Vow of 'Never Again';
But Murphy Regards Sexual Revolution as Factor in Abuses

By Rita Ciolli
Long Island (NY) Newsday
June 10, 2002

At a special service of healing and forgiveness yesterday, the leader of Long Island Catholics said there were no excuses or justifications for sexual abuse by priests, but that "the so-called American sexual revolution with all its permissiveness has certainly been a factor."

As he stood on the altar of St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, Bishop William Murphy vowed, "Never again, the criminal betrayal of trust and the destruction of the innocence of a child." However, he emphasized that the "sinfulness of the human condition can at times overwhelm the best efforts and the total commitment of even all of us striving together."

Similar Masses, which included special prayers, songs and petitions, were held yesterday throughout the diocese for the victims of sexual abuse and their families. With more than half of Long Island's population identifying themselves as Catholic, Rockville Centre is the nation's sixth largest diocese. Recalling how Catholics responded to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, Murphy said, "Now we face another affliction, a tragedy of huge proportions, that has struck at the heart of the church and her life." He said the church needed to honestly face the problem, correct what is wrong, and through penance, pardon and forgiveness restore the church to its true purpose.

Only half of the cathedral was filled for the 10:30 a.m. Mass, which was televised live on the diocese's cable channel. Celebrating the Mass with Murphy was Msgr. Robert Brennan, the new vicar general of the diocese.

During his homily, Murphy repeatedly said only a "few priests" were involved in abuse. While saying there would be no excuses and no justifications for it, he sought to explain how the church got itself to this state.

"The sinful condition of humanity is certainly at the base of this tragedy. More than three decades of the so-called American sexual revolution with all its permissiveness has certainly been a factor. A false sense of freedom, an unhealthy and sinful desire for self-gratification all are part of the problem," he said.

At the end of the service, as Murphy greeted parishioners outside the cathedral, most wished him well and said they would pray for him.

However, one tall middle-aged women, her face taut with anger, confronted him. "Your timing was off," she said. "Both my brothers were molested by priests before the sexual revolution," the woman told Murphy before walking off. She declined to identify herself in an interview afterward, but said she had traveled from another parish specifically to hear Murphy.

"His talk was watered-down. It was mostly excuses," she said. "What did the sexual revolution have to do with it? People didn't go around molesting boys because of the sexual revolution."

Other parishioners offered little reaction to Murphy's mention of the sexual revolution, and said he hit the right tone in his address, which was applauded - unusual after a homily - at its conclusion.

"This is exactly what is needed, asking for forgiveness from victims and victims' families, to say there will be no more tolerance of this," said Nassau District Attorney Denis Dillon, who regularly attends the 10:30 Mass.

Dillon, whose office is investigating how the diocese handled abuse complaints, praised Murphy, saying, "He's made significant changes. He has been a positive influence during the crisis."

"It's about time for the church to acknowledge all the rumors and go to the pulpit and ask for God's help. They need help," said Emmett McGrane, a church usher, as he and his wife, Loretta, left the service.

"It was very meaningful for all people here and for the people who feel that the church has taken advantage of its powers," said Flor Escobar, a parishioner from Lynbrook.

Just before the Mass ended with with the hymn "Amazing Grace," Murphy told the congregation that two auxiliary bishops, the Rev. John Dunne and the Rev. Emil Wcela, will travel with him to Dallas this week to take part in a meeting of American bishops to draw up national rules on how to deal with priests who sexually abuse.

"I know we can count on your prayers and support," Murphy said.

[Photo Caption: Newsday Photos/Julia Gaines - 1) Bishop William Murphy 2) addresses the sex abuse scandal at a special service of healing and forgiveness yesterday.]