WISCONSIN: Court Rules Against Catholic Archdiocese In Bankruptcy Case

In 2013 it was revealed that while the Archbishop of Milwaukee, now-Cardinal Timothy Dolan sought the Vatican's permission to move that money into a cemetery fund in order to shield assets from the victims of sexual abuse. The Archdiocese declared bankruptcy in 2011.

UPDATE: Here's the AP's report.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said Monday that the fund created by New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan when he was archbishop of Milwaukee is not covered by a federal law that protects religious organizations from government interference. Attorneys for clergy sexual abuse victims say Dolan created the fund to hide money from their clients. The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011. Hundreds of victims have since filed claims against the archdiocese. The appeals court's ruling reverses a judge's decision that had found that the cemetery fund couldn't be touched. The appeals court sent the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.

MN "Ex-Gay" Therapist Sentenced For Sexual Assaults On Male Clients

A Minnesota court has sentenced Pastor Ryan Jay Muehlhauser to jail for sexual assaults he made on male clients seeking "ex-gay" therapy. According to court documents, God's earthly representative told the victims that their sexual encounters were "blessings."

Muehlhauser, 55, of Cambridge, had been an Isanti County pastor serving the community for more than 20 years when he was charged in November 2012 with eight counts of felony, fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with two adult males seeking spiritual counsel. Muehlhauser pleaded guilty to two of those counts Feb. 28. Under the plea agreement, Muehlhauser will serve 160 days in Isanti County Jail, remain on supervised probation for 10 years and register as a predatory offender. The other six counts were dismissed. Under state sentencing guidelines, a prison sentence can’t be ordered for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The totally not-gay pastor worked for Outpost Ministries, who still has this message on their website:

Outpost Ministries exists to help the sexually and relationally broken find healing and restoration through relationship with Jesus Christ. Outpost was formed over 30 years ago to meet the needs of men and women making the decision to break away from gay life. We strive to deal with individuals as whole persons, not merely sexual beings. We offer teaching, encouragement and support to individuals, families and the Church. Outpost emphasizes obedience to God's Word, which begins the healing process. As we grow in our submission to Jesus Christ, we also grow in friendship with Him. It is in relationship with Jesus that we are healed and transformed.

At the sentencing, the judge said: "If the state sentencing guidelines allowed, I would send you straight to prison without the blink of an eye. Sir, you are a criminal, and these are sexual criminal acts you performed. And what’s most egregious about this, is these were young men struggling with their own sexuality and spirituality and you took advantage of both. I can’t think of a more egregious offense than that."