BishopAccountability.org
	Abuse Cases Must Be Dealt with Openly Times Call April 22, 2010 http://www.timescall.com/editorial/editorial.asp?ID=21792 For most churchgoing Americans, nothing shakes faith more than indiscretions of the clergyman or clergywoman heading the local church. Many know that faith is much more than what is proclaimed by the pastor or priest on Sunday morning. But for many others, a disconnect between what is preached and what is practiced can derail a trust relationship between more than just individuals. An entire institution might be abandoned in situations such as those that have rocked churches over the past couple of decades. This is particularly true in matters of sexual abuse of minors or those in vulnerable places in their lives. It explains why so many God-fearing, churchgoing Americans, Europeans, Central Americans and others have reacted with disbelief when allegations against the clergy have been raised. While clergy abuse of children and vulnerable adults happens in virtually every denomination, the Catholic Church has been particularly challenged. The allegations have shaken churches across the world and have reached as high as the pope himself, who earlier in his career may not have responded strongly enough to such allegations. No true or complete accounting of the problems exists, often because abuse allegations are quietly dealt with to avoid scandal and embarrassment. But what is known is that the Catholic Church has paid out a half-billion dollars to $1 billion in damages as a result of the actions of thousands of perpetrators who damaged the lives of thousands more victims. And the clergy may not be the occupation with the worst abuses. More instances of abusive behavior can be found among mental health professionals than among clergy, according to one source. But it is within the church where impacts are most widespread and deeply felt. For years, clergy accused of abuse were quietly moved to other parishes, where abuses continued. Years later, victims were unable to seek redress as legal strategies were used to prevent the release of records. In the most recent case in Colorado, a priest was removed from duties after allegations from 35 years ago came to light. Criminal charges will not likely result in this case because of the statute of limitations. Churches have improved their response to these situations in recent years. The stated procedure for the Catholic Church, as well as many protestant churches, is to remove the alleged offender from duties, to conduct internal investigations, to remove clerical titles and positions as necessary and to refer criminal behavior to the courts. More remains to be done. Changes in statutes of limitation should be considered by state legislatures around the country. Abused children, we now know, often don't remember or understand what has happened to them until years after the events. They should be permitted to seek justice in the courts. Abuse cases, whether in the church or in secular society, need to be addressed openly and forthrightly. Someday, we can hope, victims will no longer fear coming forward. And someday, institutions need to have greater fear of failure to act than they do now of public exposure.
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