"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged."

SNAP tries to make itself the supreme court on clergy sexual abuse---it is funded by lawyers and by those who are "subtle" in their attempts to destroy the church....one must ask why and why people give them crediblility when they will not even reveal their supporters but expect the church and others to be open in all their documents...it is obviously a work of evil that they are doing while posing as "saviors" of some sort.

I love Father Chris as of he were a member of my own family. He is a wonderful person with a beautiful soul. Both my guardians died and he was/ IS the only person I have left to count on. If it weren't for Father Chris I wouldn't be here. All my support and prayers are with him.

Not making judgement on either side here but d5557 you are making a judgment on someone you have never met, then asking people why they would support someone they know well. Do you have some inside knowledge of this case? Do you somehow know more than what has been released or reported? Our court system is set up so that people are presumed innocent until they are found guilty. Sure you could belive someone is guilty after you hear some actual evidence. But it really sounds like you made up your mind without knowing any actual facts, just spouting out some stuff that some people can be bad. We get it, you have no respect for the court system, due process or anything like that. Please do me one favor, never serve jury duty, people like you are what is wrong with our court system.

Don't mean to piss on parades here.

But it's not uncommon for abusing priests to be highly esteemed, trusted, even believed 'very holy' men as was my abuser. I did not report him or go after him with police. But reported him to his superior and then he came after me like a bat out of hell. He almost succeeded in destroying me - but did not destroy what saved me - the faith given me by my parents - and I got the upper hand in the end.

If this poor man is truly innocent - God help him. He does not deserve this. Neither do the many truly innocent victims of predator priests. None deserve such treatment if innocent. I can attest to it being true hell.

Don't forget that given the chance, John Paul II would willingly have canonized one of the worst predators of the lot - Maciel He believed him a living saint.

Pray for all in this and ask that true justice be served. If the Church had dealt honestly with all of this from the beginning we would not have this awful situation now where it's gotten to the us and them being about innocent victims against innocent priests wrongly accused.

Milton

I might add that I come from a devout catholic family that invited clergy over to our homes often.

Sad to hear, I hope it's not true.
Father Chris is a great man.

Who is calling a priest at 3am for a blessing? Craziness.

Also, Elizabeth W., get a grip.

I have only known of Father Chris to be someone I would place in a high regard and am hopeful that as details are examined and re-examined that he is found innocent of all charges. If it should be the case that he is innocent what penalties will the accuser be charged with.. LTF

I have known Father Chris for many years. He is truly a man of God and I know in my heart that he would never do anything to hurt another person. I am sorry that Father Chris is suffering because of an unjust and untrue accusation toward him. I am also sorry for the woman who made those awful accusations against Father Chris. I pray that Father Chris will be strenghtened by God's abiding presence and that the truth will be made known. Blessings of peace to you, Father Chris.
Sister Clara Schroeder, CSJP

PART I
My heart is broken right now. As Catholics our position is not to judge but to pray and assist. I pray for equal justice for all but at the same time need to aid and support Father Chris. The alleged victims already have a very strong support system but Father Chris has only his parishioners to lean and of course our Lord. We need to unite and support because he would do the same for us. Whether you had a marital problem, addiction problem or financial, he offered his help and advice without judgment .It’s a sad mark on this country when so many are questioning why he was in someone’s house. Don't we remember they are people too not monsters??? The real question should be why are there not more coming to the homes in outreach??? The answer to that is because everyone has become crazed with these witch hunts and self-preservation. Father Chris is such a holy and selfless man that it had never occurred to him not to go. His mission was to help the needy; he brought bagels, food and toys to the less fortunate. He's come to my house, my neighbors and many of my friends without incident.

PART 2
. He has led my daughter in the church choir for the last 5 years and has been nothing but supportive and enthusiastic. Many a times he would sit next to me and we would just talk, he would ask me why I looked tired or upset and when I shared he always had some advice that when I followed would always work. His underlying message is always have faith and pray. My daughter has had her penance with him and when she heard the news she cried. She said "Mommy it can't be, he has always been so good to me and everyone. I think someone made a mistake; you know the way they did with Jesus?" From the mouths of babes we can learn so much. Even at his lowest moment he is still teaching and influencing. I hope she makes you proud Father Chris. He is a good, kind and holy man with a bright spirit that just reaches people a true disciple leading and aiding his people. For now I will do as he would advise me to; pray and have faith. Father Chris you are not alone we love you and support you!!

My husband and I have priests at our home all the time for dinner. And for the ignorant who are judging priests before trial you are only condemning yourselves. Priests are the Sons of the Mother of God.

Father Chris , has been a part of my life and daughter's life since we moved to Brick . He has come into my home many times , and has always gave us hope and happiness.
Love Isabel and Alzira

Another sexual assault by some nj female puclic school teachers. when will this cult stop condoning and protecting these predators?

