Recent Media Coverage of
Opus Bono Sacerdotii

“When people wish to destroy religion, they begin by attacking the priest, because where there is no longer any priest there is no sacrifice, and where there is no longer any sacrifice there is no religion.” 

St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests

• Mercy Toward Our Fathers
  Sr. Camille DArienzo August 18, 2008
  Maher argued that a large number of accused priests are innocent and that, abandoned by bishops and laity, they are denied the resources to clear their names. He spoke also of the need to give culpable priests opportunities to reform and return to active ministry. And he said that many victims who claim abuse are merely seeking financial gain, and argued against the suspension of statutes of limitation in cases of sexual molestation.
  
• Helping Accused Priests Is His Calling
  Sue Ellin Browder, National Catholic Register July 15, 2007
  Worldwide, how many priests have been removed from ministry? More than 5,000. The problem, as I see it, is this: A priest is typically removed because he cannot disprove an allegation.
  
• He inspires fear in the church, hope for victims
  KEVIN HARTER, Pioneer Press January 28, 2007
  "Jeff Anderson is not interested in reforming the church, but in the huge cash settlements he will receive," said Joe Maher, founder of the Detroit-based Opus Bono Sacerdotii (which means "work for the good of the priesthood"), an organization that gives legal and financial support to clergy accused of abuse. Maher uses words like "unscrupulous" to describe lawyers such as Anderson who take on the church. They "prey upon people with emotional disorders or unbalanced lives" with promises of huge payoffs, he said. "Jeff Anderson has developed a money-making machine."
  
• Accused Priest Hits Back With Lawsuit
  Sue Ellin Browder, National Register Correspondent January 14, 2007
  Are false accusations on the increase? Joseph Maher, president of Opus Bono Sacerdotti, a Detroit-based organization that works to help accused priests, believes they are. “In this past year in particular, we’re seeing a lot of accusations that are blatantly false,” Maher said. Maher advises priests that “if it really is a false allegation, scream it from the rooftops and never stop saying it.”
  
• More priests likely to sue
  Manya A. Brachear, Chicago Tribune staff reporter December 03, 2006
  "The priests feel they are getting no hearing, no real defense, or real opportunity to defend themselves in the church," said Joseph Maher, president of Opus Bono Sacerdotii. They actually feel they are treated more justly and fairly in the civil realm than they are in the church realm," he said. Maher said the decision of whether to sue is difficult for any priest. While he advises priests to avoid lawsuits, he understands why some go that route. "Virtually every priest who has been falsely accused, who can profess his innocence, has agonized over this," Maher said. "Were not talking about somebody whos gone through a divorce. When a priest is accused, its over. His entire life is gone absolutely in totality. Theres nothing to compare to it."
  
• Children of the Church
  Bernice Yeung, Legal Affairs Magazine October 02, 2006
  "The entire Code of Canon Law, the entire theology, is based on mans redemption," explained Joseph Maher, the president and co-founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii, an organization that represents priests in trouble. "The church looks at canon law in terms of helping the priest to increase his desire to grow in Holiness and thus be saved and enter Heaven."
  
• Accused, charged, exonerated – Ousted priest wages two-year battle to clear name, return to ministry
  Gail Besse, National Catholic Register May 07, 2006
  There is one Detroit-based lay advocacy group for priests, Opus Bono Sacerdotii (Work for the Good of the Priesthood), which gives referrals and moral and spiritual support. And the Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, based in Marysville, Pa., helps diocesan priests with fellowship and formation. Father John Trigilio, its president, warned against a “miscarriage of justice” by “over-reacting to the clergy sex scandals by denying priests their natural right to due process, legal defense and the presumption of innocence.”
  
• NFPC "This Week" October 2005
  Fr. Bob Silva, National Federation of Priests Councils November 07, 2005
  Recently you received a request for donations from Opus Bono Sacerdotii so that they could continue their work in support of priests needing legal services. Here are some statistics you may be interested in:
  
• Priest advocate cites moral obligation
  By PATRICK M. OCONNELL, Tribune Staff Writer October 29, 2005
  Maher, who says his organization has aided about 2,000 priests since the group began in April 2002, calls the work "a calling from Christ. My heart goes out to these guys," Maher said about priests accused of misconduct who have been banished from public ministry.
  
