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	Will New Philadelphia Archbishop Be Better? By Bill White The Morning Call July 20, 2011 http://www.mcall.com/news/local/white/mc-bill-white-new-archbishop-20110720,0,1377517.column The retirement this week of Cardinal Justin Rigali, 76, as archbishop of the Philadelphia Archdiocese could be seen as good news for anyone who wants real change in the Catholic church's approach to child sex abuse by priests. Rigali had more than ample opportunity to change the archdiocese's culture of deception and indifference. As the results of the most recent damning grand jury report last winter — and Rigali's remarks in its wake — made very clear, the Philadelphia church hierarchy learned little from the horrific 2005 grand jury report on child sex abuse in the archdiocese. The latest grand jury did note some institutional improvements. But it concluded, ""The present grand jury … is frustrated to report that much has not changed … The procedures implemented by the Archdiocese to help victims are in fact designed to help the abusers, and the Archdiocese itself. Worst of all, apparent abusers — dozens of them, we believe — remain on duty in the Archdiocese, today, with open access to new young prey." Of the 37 priests about whom the grand jury said there was substantial evidence of sex abuse but still were in assignments that exposed them to children, 21 were suspended after the report, and three more were placed on administrative leave. But a cloud certainly remains over the archdiocese. With Rigali leaving, the question becomes: What can we expect from his replacement, Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput? At a press conference announcing his appointment, Chaput said, "… no bishop will try harder to help persons who have been hurt by the sins of the past, or work harder to strengthen and encourage our priests and renew the hearts of our people." I've read praise and criticism of Chaput's record on these issues in Denver, but according to the group Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, which closely follows developments on this issue around the country and has been very critical of the Philadelphia Archdiocese's dismal history, there's little cause to feel optimistic. I'm singling their perspective out because they're so on top of these issues — they actually had commented on and rated the four rumored candidates for this job, before the announcement that Chaput was the choice — and so active in the archdiocese. Among other things, a SNAP press release said Chaput has been accused of underreporting abuse in his diocese, attempted to sidestep the transparency of the court system by bullying victims into secretive church-run mediation and fought legislation that would reform the statute of limitations for child sex offenders. I called SNAP Executive Director David Clohessy, and he began, "[Chaput] will be less aloof and more accessible than Rigali," he said, "but he's terrible on child sex abuse." Clohessy complained about Chaput's methods in Denver, which he said had the effect of fighting victims and protecting predators. "He is certainly the worst of the four named possible replacements, and we think he will do what Rigali did, only in a more gregarious and media savvy way." Clohessy pointed out that Philadelphia's crisis was not entirely or even largely Rigali's doing. "There's a longstanding, deeply rooted pervasive culture and pattern of recklessness and deceit with children's safety in Philadelphia that was in place long before Rigali came and will likely be in place long after he's gone." Still, he said he hasn't been encouraged by the archdiocese's moves in the months following the latest grand jury report. "He followed the same playbook bishops have always followed. Apologize, blame inadequate policies, bring on high-priced lawyers, create new titles, promise reform. But little changes." He said this is why SNAP strongly supports secular reforms, such as lengthening statutes of limitations. The grand jury recommended a two-year window in which the statutes would be suspended for all civil cases so the victims — including many whose abuse was concealed specifically so the abusers would reach the protection of the statute of limitations — finally can pursue justice. Not long afterward, bills were introduced in the state House, one providing for that two-year civil window and the other eliminating civil and criminal statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases involving minors. Several months later, both bills remain buried in the House Judiciary Committee. On the bright side, it was abundantly clear that Rigali wasn't the man to change the culture that has caused so much damage, so his departure presents an opportunity. Here's hoping his successor is willing to meet that challenge. bill.white@mcall.com 610-820-6105
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