BishopAccountability.org
	Catholic Readers Conflicted over Coverage of Clergy Sex-abuse Allegations By Derek Donovan Kansas City Star July 24, 2011 http://www.kansascity.com/2011/07/23/3032567/catholic-readers-conflicted-over.html “This news is emotionally depressing as a Catholic but important for us all to read,” a caller told me recently, referring to stories in The Kansas City Star about members of the clergy accused of sexual impropriety with minors. “I don’t want to say it isn’t news, but I guess I just wish it wasn’t.” That’s an opinion I’ve heard often since allegations were made against the Revs. Michael Tierney and Shawn Ratigan. Almost every caller and emailer has self-identified as Catholic. “We’re the ones who have the most at stake here, after all,” one said. “I don’t really think people outside the church should have much say in it, other than law enforcement.” After the news about Father Ratigan broke, almost every reader who contacted me urged The Star to stay on top of the story. The paper should “continue to be fearless in reporting on the (Catholic Church) scandals,” according to one. “They don’t let us say these things ourselves on Sundays.” However, I’m now hearing more voices from churchgoers who think coverage of the accusations and investigations has shown bias against the church in general. One referred to The Star’s “continuing campaign of hate against the Catholic Church.” “Hate” is a pretty strong charge — but I can understand it, especially on an emotional level. One reader, who knows Father Ratigan, spoke eloquently about the conflicting emotions these stories have brought to the surface. “When you wonder if your trust, that was so strong for so many years, was maybe misplaced, you can’t help but feel like the news media, even if you’re trying to make it fair, are just an attack dog,” he said. I spoke to three readers this past week who called some of The Star’s reporting into question. They had all seen a report from another news source that said some of the most serious civil counts against Father Tierney and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph had been dropped, and they demanded to know why The Star had not reported it. These cases are complex, with multiple allegations initially made against both Tierney and the diocese. Judge Ann Mesle issued rulings on July 13 and 14, dismissing some counts but upholding others. Rebecca Randles, the plaintiffs’ attorney, told me the judge ruled that the most important allegations could proceed. “Really, we only need one count to go forward, because all of the damages are the same against each,” she said. “(The judge) left in negligent failure to supervise children and she also left in fraud and fraudulent concealment,” said Randles. “Those are the major allegations against the diocese. She left in battery and childhood sexual abuse, and those are the important counts against Father Tierney.” It isn’t unheard of for parts of a case to be dismissed as court proceedings go forth, particularly in cases where there’s not clear legal precedent. “We over-plead because you’re just not sure where the case law is going to evolve over time,” according to Randles. My reading of the court orders agrees with Randles’ interpretation. I have posted the full documents on my blog at http://adastrum. kansascity.com, where I invite you to dissect them. If I hear significant objections to my take, I will revisit the topic. Contact Derek Donovan at readerrep@kcstar.com or weekday mornings at 816-234-4722.
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