• Questions answered about LeBrun letter
  WNDU October 29, 2005
  Parishioners got the letter, asking for donations to help pay for Father Paul LeBruns legal defense. Opus Bono wants to raise more than $100,000 for LeBrun. The organizations sole purpose is to help priests accused of sexual misconduct. Supporters of LeBrun contacted the organization about a month ago asking for help.
  
• Letter seeks aid for accused priest
  Gwenn OBrien and Patrick M. OConnel, The South Bend Tribune October 28, 2005
  Maher includes in the letter what appears to be a note from LeBrun himself, who maintains his innocence. LeBrun has not publicly responded to the charges. The note says:"I do not believe that God has placed me in a situation wherein my only option is to lie. For me to accept a plea bargain I must lie. I choose instead to try to prove the truth in court. If I fail at trial I go to prison forever.
  
• Bishop says unauthorized group raising money for Arizona priest
  Associated Press October 28, 2005
  "Although I make no statements as to Father LeBruns innocence or guilt, I do know that everyone is entitled to a competent defense and the fact that he is a Catholic priest with no personal financial resources makes it very difficult for him," Maher said.
  
• Catholic parishioners asked to support LeBrun defense
  Judi Lykowski, NewsCenter16 Reporter October 27, 2005
  The letter is from Joseph Mayor, the president of a Detroit organization called Opus Bono Sacerdotii. It is a group trying to raise more than $100,000 in defense money for Father LeBrun.
  
• Blind Eye Unto the Holy See
  An SF Weekly Investigation by Ron Russell July 13, 2005
  Jenkins says that he and others of the six-member panel were especially disturbed by reports that a "support group" for priests accused of sex abuse had held meetings at the residence. (The founder of one such group, Detroit-based Opus Bono Sacerdotii, confirmed recently that Ingels is an "adviser" to it. "Father Ingels may be the best canon lawyer in the United States, and were grateful to have him," said Joe Maher. "Hes an excellent priest, a very holy man, and hes a great help to us.")
  
• Opus Bono Sacerdotii
  Vicars of Clergy Newsletter, a joint publication of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and St. Luke Institute July 01, 2005
  Each day I climbed into my tomb, rolled the stone in front of it, and got lost in my addiction. I have often said that this experience is the best worst thing that has ever happened to me. I certainly would not wish it on my worst enemy, but it saved my relationship with God and others. With family and friends immediately reaching out to me, I was directed to a treatment program. At nearly the same time, I was introduced to Joe Maher of Opus Bono Sacerdotii. These two programs, as well as my family and friends, saved my life at a time when I was feeling very alone.
  
• Work for the Good of the Priesthood
  Joe Maher, Touchstone Magazine April 14, 2005
  It is said that once you have set out to do good and in particular to do good for God, expect the unexpected––or, even more poignant, as one friend quipped “prepare for the ride of your life!” Ride is probably a good way to describe the emotional roller coaster of helping priests accused of sexual abuse especially when one has the rather dubious distinction of rallying support for even the most notorious of so-called predator priests.
  
• Sex-abuse victims group protests Law's role
  By GARY STERN, THE JOURNAL NEWS, April 12, 2005 April 12, 2005
  Joe Maher, the founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii, a lay group that defends the rights of priests accused of sexual misconduct, said in a statement from Detroit that John Paul believed Law was sincere in his remorse. "Cardinal Law, the repented sinner who has amended his life and has been forgiven, like Christs Prodigal Son, has every right to the same human dignity and freedoms of all," Maher said.
  
• Former Boston archbishop Law draws protests during Rome mass
  BY STEVE KLOEHN, Chicago Tribune April 12, 2005
  A Detroit-based activist for priests rights, meanwhile, defended Laws appearance, calling him a "repented sinner who has amended his life." "Since John Paul II believed that Cardinal Law was sincere in his remorse and repented for any wrongdoing or any harm he may have caused to others, there is no reason why the cardinal cant celebrate mass," Joe Maher of the group Opus Bono Sacerdotii wrote in a news release e-mailed to reporters.
  
