Former Kamloops teacher awarded $840,000 for sexual abuse by priest

A victim of sexual abuse by a priest in the Diocese of Kamloops in the 1970s has been awarded more than $840,000 in damages by a B.C. Supreme Court judge.

The civil case involves a former elementary school teacher who alleged Father Erlindo Molon, who had been serving at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Kamloops, sexually assaulted her in the 1970s after she had come to him seeking counselling after the death of her father.

Aug. 25, Justice David Crossin ruled there is “no doubt” Molon “caused psychological harm” to the plaintiff, Rosemary Anderson.

Vancouver Archbishop Emeritus Adam Exner was Bishop of Kamloops from 1974 to 1982. In court documents, the retired bishop said he discussed with the plaintiff her relationship with Molon but was unaware it involved sexual assault. He did acknowledge Molon was known to be a “playboy” and that Molon was told to leave the diocese in 1977 and return to his home diocese of Palo in the Philippines.

The judge ruled that Archbishop Exner, now 90 years old, was “candid about his failings and expressed regret that he did not act to prevent the plaintiff’s abuse,” but “his failure to act fell egregiously short of the standard of care required of a person in his position of trust and authority.”

Molon is living in a long-term care facility and did not participate in the trial, reportedly because he is incapable of managing his affairs.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Kamloops was not available for comment.

To report abuse by a priest or lay person in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, visit www.rcav.org/reporting.