"According to Alden, the men's genitals were manipulated to induce pain while they prayed. He could not be reached for comment Sunday. ... Laird said his client could not talk about the rituals, citing an oath of confidentiality concerning prayer and confession. ... The activities were not sexual, and were tied to a legitimate practice of penance and redemptive suffering, Laird said. Several people testified they found the prayers spiritual -- not sexual -- in nature. ... ''There are certain things that happen which are not sexual but could be interpreted that way,'' Laird said. ... "
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