BishopAccountability.org
	Obligations Remain Milwaukee Journal Sentinel January 4, 2011 http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/112904429.html Given its financial constraints, the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee's decision to file for bankruptcy protection was probably its best legal option. But it still has a moral obligation to victims and parishioners to be as forthcoming as possible about what happened. The financial reorganization of the archdiocese should not preclude a full accounting of the actions of those who molested children and of authorities in the archdiocese who may have covered up for or abetted the molesters. The reorganization also should do what it can to accord victims appropriate compensation. At the same time, the archdiocese and the courts should do what they can to make sure that Catholic parishes and schools are protected from this decision so that they can continue with their good works. Programs for the needy, teacher pensions and parish ministries should be protected from the consequences of the handful of priests and others who preyed on children. Many Catholics in the pews undoubtedly will be upset and disappointed by the archdiocese's action. But as Archbishop Jerome Listecki pointed out at a news conference Tuesday, the reason for the reorganization is because "priest-perpetrators sexually abused minors, going against everything the church and the priesthood represents." It must be added that the reorganization is also due in no small measure to some in the church hierarchy who abetted those priest-perpetrators. Victims still await, and deserve, a full accounting of those actions. Listecki told the Journal Sentinel that today's church body is responsible for past actions of priest-perpetrators in the same way that a family needs to take responsibility for its bad actors. He's right, and the first concern must be for the victims, but this is still a painful situation for all Catholics. Victims' groups expressed anger at the filing Tuesday, accusing the archdiocese of trying to hide testimony that would have come out in a trial and of not using all financial tools at its disposal. Their anger is understandable. We hope it's not justified. The church's financial assets do not seem up to the task of meeting current and potential suits, especially in the wake of a November state Supreme Court decision that said the archdiocese's insurance companies are not bound to contribute to any financial settlement. It's a sad day for the Catholic Church in Milwaukee, but this seems to be the best available option - as long as there is still a full accounting for the victims.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.