NEW YORK
The Journal News
(Original publication: July 13, 2005)
Latest revelations from the Archdiocese of New York carry on, rather than clarify, hallmarks of the Catholic clergy abuse scandal: secret, dragged-out resolution efforts, leaving in their wake unresolved conflict, and due-process concerns for priests and the public alike.
Parishoners of several Westchester, Rockland or Putnam Catholic parishes know only a little more today than they did three years ago about why many of their priests were removed from duties due to sexual misconduct allegations involving minors.
Six from the archdiocese have been defrocked by the Vatican; a seventh priest was assigned to live out his life in prayer and penance, it was announced late last week.
While there have been some criminal cases of often decades-old clergy abuse adjudicated since the scandal broke nationally about five years ago, the public remains largely in the dark about allegations against individual priests and whether victims have been fairly treated.