MO - Kc Catholic Bishop to Get New Pr Staffer

By Barbara Dorris
SNAP
July 3, 2012

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_kc_catholic_bishop_to_get_new_pr_staffer

On one hand, we're grateful that Rebecca Summers is being replaced. She's been part of the deceit and cover up of clergy sex crimes in Kansas City for years. And she's said some dreadfully hurtful things to victims over the years. (She told one man who was helping to expose predators that his recently-deceased mother would be ashamed of him).

On the other hand, shuffling staffers and titles is one way embattled bishops often try to blunt reform and mollify parishioners, by pretending they're making real changes. We suspect this is what Bishop Finn is doing.

The pattern of hiding heinous crimes against kids is longstanding and deeply rooted in the Kansas City diocese. Reversing it won't happen because a few employees are moved around and a few new titles are handed out. It will take continued pressure from secular authorities, continued courage from victims and continued skepticism and vigilance by parishioners and the public.