The secrecy of the confessional in the Roman Catholic Church is so sacrosanct that any priest who violates it is automatically excommunicated.
‘Trey’s Law’ passes unanimously in Missouri House
“Trey’s Law,” legislation intended to release sexual abuse survivors from nondisclosure agreements, was adopted unanimously by the Missouri House of Representatives April 22. A similar bill is pending in the state Senate. Rep. Brian Seitz filed the bill, HB-709, to…
For first time, a woman alleges sexual abuse at Kanakuk in lawsuit
For the first time, a woman has come forward as a victim of serial child sexual abuser Pete Newman in a lawsuit filed today against Kanakuk Kamps and its leadership. Plaintiff “Jane Doe” of Dallas filed a petition in Missouri…
‘Trey’s Law’ advances in Texas and Missouri
“Trey’s Law” continues gaining momentum in the Texas and Missouri legislatures. The law calls for an amendment to state laws surrounding the use of nondisclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases. If passed, Trey’s Law will make it easier for…
‘Trey’s Law’ makes its way through Missouri and Texas legislatures
Following a hearing in early March where Kanakuk abuse survivors, their families and other activists spoke in front of a Judiciary Committee at the Missouri House of Representatives about nondisclosure agreements, “Trey’s Law” continues to make its way through the…
Robert Morris indicted on child sex abuse charges in Oklahoma
Robert Morris, founder and former pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and previous adviser to President Donald Trump, was indicted on five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts to a child. The charges relate to alleged child sexual…
Kanakuk survivors speak on nondisclosure agreements at House hearing
Last Wednesday, Kanakuk survivors and other activists spoke at the Missouri House of Representatives in front of a Judiciary Committee hearing on one of multiple bills currently being considered related to child sexual abuse. The bill under discussion is part…
Judge rules Summersett lawsuit against Kanakuk may proceed
Last week, Christian County judge Jessica L. Kruse ruled against motions made by Kanakuk Kamps and ACE Insurance Co. in a fraud case filed against them by sexual abuse survivor Andrew Summersett. Despite their arguments that Summersett’s claim was filed…
Anglican denominations’ record on abuse prompts calls for victim-focused reform
When Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigned in November over his failure to report a serial child abuser in his own denomination, the drastic step, it was thought, would preserve the Church of England’s ability to discipline its clergy in other cases…
Maryland’s highest court upholds ending statute of limitations on child sex abuse lawsuits
Maryland’s Supreme Court on Monday upheld the constitutionality of a state law that ended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits following a report that exposed widespread wrongdoing within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
More child sexual abuse bills filed in 6 states
In January, several bills were proposed across different states relating to child sexual abuse — many addressing statutes of limitations, nondisclosure agreements or settlement payouts. Legislators said they hope these changes will make it easier for child sexual abuse victims…
Maine’s high court strikes down removal of time limits on child sex abuse lawsuits
Maine’s highest court on Tuesday ruled against a law that removed the statute of limitations for civil claims about child sexual abuse.