• 2 Americans protest role of Boston cardinal in Mass for John Paul
  By Patricia Montemurri, Knight Ridder Newspapers April 11, 2005
  Joe Maher, a Detroit-area businessman who founded a support group for accused priests called Opus Bono Sacerdotii, said Monday that Law had apologized more than two years ago for his actions and should be forgiven. Maher noted that Law, the only American to lead one of the nine mourning Masses offered in the popes memory, was given the role in his capacity as archpriest of St. Mary Major, not to single him out for favor.
  
• He was true shepherd
  Detroit News April 05, 2005
  The Holy Father had a choice. Pope John Paul II knew that the church hierarchy and much of the operations of the church needed to be improved, and that the people of the world needed a shepherd. He chose to be a shepherd.
  
• Tending to Wayward Shepherds
  Sarah Childress, Newsweek April 04, 2005
  Joe Maher never knows what to expect when he picks up the phone. Sometimes theres a trembling pause before a priest, choking back tears, tells him a disturbingly familiar tale: an accusation of sexual abuse, exile from his community. Other times, theres a caller screaming obscenities, furious that Maher would even speak to these "sinners." A mild-mannered, devout Roman Catholic, Maher is the founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii—Latin for "Work for the Good of the Priesthood"—the only lay advocacy group for priests accused of sexual misconduct. Some of the priests seeking help are likely innocent, others are not. But Maher believes in supporting them all. "Priests are out there destitute, abandoned and desperate," he says. "And they need help."
  
• After Norms, Debate Rages
  by WAYNE LAUGESEN, National Catholic Register Correspondent March 13, 2005
  “The whole concept of zero tolerance is inappropriate,” says Maher, who founded Opus Bono Sacerdotii, a Detroit-based organization devoted to defending priests. “The Church is founded on conversion and redemption of the sinner. We’re always taught ‘love the sinner but hate the sin.’ We’re taught that conversion is the foundation and mission of the Church. Thus, redemption is the whole goal so we can get to heaven, and zero tolerance is completely contrary to Catholic teaching and Scripture.
  
• Accused priest suing Hughes for defamation
  The Times-Picayune, By Bruce Nolan, Staff writer February 11, 2005
  "Priests feel completely abandoned by their bishops -- thrown to the wolves, so to speak," said Joe Maher, a Detroit businessman who founded an organization that supports Catholic priests taken out of the ministry. Whatever its merits, the process has left thousands of priests "disheartened," said Maher, who runs the priest advocacy group. Maher said he talks to a dozen priests and fields a hundred e-mails from priests every day. His group, with 12 full-time volunteers who are suspended priests, puts accused priests in touch with lawyers, sends some a little financial support and offers them moral and spiritual support. "Actually, we advise them against suing the bishop," he said. "I dont think it helps a priests reputation anymore, and it certainly doesnt help the lay faithful when they see priests suing bishops. "But I completely understand when a priest goes that route. They feel like theres nothing left to do."
  
• COMPASSION FOR CLERGY SENTENCED BEFORE THEY WERE TRIED
  Fr. Lawrence M. Ventline December 13, 2004
  What a heart! Compassionate describes former CEO Joseph Maher of www.opusbono.org. Sitting at a meeting where he recently addressed concerned parishioners, I felt some relief from this radiant family man who has gone to bat for clergy who have been sentenced to "limbo" before theyve been tried in the sexual abuse fiasco confronting the church I love. Someone really cares, I thought. Unbelievable. Incredible that a companion on the journey takes seriously the compassion Christ shows. Maher, president and founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii, for the good of the priesthood, goes beyond pigeon-holing labels of conservative, liberal, moderate, Republican, Democrat. He moves right into the heart of the Gospel with mercy and compassion for clergy. Love is served up here in this man who loves the priesthood and goes the distance to support and encourage those who are in trouble. "Im not here to judge them" he is quick to say, even as he asks for the priests blessing, as he did with me one Sunday afternoon as we talked on the phone about his mission, before he packed for Rome for the beatification of Calcuttas Mother Teresa.
  
