A witness in the Philadelphia priest-abuse trial says a priest stalked and undressed him at his Catholic high school before a knock on the door saved him.

The 36-year-old man is the first accuser called to testify in the landmark trial of Monsignor William Lynn. Lynn, the former secretary for clergy, is charged with endangering children by helping the church hide abuse complaints.

After nine years and two grand jury reports, prosecutors have brought a landmark case to trial that explores how the Archdiocese of Philadelphia dealt with child sex-abuse complaints against scores of Roman Catholic priests. More >

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia protected sexual predators in its ranks for more than 70 years, putting the church’s reputation over the safety of children, a prosecutor said Monday at the start of a landmark priest abuse case that’s shaken the Roman Catholic establishment. The church kept secret files dating back to 1948 that show a long-standing conspiracy to doubt sex abuse victims, protect priests and avoid scandal, Assistant District Attorney Jacqueline Coelho said in opening statements.

Coelho called the case “a battle between right and wrong within the archdiocese and the office of secretary for clergy.”

A Roman Catholic church official facing a child sex-abuse trial in Philadelphia Monday wants a new jury seated because of publicity over a co-defendant’s guilty plea. More >

A Philadelphia child is dead and his parents in custody, charged with beating and starving the boy to death. More >

Ray Lewis, the retired Philadelphia police captain who became a hero to the Occupy Wall Street movement, will not face legal consequences for wearing his old uniform at protests, a Police Department spokesman said Monday.

“He will not be arrested,” said Lt. Raymond Evers, spokesman for Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. “He’s exercising his First Amendment rights, and we’re fine with that,” Evers said.

The union representing journalists at Philadelphia’s two largest newspapers says it might challenge the latest round of newsroom layoffs. Philadelphia Media Network plans to cut 45 positions at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and Philly.com this month.

The cuts come as hedge-fund owners seek to sell the company after 18 months. Twenty-one unionized staffers are taking buyouts, and 19 more will be laid off. The company is also cutting five non-union employees.