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/high_school_teacher_softball_c.html

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/woman_who_teaches_at_clifton_h.html

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/04/rutherford_woman_24_is_accused.html

!!! I've had read stats from some articles posted on SpiritDaily that in reality, 90% of adult accusations are false, and for children, almost always false or influenced comments. This comes from researchers who do Not believe that ,'any accusation or dismissed ones should counts as guilty as is the status quo'. Not saying investigate, but with 9 out of 10 accusations being extreme slander, perhaps things need to be handled differently. Anyone have any unbiased states they would like to share? Sorry if I offended anyone, as I'm not taking this lightly at all as I've seen both sides of the coin.

Since there seems to be a lot of snap judgements I'm going to make mine. Sounds like Tawana Brawley and SNAP reminds me of Al Sharpton and his crew. It seems sort of odd that a priest of his age/experience if was a predator in the age of suing the catholic church for billions there wouldn't have been other victims/incidents prior to this.

And I have 5 bucks that says if anything happened it was consensual between him and woman and it turned bad and presto/whamo.

I can respect passion, and I can respect faith. I'm not a religious man myself, but I AM spiritual and have my own relationship with God not confined to the regimented pageantry I didn't like about the church. I have no problem with people of any religion. If you choose to be involved, or you feel you were called to it, or it may have genuinely brought about a change in you that saved your life, atleast you can stand behind your faith (not like those pansy ass fence sitters calling themselves "agnostics", choose a side damnit!). However, I feel some of you are letting your faith and your interaction with this man blind you and twist you into forgetting what could REALLY be the tragedy here. There's a kid involved. Before you go demonizing this woman and her child and start speaking in tongues while you banish them to hell to burn eternally in a lake of fire, try to keep in mind that it is not outside the realm of possibility that this DID happen. It happens, and unfortunately, it happens a lot.

@anthony
Well said.

In my opinon, It's sad to see many of these postings passing judgement not only on a man, but a religion, not knowing the facts. These postings are so much of the same that were in the previous thread on this subject. I have to take heart though, that most of the posts calling for restraint from judgement have been from many different people, while the postings condemning the priest are from the same few. For those of you who seek to condemn Catholism and this priest: If you are truly atheist, I hope you put as much of your energy into spreading goodwill to your fellow man as you seem to put here. If you are a Christian: Do you spend as much energy supporting the Christian faith as you do bashing it? I respect the view of the true atheist or humanist (does not believe in ANY religion), more than the angry, self-hating Christian who bashes the Christian faith. At least I know where they stand. For the latter, Christianity is not "play-doe" that you twist, mold or shape into something convenient for you, and stuff it in a jar and put it on a shelf when it's not. It is a way of life. Far be it from me to dictate how a "good Christian" should be, but I hope you follow Christ's example. Please don't use the phrases "I'm spiritual" or "I like to dial direct". It's simply an excuse for not being a part of something bigger than you. As for the priest, let's not forget as there are true accusations of this sort, there are many that are false. Those exonerated do not make the news.

No picture of what this guy looks like? Curious as to which he is, thinking the Indian guy???

Hey everybody, is there somewhere that is actually posting the details of the accusations? I mean there is an awful lot of speculation going on so there must be something reported somewhere.

The idea that Fr Chris could possibly be guilty of these charges is unthinkable. Dont get me wrong, im very aware that abuse does occur. Within my 43 yrs as a parishoner at Visitation, I have come to know Fr Chris as a bright addition to our diverse parish. Personally, he has helped my family through some rough times, and as a community figure I have seen his compassion, and generosity first hand. The saddness I feel is both for Fr Chris, and his accusers. For him, because basically this diocese will now turn their back on him, regardless of the outcome. If he is found innocent he will still no longer have his standing in the parish. It is ironic that when you need it the most even your faith can betray you. As for his accusers, it wont be long before someone finds out who they are. Whether they are true accusations, or the over sensitive misunderstandings we hope they are, the women will be judged right along with him. I was planning to work with the youth ministries this year, very excited to mentor my child and her peers. I am now seriously reconsidering. Ive got alot of praying to do.

@Thomas Paine When you're dealing with men who are supposed to be trusted servants of God, men who are supposed to exemplify holiness and walking hand in hand with God, it happening ONCE is a lot. It DOES happen a lot. Kindly remove your stubborn head from your stubborn ass. Thanks. Since you want to be a prick about it, here you go:

""The only hard data that has been made public by any denomination comes from John Jay College's study of Catholic priests, which was authorized and is being paid for by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops following the public outcry over the 2002 scandals. Limiting their study to plausible accusations made between 1950 and 1992 [this is an error; the period researched was actually 1950-2002], John Jay researchers reported that about 4 percent of the 110,000 priests active during those years had been accused of sexual misconduct involving children."
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/04/07/mean-men.html
http://johnjay.jjay.cuny.edu/churchstudy/_pdffiles/intro.pdf

BTW, over half of the "children" were actually teenagers.
http://johnjay.jjay.cuny.edu/churchstudy/_pdffiles/incident3.pdf

You can read the entire report here:
http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/churchstudy/main.asp";

4,400 since 1950, and that's only one study. It happens, and it happens A LOT.

