BishopAccountability.org
	Our Viewpoint: Pope Should Address Clergy-Sex-Abuse Scandal Portland Archdiocese Reaches out after Abuse Claims Statesman Journal April 15, 2008 http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/OPINION/804150312/1048 Pope Benedict XVI is welcome as he arrives in the United States today. His theme — hope — is a good one in these times of war and economic anxiety. But one topic strangely is missing from his announced programs in Washington, D.C., and New York City: the clergy-sex-abuse scandal that has shaken the U.S. Catholic Church in recent years. Here in the Mid-Valley, this subject has touched many lives. The Portland archdiocese, covering most of Western Oregon, has gone through complicated bankruptcy proceedings because of the high cost of sex-abuse claims. Local lawyers took on victims' cases; local church members worried that parish schools might be sold. Benedict's first U.S. visit as pope is the right time to speak out against the crimes committed against children during several decades. It's the right time to tell the world that the church never again will condone such offenses by quietly transferring the perpetrators, as was done for years, instead of bringing them to justice. It's the time to acknowledge dioceses such as Portland, which have responded by educating clergy, lay volunteers, parents and children about preventing sexual abuse. Most of all, it is the time to meet with victims of clergy sexual abuse and ask their forgiveness. The Roman Catholic Church has been the focus of much of the stepped-up attention on sexual-abuse cases involving adults and the children in their care. However, many other religious, educational and youth organizations have been troubled as well by complaints that leaders abused children. In response to such lawsuits, these organizations have changed their own operations — for instance, making sure that adult leaders never are alone with a child, and requiring background checks of all adults who work with children. Against that backdrop, it seems that Benedict could serve Roman Catholics and non-Catholics alike by delivering a strong message about child abuse and child protection. The subject touches on one of the darkest, most broken parts of human nature. But if the spiritual leader of one of humanity's largest religions can share guidance and even hope on this subject, the United States is ready to listen.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.