison) can't escape history of sexual misconduct." ABC7News (May 25, 2006).

"Archdiocese confirms alleged sexual misconduct in priest (Jeffrey Sarkies) resignation." Seattle Post-Intelligencer (March 21, 2006).

Tom Mitchell. "Grace Covenant Pastor resigns: Clark (Robert Clark) admitted adulterous affair." Daily News Record (March 9, 2006).

Gayle White. "Sordid court fight: A legendary Georgia preacher (Eric Paulk) faces claims that he uses female followers for sex." Atlanta Journal Constitution (January 29, 2006).

Richard Owen. "Priest (Fedele Bisceglia) raped us in an orgy, says nun." Times Online (January 24, 2006).

Suzanne Le Mignot. "Woman claims Father fathered her child: Says priest (Jason Martin) left her during engagement." CBS Chicago (January 11, 2006).

2000-2005 articles

Lincoln Anderson. "Woman charges rape in tangled affair with priest (Joseph Cogo)." The Villager (September 21-27, 2005).

Laurence Hammack. "Woman says church warned: A Covington woman says if the Catholic Church had heeded her warnings, a second woman would not have been victimized (Edward C. Moran)." The Roanoke Times (August 21, 2005).

Andy Newman. "Accusation of an affair leads priest (Msgr. Eugene V. Clark) to resign." New York Times (August 12, 2005).

Kevin O'Brien was reappointed as parochial vicar at St. Edward the Confessor, Richmond, Virginia. Catholic Virginian (July 18, 2005).

Rick Rousos. "Police: Priest (Wladyslaw Gorak, also known as Walter Fisher) assailed woman." The Ledger (May 18, 2005).

"Kevin O'Brien resigned as pastor of Star of the Sea, Virginia Beach, Virginia after admitting to sexual misconduct with an adult woman." Catholic Virginian (March 28, 2005).

Natasha Wallace. "Shortest possible sentence for priest (Terence Norman Goodall) convicted of indecent assault." Sydney Morning Herald (January 26, 2005).

Ruth Jones. "Priest (Jim Gallagher) leaving school, church after suspension." Staunton News Leader (December 14, 2004).

"Va. priest (Jim Gallagher) admits to misconduct." Richmond Times Dispatch (December 13, 2004).

"Jury orders ex-pastor (Floyd Bailey) in Alabama to pay $2 million for affair." The Florida Times Union. Jacksonville.com (August 5, 2004).

"Minister (Guadulupe Medrano) accused of sexual assault: Austin police have charged a church pastor with sexual assault." KXAN.com (July 12, 2004).

Paul Gustafson. "Woman sues St. Paul rabbi (Jonathan Ginsburg), temple alleging sexual exploitation." Star Tribune (January 22, 2004).

David Eck. "Priest (Raymond Larger) resigns after verdict: Found guilty of soliciting sex." The Enquirer (August 6, 2003).

"Woman files sex abuse suit against priest (Brian Joyce)." San Francisco Chronicle (June 12, 2003).

Associated Press. "Parish sympathetic to priest (Greg Schuler) who had affair." The Enquirer (Cincinatti) (February 3, 2003).

Lynn Vincent. "Hunting predators (William Michael Altman and Mervin Kelley): A lot has happened since WORLD's March report on Protestant clergy sexual abuse." World Magazine (November 2, 2002).

Alberta Lindsey. "Minister (Richard J. Geoghegan) suspended." Richmond Times Dispatch (August 24, 2002).

Anthony DePalma. "Parish shaken by reports of sexual and financial misdeeds (John Thompson)." New York Times (June 19, 2002).

Ray Rivera. "Woman sues priest, alleges abuse during 6-year affair." The Seattle Times (May 2, 2002).

William Lobdell. "O.C. Priest (John Lenihan) quits over past affairs: Pastor faces evaluation, reassignment after talking with Times columnist of several relationships." Los Angeles Times (September 25, 2001).

Douglas LeBlanc. "Episcopal Church: Bishop to be punished 19 years after affair: Episcopal Church court may decide fate of Montana's Charles Jones next week." Christianity Today Magazine (February 5, 2001).

1990's articles

"Jury awards women $3.7 million in Barry Bailey civil trial." Worldwide Faith News archives (January 20, 1997).