I'm so sick of hearing not my priest, not my coach , not my teacher. You think these monsters are going to advertise that they are child molestors?? What a surpirse Catholic Priest accused of fondling a young boy, stop living in denial, this is a major problem in the Catholic church and across the country (Sandusky), and people who continue to deny it are putting their children at harm. From todays Asbury Park Press:
Velan, 64, who is referred to by the Diocese of Trenton as Velanmarukudiyil Christudas, has been an adjunct priest at the Church of the Visitation, on Mantoloking Road in Brick, since 2001. He is accused of grabbing a 13-year-old boy’s genitals and fondling the boy’s mother’s breast during a visit with the family on Friday.
Is this guy even here leaglly??? Can't really understand him when he speaks. People, wake up and smell the coffee, these monsters are in all walks of life waitng to prey on the innocent. Again I ask, if God created man why would he make people like this?????

God didn't make people like this. God doesn't make junk. Nature, nurture, environmental factors, etc... make people like this

so sad

As a survivor of childhood molestation by a well respected Detective of a police force and a former member of the Catholic church who was educated in the Catholic school system I feel warranted to state my humble opinion

We should be praying for everyone involved...THAT is what Jesus would do....whomever is wrong here be it the accuser or the accused there is a severe mental illness going on. Don't be so blinded that a good person is capable of evil. I am living proof that Jekyl and Hydes do exist. In the end we will all meet our maker and He/She will have the final judgement.

I come from a typical, God fearing,middle class, working for the American dream family and I assure you...."good" people can do bad things. Cop, Priest, teacher, sports hero etc... For the parents out there-please do not be blind to that-less your child be next.

Prayers for healing to all involved. It is a sad world indeed.

We should wait for evidence before we rush to judgement on either side.

along wrote "What strikes me as highly suspicious is the fact that no one else has come forward either from his past or the present to corroborate any previous abuse by this man." my response to this is my experience. Several years back I came forward about Father Terence Mcalinden (Trenton Diocese priest) when I did come forward I was told by the Diocese I was the only victim that has made allegations and also was told by parishioners that how could this be true you are the only victim. Well to date we now know there was a victim that reported Mcalinden 20 plus years ago and that the Diocese knew of Mcalinden. We also to date now have at min 3 more victims that have come forward possibly 9. The allegations made against a Visitation priest is hitting me hard. Many of the devout members I know and know of me and my situation. I grew up in the Visitation parish and what I read is identicle to what I experienced when I came forward. Father is holy father is a good man father could never do this, the one making the allegation is seeking money etc... well say what you want because i get it. father can do no wrong because of his prestige power and wealth. we have put priest on a high pedestal its shocking to think that a priest could do such evil. it is possible it is.

This situation is very strange. As someone who knows none of the parties involved, and is neither pro-Catholic nor anti-faith, what I can say is that as someone who is a mandatory reporter, one thing we are taught is that these types of abusers have a "type" of victim. Someone who preys on children, does not usually also abuse adults. For that reason alone, I find this situation very troubling.

if you know father chris so well then how would you answer this question''''''''''''if someone was to go to father chris and tell him they were sexual assualted by another priest what would father chris tell you?

hometown and angela thumbs up. its is sad to live with csa. or any abuse for that matter. wear your white ribbon and wear it proud just remember your concerns for the one making the allegations should be just as real for fr chris. your heart does not know the fact it can only feel for the one you are closer to. if you were the parent or the bff of the victim and didn't know fr chris you would most likely support the victim making the allegations. reverse roles purely heart driven based on your knowing someone better. If you go to church this weekend and have 100 people putting the ribbon on and the alleged victim goes to mass and see's this what is that teaching? well to me its teaching that the doors of faith(catholic faith are not open to all) now if you pushed the white ribbons for all to wear with no one sidedness and for pure praying for all involved then just then this is what the church truly is based on right?

If the public takes notice the people that do this kind of stuff in a trusted postion look at how many other priests have had these allegations Look at sandusky He had the duty to protect these families children & to add his wife with the hearing problem who didnt want to hear what was going on...I guess the management didnt believe or did not want to believe this was going on....these are people that were looked up too ...

I have known and trusted Father Chris for a long time he has seen our family thru the crisis of death-life marraige and sacremants for my children and grandchildren I do not beleive a word of this and the rpeople should stand behind him as he has done for many of us--he is compassionate and loving and giving not a perv...lets all get together and show him some love and support do not hang him on the cross we dont know the full story and a person should be claimed innocent until proven guilty..isnt that the faith of our country...???He has been alone with me and our family on many occasions and never made a pass at us and we are a family of all females--I dont beleive a word of this....