NEWARK (NJ)
Renew America
Matt C. Abbott
June 22, 2005
I received the following e-mail, dated June 22, 2005, from the Rev. Robert M. Hoatson of the Archdiocese of Newark (slightly edited):
For the past year, I have been acting as pastoral advocate for Michael Iatesta, sexual abuse victim/survivor of Rev. Gerald Ruane, a fellow priest of the Archdiocese of Newark. [See http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/abbott/050609] When I first met Michael, he was beginning to deal in a more substantive way with the horrific effects of his abuse. His recent 'public' statement about his abuse was a necessary step in his healing. While he is stronger in many ways, he continues to suffer terribly.
I was greatly disappointed to read the statement of Mr. James Goodness, communications director for the Archdiocese of Newark, who added to Mr. Iatesta's stress and trauma by apologizing for the actions of Father Ruane. He referred to Father Ruane's recent violations of his 2002 removal as 'mistakes of judgment.'
[See http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/abbott/050622]
What I want to know is: What part of 'You can never, ever present yourself as a priest anywhere, anytime' did Father Ruane not get? And, if he claims 'ignorance' about the conditions of his 'removal' in 2002, the Archdiocese of Newark needs to make his case transparently public so we, the public, can hold him to the terms of his removal.