"Get the piano off your back"

Bernadette Howell, Spiritual Health Practitioner - November 6, 2024


Breaking silence. Confronting clergy abuse. 


This blog post reflects on the impact of the documentary Prey, which tells the story of clergy sexual abuse survivor Rod MacLeod and his legal battle against the Basilian Fathers of Toronto. The author expresses gratitude for the readers of the blog and introduces the key story of Chris McLean, a survivor who, after watching Prey at the Windsor International Film Festival, decided to come forward and pursue justice for his own abuse. The documentary, first released in 2019, had a profound effect on McLean, inspiring him to take legal action.


The blog highlights the long and arduous process of seeking justice in cases of clergy abuse, emphasizing how victims often face years of legal battles, emotional strain, and invasive scrutiny, including psychological assessments. It also delves into the complexities of the legal system, particularly the differences between compensatory and punitive damages, and how the Catholic Church, despite acknowledging the abuse, typically disputes the financial consequences. The post critiques the Church's handling of abuse cases, including its tendency to offer inadequate settlements to survivors and appeal verdicts, which delays justice further.

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Press Release: the Canadian Federal Election and the issues of importance to Outrage Canada and its mandate

By Outrage Canada • April 12, 2025
April 12, 2025 With respect to the Canadian Federal Election, the following issues are important to Outrage Canada and its mandate. We encourage public awareness and discussion of the following issues: 1. CRIME - Reform of criminal laws to more effectively deal with the perpetrators of sexual crimes, including institutional accomplices and enablers. 2. TAXATION POLICY - Review of taxation advantages and exceptions for charitable entities which enable or ignore criminal acts within their ranks. 3. INDIGENOUS EDUCATION - Ensuring that educational services for Indigenous are never again affiliated with religion, directly or indirectly. 4. SAFETY OF CHILDREN - That any federal activities which impact our young, prioritize the safety of our children and protection against sexual violence. For further comment on Outrage's position on these federal issues, you may email us at info@outragecanada.ca

Abuse claims against N.L. archdiocese swells to $121M following successful appeal by victims

By Outrage Canada • April 2, 2025
CBC Lite - April 1, 2025 St. John's, NL - A Newfoundland court has increased the total liability of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s to $121 million after a successful appeal by 59 victims of sexual abuse. These victims, previously excluded from compensation, were awarded $15.3 million in addition to the $104-million settlement approved in 2024 for nearly 300 victims. The case involves abuse by the Christian Brothers at Mount Cashel orphanage and other Catholic institutions in Newfoundland and British Columbia. Despite selling over 100 properties, the corporation has only raised $40 million—far short of the required funds. A previous $22 million was distributed to victims, but insurance coverage was denied. The provincial government may also face legal pressure to contribute to compensation. Justice Garrett Handrigan ruled that the corporation remains liable, reversing decisions that denied compensation to some victims. This includes 12 claimants in British Columbia, where church officials knowingly transferred abusive clergy from Newfoundland. However, past settlements will be deducted from new awards. The court will finalize this latest settlement after May 1.
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