BishopAccountability.org
	Advocates Protest C21 Lecture By Joseph Pasquinelli The Heights March 31, 2011 http://www.bcheights.com/news/advocates-protest-c21-lecture-1.2134009 Tuesday afternoon, a group of seven sign-carrying protestors gathered in front of St. Ignatius Church in opposition to the appearance of Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, former Archbishop of Los Angeles, who presented a lecture on campus that night. Mahoney's lecture, titled "Looking Back, Looking Forward: The Bishop's Ministry of Oversight," touched upon his attempts to foster reconciliation amongst his parishioners and his dealing with social issues including a California farm workers' strike, immigration, and the Catholic Church abuse scandal. He also discussed how the Church and its leaders must adapt to and change with the times. The lecture was sponsored by the theology department, the School of Theology and Ministry (STM), and the Church in the 21st Century (C21). At the event, Mahony reflected on his tenure as Archbishop of Los Angeles prior to his retirement in February. At the conclusion of his presentation, Mahony answered questions from the audience. When she wasn't called upon, Anne Barrett Doyle of Bishop Accountability, an organization dedicated to creating a public archive documenting abuse and encouraging the accountability of bishops, spoke up loudly, asking Mahony about his response to the abuse scandal. Paul Kellen, a founding member of the National Survivor Advocates Coalition and BC '58, said that C21, which began as a response to sexual abuse scandals, has lost its way. "The Church in the 21st Century was announced as the University's response to the abuse crisis and to support academic departments in developing activities within their disciplines to address the crisis," Kellen said. "C21's formation made me most proud of being a graduate." Kellen, however, said he was disappointed with C21's decision to host Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Los Angeles, and Mahony as honored speakers. "I believe these actions are hurtful to victims," he said. "Survivors were outraged by [Mahony] being selected for an appearance." A flyer Kellen and other protesters were distributing detailed the alleged failures of Mahony and George. The flyer said that Mahony "lied under oath about pedophile activity" and "is now funding court action by [priests accused of abuse] to prevent the release of documents" on the men covered by the $660 million abuse settlement made by the diocese. The flyer also detailed George's alleged failure to remove a pastor in his diocese, who was later arrested and imprisoned for abusing a child after the Cardinal's review board recommended that he do so. While acknowledging their good work, Kellen said that hosting the Cardinals was inappropriate because C21 was founded as the University's response to clerical abuse. "Cardinal George directly failed to prevent molestations," Kellen said. "Mahony's record of protection is awful. Thirty to 40 kids were abused by [Reverend Oliver] O'Grady, a priest in his diocese." Robert Newton, interim director of the C21 Center, said he did not find hosting Mahony problematic. "The objectives of these visits are to learn from the bishop how BC can better fulfill its mission as a Jesuit, Catholic university to be of service to the Catholic community, and to give the bishop a sense of the many ways in which Boston College is currently attempting to reaffirm its religious heritage and mission," Newton said in an e-mail. Newton was pleased that Mahony agreed to speak and said the Center would continue to invite important members of the Church to campus. "Sometimes speakers evoke a negative reaction from individuals, particularly if they hold positions of prominence," he said. "The Center invited Cardinal Mahony, as we would any bishop, and is pleased that he was able to come. The small group of protesters who gathered are certainly entitled to their opinions, but we remain committed to continue to invite Church leaders and others who can assist the Center in its overall effort to be a resource for the Church as it proceeds in its third millennium of service to the world." Kellen said the Church needs to develop ways to prevent abuse and remove priests who molest children. "The adult is in a privileged position of power, and I can't believe the institution does not have a system of accountability," he said. Kellen reiterated his belief that hosting Mahony and George was inappropriate. "They did not react when they knew what was going on, and they have a lot to answer to," he said.
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