Matt C. Abbott
Accused priest sues Catholic watchdog group
By Matt C. Abbott
Veteran Catholic activist Stephen Brady, founder and president of the Illinois-based Catholic watchdog group Roman Catholic Faithful, is being sued by an accused priest for defamation. But the priest doing the suing does not reside in an Illinois diocese; he resides in the Diocese of Fresno, Calif.
From KGET.com:
Brady also exposed the widespread corruption in the Bernardin regime. It was in the first couple years of Brady's investigations when Father Alfred Kunz, an adviser to RCF, was brutally murdered at his parish in rural Dane, Wis. The 1998 murder remains unsolved.
Regarding the Harrison case, I have a difficult time believing someone who has multiple accusers is completely innocent, though I concede it's not out of the realm of possibility. Harrison is well connected and supported in the local community, including serving as chaplain for the Bakersfield Police Department.
Brady has hired attorney Paul Jonna of LiMandri and Jonna LLP, telling ChurchMilitant.com that "At the suggestion of some RCF members, I contacted the Thomas More Society and asked them for assistance and direction. They hooked me up with Paul Jonna, and I am very grateful to both law firms. They're both great, positive law firms."
Jonna sent the following statement to KBAK-CBS:
Stay tuned.
© Matt C. Abbott
August 23, 2019
Veteran Catholic activist Stephen Brady, founder and president of the Illinois-based Catholic watchdog group Roman Catholic Faithful, is being sued by an accused priest for defamation. But the priest doing the suing does not reside in an Illinois diocese; he resides in the Diocese of Fresno, Calif.
From KGET.com:
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Msgr. Craig Harrison, who has been under investigation by different agencies over alleged misconduct, has filed a defamation lawsuit against [RCF] over its 'false, malicious and reckless accusations,' according to a statement from the priest's attorney.
Brady also exposed the widespread corruption in the Bernardin regime. It was in the first couple years of Brady's investigations when Father Alfred Kunz, an adviser to RCF, was brutally murdered at his parish in rural Dane, Wis. The 1998 murder remains unsolved.
Regarding the Harrison case, I have a difficult time believing someone who has multiple accusers is completely innocent, though I concede it's not out of the realm of possibility. Harrison is well connected and supported in the local community, including serving as chaplain for the Bakersfield Police Department.
Brady has hired attorney Paul Jonna of LiMandri and Jonna LLP, telling ChurchMilitant.com that "At the suggestion of some RCF members, I contacted the Thomas More Society and asked them for assistance and direction. They hooked me up with Paul Jonna, and I am very grateful to both law firms. They're both great, positive law firms."
Jonna sent the following statement to KBAK-CBS:
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This is a frivolous lawsuit designed to attack and chill protected First Amendment activity. My clients, Stephen Brady and Roman Catholic Faithful, Inc., pursued a legitimate news story involving credible allegations of sexual abuse by Msgr. Craig Harrison. There's overwhelming evidence that my clients' statements were true, which is a complete defense to the plaintiff's claim for defamation. We're confident that the lawsuit will be dismissed under California's Anti-SLAPP statute and that the plaintiff will ultimately be responsible for my clients' attorneys' fees and costs.
Stay tuned.
© Matt C. Abbott
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