UNITED STATES
Connecticut Post
When the nation's Roman Catholic bishops decided recently to extend their five-year policy of barring clergy found guilty of sexual abuse from church work, it was a welcome sign, years into the debacle, that the problem is finally being taken seriously.
On too many occasions, some church officials tried to downplay the seriousness of the allegations, or pretend that the clergy-abuse scandal was not as all-consuming as it has become.
In the worst cases, known abusers were transferred to new, unsuspecting districts, rather than being dealt with as the criminals they were. But with more than $1 billion going to settle abuse cases — a cost that is due to rise as more incidents come to light and go to trial — it is clear that the problem has crippled the church.
Any positive steps toward stopping clergy abuse and punishing abusers must be applauded.