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Religion See other Religion Articles Title: Diocese gave 'green light' for abuse, prosecutor says Diocese gave 'green light' for abuse, prosecutor says Associated Press HAYWARD, Calif. - Diocese officials in Northern California nurtured a policy of secrecy, negligence and disregard for children's safety that led to the sexual abuse of two altar boys more than 20 years ago, an attorney argued. In opening statements in a civil trial that could influence similar cases across the state, plaintiff's attorney Rick Simons told jurors Monday that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland gave the Rev. Robert Ponciroli a "green light" to sexually molest and abuse children. "This was not an isolated incident," Simons said. "We will ask for a verdict that imposes full responsibility on the defendant ... recognizing that this was not an accident, but a policy of knowing disregard." The case involves two former altar boys who sued the Oakland diocese in one of numerous lawsuits in Northern California that brought under a state law passed in 2002. The law rolled back the statute of limitations, allowing alleged victims to file claims against the church by Dec. 31, 2003. Similar consolidated lawsuits are pending in Los Angeles and San Diego. Bob and Tom Thatcher's case is the first seeking punitive damages that could substantially raise the amount that cash-strapped dioceses must pay victims in other cases. The brothers, now ages 34 and 33, respectively, claim they were fondled by Ponciroli when he was pastor at St. Ignatius parish in 1980. They were 8 and 10 years old at the time of the alleged incident. The Oakland diocese, which includes more than 80 parishes in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, does not deny the abuse occurred. Diocese attorney Allen Ruby told jurors the diocese has formally apologized to sex abuse victims and parishioners and that the last allegations of clergy abuse were more than 15 years ago. In recent years, the diocese also has implemented policies and training programs to protect children. "The central question is whether and to what extent these measures reflect real and enduring change, and whether an award to Bob Thatcher - above and beyond what is needed to compensate him for his injury - is necessary and right," Ruby said. During his opening statement, Simons said that memos written in 1975 by Bishop Floyd Begin showed that the diocese knew of complaints that Ponciroli had molested altar boys years before he was chosen to head St. Ignatius in 1979 and allegedly molested the Thatcher brothers.
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