CHURCH HOT-LINE FUROR

Parishioners calling a new Brooklyn Diocese hot-line to report pervert priests will now talk to a lawyer instead of a well-regarded therapist who once took such calls.  Abuse victims are accusing the diocese of intimidation with false promises of help.  The hot line was established August 6 by the diocese's new bishop, Nicholas DiMarzio, who set up a similar attorney-run victims' line that sparked controversy in Camden, New Jersey, two years ago.  In the New Jersey case, callers were routed to a law office, angering survivors who called the process intimidating, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

(New York)