By John P. Martin
Philadelphia Inquirer
March 9, 2011
http://articles.philly.com/2011-03-09/news/28672837_1_survivors-network-priests-abuse-victims
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| "Whoever harms a child must remember the words of Jesus: It would be better… |
One day after suspending 21 priests, the leader of Philadelphia's Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday again apologized to victims of abuse and pledged to improve reform efforts.
"Once again we renew our commitment to make every effort possible to prevent these evil acts and protect children from harm," Cardinal Justin Rigali said.
Rigali delivered the message during his homily for a noonhour Mass marking Ash Wednesday, the start of a Lent, a season in which Catholics focus on repentance and forgiveness.
His comments followed an announcement Tuesday by the archdiocese that it had placed 21 priests on administrative leave while investigators review accusations of abuse or inappropriate behavior around minors. None will be able to celebrate Mass, distribute sacraments or live in their parishes during the review.
Church officials did not immediately name the priests, but said members of the affected parishes will be told during services this week.
The move marked the largest single suspension by any diocese nationwide since the scandal over abusive priests mushroomed nearly a decade ago. And it stemmed from a grand jury report accusing the archdiocese of letting as many as 37 priests remain in active ministry after being accused of sex abuse or inappropriate behavior around minors.
Nearly 1,000 people packed the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul for Wednesday's Mass. From his opening prayer, Rigali struck the theme of repentance, and asked Catholics to pray not only for the abuse victims but for "faithful priests who have suffered" because of the scandal.
He also said the abuse should not be tolerated.
"Whoever harms a child must remember the words of Jesus: It would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea," the cardinal said.
Outside the cathedral, members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests held signs and distributed leaflets urging the church to do more. Its members were angered that the archdiocese had failed to name the suspended priests.
"We're going to judge Cardinal Rigali by his actions, not by his words," said SNAP President Barbara Blaine. "And his actions still show more concern for the reputation of the adults, rather than the protection of the children, the innocence of the children."
Contact staff writer John P. Martin at 215-854-4774 or at jmartin@phillynews.com
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