• Priest's removal re-opens wounds in Greenville
  By Cheryl Sherry, Post-Crescent staff writer December 05, 2004
  Joe Maher, founder of Opus Bono Sacerdotii (Latin for Work for the Good of the Priesthood). A priest is guilty until proven guiltier, Maher said. And it doesnt matter if it is a false accusation or if there was some kind of inappropriate behavior. The bishops want the priests to go away because of the issue of liability.
  
• As bishops meet, storm is gathering for Catholics
  BY DAVID CRUMM, FREE PRESS RELIGION WRITER November 15, 2004
  Joe Maher, the Detroiter who heads a national support group for accused priests, said last week, "I anticipate the bishops will try to gracefully rescind their zero-tolerance policy." Maher said the church must protect children and must not tolerate abusive behavior, but priests who were suspended for accusations of misbehavior decades ago should be given a chance to return to work.
  
• Trust and Confidence
  Joe Maher, President, Opus Bono Sacerdotii, America Magazine November 15, 2004
  In a recent issue of America, Archbishop Harry Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis reviewed the accomplishments of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (10/18). While there is much to praise in his article, I would respectfully but emphatically disagree with two arguments he made. Archbishop Flynn states: To keep children safe and to restore trust and confidence, it became necessary to remove all offenders. The charters one-size-fits-all approach makes no distinction between rape and a kiss or an inappropriate touching over the clothes. It makes no distinction between a serial predator and one-time offender. It makes no distinction between an offense committed yesterday and one committed 40 years ago. This makes no sense and is unjust. It panders to those who thirst for vengeance. The church cannot yield to vengeance. To do so is to betray the Gospel.
  
• Falsely Accused: In Today’s Climate, Can a Priest Clear His Name?
  National Catholic Register August 14, 2004
  Some priests who have been accused of sexual abuse are in a legal limbo, waiting to know if they will be cleared and allowed to return to ministry or dismissed from the clerical state altogether. A new organization has sprung up to help them. Cardinal Avery Dulles, a theological adviser to Opus Bono Sacerdotii, said bishops should give accused priests the right of self-defense and, if exonerated, return them to ministry.
  
• Catholics try to clear backlog of priest cases
  Detroit Free Press August 12, 2004
  In Detroit, Joe Maher, the head of a support group for accused priests called Opus Bono Sacerdotii, raised the new effort in southeast Michigan. " Detroit is actually trying to get these cases taken care of in an expeditious manner, to their credit, so people arent left hanging."
  
• Falsely Accused: In Today's Climate, Can a Priest Clear His Name?
  National Catholic Register July 14, 2004
  Some priests who have been accused of sexual abuse are in a legal limbo, waiting to know if they will be cleared and allowed to return to ministry or dismissed from the clerical state altogether. A new organization has sprung up to help them. Cardinal Avery Dulles, a theological adviser to Opus Bono Sacerdotii, said bishops should give accused priests the right of self-defense and, if exonerated, return them to ministry.
  
• The Other Side of the Scandal
  By Ginger Berlin May 03, 2004
  I interviewed Joe Maher, founder and President of Opus Bono Sacerdotii, (work for the good of the priesthood). Opus Bono Sacerdotii -a non-profit organization works within authentic Church teaching and the Holy Father that supports accused Priests by offering legal representation, housing, food, transportation and bodyguards. Part of the problem Maher stated is, Bishops in America have become corporate CEOs who have lost the meaning of their ordination . it has become a career . absent of the charity and discipline of the gospel.
  
