Papal decree not likely applicable to Adamec

By Dave Sutor
Tribune-Democrat
June 7, 2016

http://www.tribdem.com/news/papal-decree-not-likely-applicable-to-adamec/article_7d29c264-2c4b-11e6-a077-3f23c2139d38.html

Bishop Joseph Adamec (right) announces that the Rev. Monsignor Mark L. Bartchak (left) will replace him as leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown during a 2011 news conference in Hollidaysburg.

Pope Francis’ recently released decree that outlined procedures for investigating bishops who allegedly fail to protect victims of child sexual abuse would not likely apply to former Bishop Joseph Adamec, according to one of Pennsylvania’s prominent Canon law lawyers and the leader of a victims’ advocacy group.

By releasing the document, the pontiff wanted to point out the “grave reasons” a diocese leader can be removed from office include “the negligence of the bishops in the exercise of their office, in particular in relation to cases of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.”

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General released a grand jury report, accusing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown of carrying out a decades-long cover-up of child sexual abuse. 

Adamec, who served as the diocese’s bishop from 1987 to 2011, was criticized for allegedly protecting accused priests.

However, since Adamec is no longer the bishop, Professor Nicholas P. Cafardi, dean emeritus for the Duquesne University School of Law, cannot see how the pope’s guidelines and punishments would apply to him since “He has no office to deprive him of.”

No charges have been filed against Adamec, who, ever since the report was issued, has argued he took the appropriate steps. A law firm representing the former bishop issued a rebuttal that stated between 1987 and 2002, Adamec learned about allegations made against 14 living diocesan priests and one living member of a religious order. Nine of the priests, according to the document, were suspended from public ministry or retired “many with the imposition of conditions prohibiting public ministry.”

A Diocesan Allegations Review Board was then created in 2002.

On Monday, his attorney, David Berardinelli, said that other than standing by the response to the grand jury report he would not be able to comment further at this time.

Bob Hoatson, co-founder of Road to Recovery, said, according to his staff, it does not appear the pope’s decree is retroactive, meaning Adamec would likely be clear.

“I think this is not going to affect anybody who is currently in office, unless they screw up going forward,” Hoatson said.

Hoatson criticized the decree as, in his opinion, being ineffective. 

“Once again, it’s another broken machination that is supposed to signal the pope is on the side of the victims, the side of survivors,” Hoatson said. 

“But, to me, it’s just another smoke-and-mirrors thing.”

Judy Jones, Midwest associate director for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, has called upon the pope to take stronger and more immediate action. 

“He needs to fire, demote and defrock any bishop who covers up sex crimes,” Jones said.

Specifically talking about Adamec, Jones said, “He’s still a bishop though. He still gets entitlements. He’s still got his prestige. Bishops aren’t going to take action until that’s taken away.”

The goal, per the decree, is to make sure bishops “employ a particular diligence in protecting those who are the weakest among the people entrusted to them,” while providing steps to punish those who do not carry out that mission. 

“The Catholic Church is committed to the protection of children,” said Tony DeGol, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown. “Hopefully this action by the Holy Father will bring comfort to victims of sexual abuse as we continue to pray for their healing and peace.”