Philadelphia Inquirer
July 20, 2011
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/125871843.html
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As the incoming leader of 1.5 million Philadelphia-area Catholics, Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput faces daunting challenges in repairing the damage done by the sexual-abuse scandal and its decades-long cover-up. He also must cope with a church that's in transition in many other ways.
Given the vital good works done by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in both its parochial role and social-service mission, Philadelphians of all faiths have to wish the new archbishop godspeed on his mission.
If Chaput's new flock continues to shrink, or to shift its footprint around the region, the archdiocese no doubt will consolidate more parishes. While the dwindling ranks of priests may be a concern primarily for the faithful, the closing of a church or parish school becomes a pressing civic concern since it can have a profound impact on its community.
None of Chaput's ministerial duties, though, can compare to the imperative that he grapple with the abuse scandal. Indeed, it likely will stand out as the yardstick by which Chaput will be measured when his Philadelphia tenure ends one day.
Chaput is replacing Cardinal Justin Rigali, 76. The outgoing archbishop has been a reticent leader of a Catholic community thrown into crisis as a result of two grand-jury investigations of abuse of children by predatory priests. Rigali is one year past the official retirement age, and his replacement in a move announced Tuesday by the Vatican is overdue.
As Rigali acknowledges, trust in top church leaders has been shaken by the drumbeat of disclosures about abusive clergy who had gone unpunished. Unfortunately, he became part of the problem by failing to clean house after a 2005 probe found widespread abuse.
Now, it will be up to Chaput to deal with the remaining fallout from a second grand jury's shocking revelation in February that 37 local priests were still serving under a cloud of accusations.
Suspensions followed, but child-endangerment charges are pending against a high-ranking archdiocesan official. Two priests, a former priest, and a former Catholic schoolteacher also are charged with assaulting minors. So, there's no time to waste in assuring parishioners eager for new leadership yet disillusioned by a hierarchy too slow to reform.
Known for his outspokenness, Chaput, 66, at least offered a forthright pledge during his appearance with Rigali on Tuesday.
"No bishop," he said, "will try harder to help persons who have been hurt by the sins of the past or work harder to strengthen or encourage our priests and to win the hearts of the people."
In Denver, Chaput won high marks for moving swiftly in one high-profile abuse allegation case. Yet, he later resisted calls for full disclosure on how the church investigated that case.
Far more telling, Chaput flexed the political muscle of the archdiocese to help defeat crucially needed changes in Colorado law so that victims would be able to file civil lawsuits to seek redress for long-ago abuse. Will the new archbishop relent and support such a Pennsylvania law? That is the right course to show contrition.
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