BishopAccountability.org
	Defrocked, Suspended Catholic Priests Involved in Child Sex Abuse Survive Tirade AHN November 2, 2008 http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012882573 Quincy, MA (AHN) - Most Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Boston who were either defrocked, suspended, restricted or ordered to go on administrative leave due to alleged involvement in child sex abuse survive their ordeals, carry on quietly and continue to live comfortable lives. The Massachusetts-based Patriot Ledger reported that most of these former and suspended priests are not monitored by the church leadership and are even allowed to fuse into mainstream society, according to the Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests or SNAP. SNAP said that these priests have little diocesan oversight and behave "as if they have done nothing wrong." The Archdiocese of Boston, however, denied the allegation saying that church officials stay in touch with suspended priests and continues to conduct criminal background checks including keeping tab civil authorities to ensure safe environments in its churches and schools. However, there is no stopping a priest stripped of his authority from taking a job outside the church. Once the sex abuse is made public, suspected priests go through their shameful ordeal in ending their sacred profession. Some priests are probably still in denial, said Boston College psychology professor Joseph Tecce. He added that a priest who has this kind of attitude is an even greater temptation especially those who still have loyal supporters. Weymouth lawyer Carmen Durso, who handled clergy sex abuse cases, said priests who've been removed from parish work often stay in touch with supporters, who may view their former pastors as the victims of a witch hunt, rather than accused or admitted abusers. Tecce believes that a large number of priests involved in sex scandals are feeling guilty and depressed. They are motivated by the emotional mechanism of "undoing", atoning for what they did through good deeds such as volunteer work for the poor. The Boston Archdiocese has removed hundreds of priests from public ministry as part of its new zero-tolerance policy toward child molesters. The clergy sex abuse scandal reached its height in 2002. Priests listed as restricted or on administrative leave maintain their salaries and benefits, while those defrocked lose formal ties and are no longer under church supervision. They are barred from the clerical state and prohibited from performing the sacraments and all ministerial functions.
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