May 21, 2002

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Mary Jo Tully (503) 233-8322
mjtully@archdpdx.org
 

        The Archdiocese of Portland has been named in two lawsuits alleging sexual abuse.
The first lawsuit alleges that a Father Duffy abused a six or seven year old girl in 1967.
Fr. Frank Duffy, S.J., who belonged to the Society of Jesus, was assigned to St. Luke
Parish in Woodburn in 1968. The Archdiocese has no record of receiving any
complaints against Father Duffy while he was in Woodburn. Father Duffy died in 1992.

        The second lawsuit alleges that "John Doe" abused a 10-year-old child between 1968
and 1970 while they were on a spiritual retreat. The suit describes John Doe as a
Catholic priest and/or counselor or student to become a Catholic priest. The
Archdiocese has no idea who "John Doe" might be.

        The alleged events occurred nearly 35 years ago. A lawsuit involving events which
allegedly happened long ago, particularly when a priest named is deceased, presents
great challenges. This challenge is compounded when even the name of the accused
is unknown.

        Child abuse is contrary to all that the Catholic Church believes and professes about the
dignity of human persons. It is never to be tolerated.

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