Egan Defends Handling of Priest Sex-Abuse Cases, by John Slattery, WCBS, October 25, 2006

Egan Defends Handling of Priest Sex-Abuse Cases

By John Slattery
WCBS
October 25, 2006

http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_289183130.html

(CBS) New York In a letter sent to the priests of New York, Cardinal Edward M. Egan appears to blame the recent anonymous criticism of his leadership on dissatisfaction with his handling of sex-abuse cases involving priests.

Cardinal Egan sent a strongly worded letter to his priests addressing an anonymous letter of two weeks ago which called for a vote of no confidence in the cardinal.

In the Oct. 20 letter, Egan wrote that stories "told by priests who have been found guilty of sexually abusing minors" were related to the anonymous letter that attacked Egan's leadership.

Cardinal Edward Egan Photo by The AP

Egan wrote: "At the core of the letter ... are stories that are being told by priests who have been found guilty of sexually abusing minors after thorough treatment of their cases according to well-established Archdiocesan procedures. ... We cannot be left open to all manner of lies, leading to all manner of scandal and damage to the Archdiocese and the Archbishop from people who refuse to take responsibility for their actions."

Outside Blessed Sacrament Church on West 71st Street in Manhattan, Ida Demesa, who was attending the 12:10 p.m. Mass said, "I think the cardinal has a right to defend himself, especially if he thinks he's right."

Egan Fires Back a Letter of his Own

The anonymous letter circulated to the clergy, signed "Committee of Concerned Clergy," first published on a Catholic blog called Whispers in the Loggia, said, "The Cardinal's relations with the priests of New York have been defined by dishonesty, deception, disinterest and disregard."

Last week, Egan met with some 30 top advisors who issued a statement supporting the cardinal.

Now, the Cardinal appears to lay blame for the criticism of his leadership on dissatisfaction with his handling of sexual abuse cases involving priests.

Is the cardinal being unfairly attacked or is he aloof and cavalier, as the anonymous letter charged? Lilian Guay, a Catholic on the West Side said, "I think it's weird, very weird, and I'm not paying any attention because I don't know what to believe."

The cardinal said he would be amending his regular schedule at the beginning of next year, to visit with priests in each of the 19 districts of the sprawling archdiocese.

Like all bishops, the cardinal must submit a letter of resignation when he turns 75, which the Pope can accept or defer. Egan turns 75 on April 2, 2007.