PENNSYLVANIA
Times Leader
March 13th, 2016
A grand jury’s recent report about alleged sexual abuse of children years ago by clergy in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown provides a disturbing new reminder of a tired and despicable theme.
Too often we read about religious leaders, teachers and other authority figures in Pennsylvania who view children as objects to be preyed upon, not lives to be treated as precious.
In the diocese’s case, the supposed perpetrators won’t face earthly justice. The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution has expired or the accused have since died, according to news reports. That means the alleged victims, including some newly emboldened to speak up since state Attorney General Kathleen Kane this month made public the grand jury’s report, can hope only to achieve some measure of healing by talking freely and getting connected with professional counseling services.
The situation, sobering as it is, no longer shocks. We have heard the story – in Philadelphia – and even seen the movie – of events in Boston – before.
And our sensibilities continue to be assaulted almost monthly, if not more often, by horrid behavior on the part of certain adults in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Public school teachers who engage in consensual sex with students. Molesters who formerly held positions of “trust.” Pedophiles.
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.