MISSOURI
News-Leader
Sexual misconduct.
It's both a painfully specific phrase and vague enough to leave lots of unanswered questions.
Monsignor Stephen Schneider, a Catholic priest who served the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau for 34 years, has been removed from his position after an investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct. The priest will not be prosecuted because his actions violated church policy but did not break the law, said Recy Moore, a spokeswoman for the diocese.
Bishop John Leibrecht's handling of this matter shows the Catholic Church has improved its handling of sexual abuse allegations in the wake of the nationwide scandals that have wounded the church.
They have made it as easy as possible for abuse victims to come forward. The promise of anonymity is an important part of that.