BOSTON (MA)
CBS 4
(CBS4) BOSTON From now on, the federal government is going to keep closer tabs on the Boston archdiocese and its priests.
U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan has cut an unprecedented deal with the archdiocese. It requires extensive background information on priests who want to work as government chaplains and the government will keep an eye on the Archdiocese Child Protection Program.
In exchange, the archdiocese won't be held criminally responsible for not revealing sexual abuse allegations about a priest who was transferred to California in 1999.
Advocates for church sex abuse victims aren't happy.
"The U.S. attorney has cut a toothless deal," said Anne Barrett Boyle, of bishopaccountability.org. "He believes this agreement will result ultimately in greater protection for children than indictments would have. Sadly, evidence suggests he is wrong."