Gov’t Outlines Old Cases For Pa. Monsignor’s Trial

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Will a Catholic monsignor be left to defend the sins of the Philadelphia archdiocese in the child sex abuse scandal?

Prosecutors on Wednesday outlined old cases they say should be considered as part of the upcoming child endangerment trial of Monsignor William Lynn.

Defense lawyers insist Lynn should only be tried for his oversight of the priest and former priest on trial with him on rape charges.

The 61-year-old Lynn is accused of failing to weed them out despite sex abuse complaints kept in secret church files. A judge says he won’t rule until after hearing more arguments Monday.

Lynn served as secretary for clergy at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2004. His co-defendants are 69-year-old Edward Avery and the 48-year-old Rev. James Brennan.