Ineffectual Symbolism and Hollow Gestures

By Mike Hunter
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
February 3, 2013

http://www.snapnetwork.org/blog

A’s Cardinal Mahony & Archbishop Gomez’ private chat (about two weeks ago)

Mahony: I know this is your archdiocese now, Jose. But I've been plotting and scheming much longer than you and covering up more cases than any of our colleagues. So forgive me for taking the initiative here and suggesting our plan.

Gomez: I'm always glad to hear your thoughts Roger.

Mahony: These files are pretty bad. They'll re-ignite widespread outrage. So you'll need to do something beyond the usual “My heart aches for the victims” and “We didn't understand, but we've learned and are reforming' schtick. My PR pals at Sitrick Public Relations agree that you'll really need to distance yourself from all of this and from me too.

G: Makes sense. How should that happen?