Kirchenakte Documented events from judgments, reports and church documents
1979-2004 · 25 years · show in timeline

Canada 2004: The Supreme Court holds the Diocese of St. George's liable for the assaults of the priest Kevin Bennett; two bishops had failed to act, 36 plaintiffs

The priest Kevin Bennett sexually assaulted boys in his parishes in Newfoundland for almost two decades. Two successive bishops did nothing. In 1979 a victim told the Archbishop of St. John's, who referred the complaint to Bennett's bishop, but again nothing was done. 36 plaintiffs went to court. On 25 March 2004 the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed the direct liability of the diocese and also held it liable for Bennett's acts.

Period
1979-2004 (25 years)
Report published
25 March 2004
Country
Canada
Institutions
Diocese of St. George's
Archdiocese of St. John's
Category
Sexual abuse, Cover-up
Level of evidence
A Primary source · what does this mean?
Persons
Kevin Bennett (Catholic priest in Newfoundland)

What happened to the people

Who was affected? Victims and numbers

  1. Over almost two decades Father Kevin Bennett sexually assaulted boys in his parishes in Newfoundland. According to the court, the 36 plaintiffs, now adults, suffered greatly and remain deeply wounded.
    Evidence: Supreme Court of Canada, Rn. 1
    „The unnamed plaintiffs, 36 in number, suffered greatly as a consequence of the abuse.“
    John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, Rn. 1. Original

How were they charged and sentenced?

  1. The Court confirmed the diocese's direct liability for its bishops' failure to properly direct and discipline Bennett. The action against the Roman Catholic Church as such had already been dismissed in the lower courts. The diocese is also vicariously liable for Bennett's acts. The appeal and cross-appeal were dismissed.
    Evidence: Supreme Court of Canada, Leitsatz
    „The appeal and cross-appeal should be dismissed.“
    John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, Leitsatz. Original
    Evidence: Supreme Court of Canada, Leitsatz
    „The Court of Appeal upheld the dismissal of the action against the Church.“
    John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, Leitsatz. Original
    Evidence: Supreme Court of Canada, Leitsatz
    „The appellant is also vicariously liable for the wrongs done to the plaintiff-respondents“
    John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, Leitsatz. Original

Background

Response of the Church

  1. Two successive bishops failed to take steps to stop the abuse. In 1979 a victim revealed the abuse to the Archbishop of neighbouring St. John's. He referred the complaint to Bennett's bishop, but again nothing was done.
    Evidence: Supreme Court of Canada, Rn. 1
    „Two successive bishops failed to take steps to stop the abuse.“
    John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, Rn. 1. Original
    Evidence: Supreme Court of Canada, Rn. 1
    „He referred the complaint to Bennett’s Bishop but again nothing was done.“
    John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, Rn. 1. Original

See also

Original documents to read

  1. Judgment
    Supreme Court of Canada: John Doe v. Bennett, 2004 SCC 17, [2004] 1 S.C.R. 436, 25 March 2004. Original (retrieved 31 Oct 2026)
Change log (1)

The change log is kept in German only.

  • : Aufgenommen

Last changed on 31 October 2026. Is something missing or wrong? Suggest an addition or correction.