• Catholic leaders call sex abuse report disturbing
  Detroit Free Press February 28, 2004
  Clergy Defended: Joe Maher, a Redford Township businessman who runs a support group for accused priests, went further, arguing that priests are suffering unfairly. The statistical summaries are meaningless, he said. "These are allegations. They are unproven. These are not victims. These are alleged victims." Maher, whose group helps accused priests through civil and criminal proceedings, said the numbers do serve one group: attorneys who capitalize on settlements like the $85 million recently distributed to victims in the Archdiocese of Boston. "Ill put it point-blank: Some greedy lawyers are making millions out of this issue," Maher said. "They know the church wont fight back, so theyre having a field day."
  
• Accuser: Priest's return a mistake
  Detroit Free Press February 27, 2004
  Bjorklund could not be reached for comment. Joe Maher, a Redford businessman who runs a support group for priests, said Bjorklund has denied Jaruzels claims. Maher applauded the decision to reinstate the priest. "Its not a loophole. Its law. This is church law. And Rome is going to follow church law," Maher said. " I hope that this reinstates a bunch of priests that have been accused."
  
• Accuser: Priest's return a mistake
  Detroit Free Press February 27, 2004
  Bjorklund could not be reached for comment. Joe Maher, a Redford businessman who runs a support group for priests, said Bjorklund has denied Jaruzels claims. Maher applauded the decision to reinstate the priest. "Its not a loophole. Its law. This is church law. And Rome is going to follow church law," Maher said. " I hope that this reinstates a bunch of priests that have been accused."
  
• Detroit priest accused of sex abuse is allowed to return
  Detroit Free Press February 24, 2004
  Joe Maher, a Redford Township businessman who founded a legal support group for accused priests, said Bjorklund had maintained his innocence. i talked to him a couple of weeks ago, and he was praying saying his private mass that this would be over soon, the nightmare over, maher said. vaticans decision, said, reflected basic common sense law in 30-year-old case.
  
• In the Aftermath of the Scandal
  Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, First Things Magazine February 16, 2004
  The Dallas provisions are provisional, and Rome is said to be keeping a close eye on how they are implemented, but to date there are no reports of direct interventions to right wrongs. A number of groups have sprung up to help priests who may be subject to unfair treatment, including Opus Bono Sacerdotii, a group of lawyers for which Avery Cardinal Dulles and I have agreed to serve as theological advisors.
  
• Priest sues man who accused him of abuse
  By Abbott Koloff, Daily Record February 15, 2004
  "The priest is seen as an aggressor instead of an institution of mercy and compassion," said Joe Maher, who runs a group called Opus Bono Sacerdotii (Latin for Work for the Good of the Priesthood), which helps priests accused of abuse, sometimes paying for civil attorneys. "But so many of these priests feel victimized. They feel the only way to get back their good name is to sue the accusers. . We advise them that litigation is a last resort."
  
• Maida believes 63 clerics hurt kids
  BY DAVID CRUMM AND JIM SCHAEFER FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS February 06, 2004
  In sharp contrast, Joe Maher of Redford Township, who cofounded a support group for accused priests, said the reports are creating new victims: priests. Maher took issue with a claim made Thursday by Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Walter Hurley, Maidas point man in the crisis. As he helped Maida present the report, Hurley said that he believes the accusations brought against the 63 clerics in the report. Maher said, "Everyone should remember that these are accusations, and these are alleged victims. . . . Some of these priests are very fine priests. Their reputations are being ruined." Maher said he has asked bishops to end such reporting. "Imagine if youre a priest and you have to prove that something didnt happen," he said. "These priests are really at the mercy of public opinion."
  
• Mother Superior Court
  BY KENDRICK BLACKWOOD October 16, 2003
  Its just that attitude that infuriates Joe Maher, a Michigan man who founded a support group for Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse. "[Jeffrey Anderson] really started putting this whole process together," Maher says, charging Anderson and other lawyers with capitalizing on a church that is back on its heels. "They found a way to exploit the Catholic Church and these scandals to drum up a whole lot of business.... They come up with allegation after allegation. They are very good at this." When so many cases are filed, he says, they become too expensive for the church to investigate and defend. Often, the church chooses to settle. "If they can bring enough cases against the church, the church will settle," he says. "The church will not fight these things. That is a fact."
  

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