CONNECTICUT
The Day
Editorial
Under any circumstances news that a clergyman is under investigation in connection with child pornography having been found on a computer would be cause for concern. But given the past scandals involving child sexual abuse by Catholic priests, and the church hierarchy’s record of covering up such actions, word that the investigation focuses on a local Catholic pastor is particularly disturbing.
The Diocese of Norwich confirms that Rev. Dennis Carey has resigned as pastor of the St. Paul in Chains Church in Waterford as a State Police investigation into his conduct continues. We caution the public against any rush to judgment. As of Monday afternoon police had not filed any charges. Details are lacking as to what exactly State Police suspect, what evidence they may have and how they came about it.
It was good to hear a spokesman for the diocese, Michael Strammiello, say that diocesan officials were committed to cooperating with the investigation. In the wake of the past scandals, the Norwich diocese, covering much of eastern Connecticut, has pursued a program to keep children safe. It includes sensitivity training so that individuals working with children as part of church activities will recognize signs of abusive conduct. It encourages both clergy and laypeople to speak up if they suspect something is wrong and includes a commitment to share with law enforcement officials any evidence of criminal conduct.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.