A Singapore High Court judge has dismissed a woman's claim that an alleged exorcism by Redemptorist priests caused her psychological trauma. UCAN reports that Justice Lee Seiu Kin, in a 59 page written judgment, accepted the accounts of the defendants' witnesses because they were "consistent" and has a "ring of truth," according to media.
In contrast, the witnesses of the plaintiff, Amutha Valli Krishnan, made "numerous" attempts to hide certain facts about her life. They also submitted dubious evidence, attempted to conceal evidence and contradicted their own evidence, Justice Lee was quoted as saying.
The case unfolded in the High Court over 32 days between October 2007 and July 2008.
The plaintiff recounted she had fainted at the Church of St Alphonsus, popularly called Novena Church, on August 10, 2004. Afterward, Redemptorist Fathers Simon Tan and Jacob Ong took her to a room where she was allegedly harassed, restrained, assaulted and even strangled by the two priests and six helpers.
The defendants, however, contended that Valli's family brought her to the church, claiming she was possessed, and asked for a priest to pray over her. She was then seen creeping on the ground like a snake and later marched like a soldier into a room, where the priests and six helpers prayed over her.
Media reported that Novena Church released a statement saying it was "extremely pleased with the judgment."
Lawyer Jimmy Yim, who acted for Father Ong, was also reported as saying the victory was the most delightful win of his career as the Church had the civil action hanging over it for more than four years.
Father John Bosco Pereira, a diocesan priest, told UCA News it's a "relief that the whole thing is over."
However, Madam Valli is apparently not giving up yet. "Let them rejoice. I'm not done yet," media reported her as saying.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce
(Source: CTHN)