BishopAccountability.org
	The Priest Scandal ... By Michael Sneed Chicago Sun-Times March 5, 2006 http://www.joplinglobe.com/story.php?story_id=232184&c=87 Sneed readers' responses to our Feb. 26 query, "Is it time to draw a line in the sand?" -- concerning Cardinal Francis George's delay in removing the Rev. Daniel McCormack from his post until McCormack was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse -- netted the following lines in the sand. Here are excerpts from our mail bin. *"Within the next few weeks I will be leaving ministry. The reason? Because [Arch] bishops and cardinals are still resisting the fact that some priests have abused children. Yes, we are a church of forgiveness -- but we are also a church of justice. I have loved being a priest for these past 35 years -- but I cannot stretch my conscience any further. I've rationalized that the little good that I could do would offset the evil done to me. I cannot offset the evil done by the hierarchy in covering up and protecting predator priests." --Rev. James M. *"The liberal press has always been out to destroy the Catholic Church in this country and sometimes I feel that you are in the lead." --William S. *"Thank you for your article 'Is it time to draw a line in the sand?' Seriously, without journalists shining a spotlight on situations, the public at large would not be informed. Those in authority SHOULD do the right thing, however, even with full exposure, we the citizens discover the unimaginable has happened thanks to the diligence of journalists." --Barbara D. *"When will someone demand the Catholic Church treat [abuse] reports about priests the same way we treat reports about school bus drivers?? Just dial 911." --Steve B. *"Will you please get off this priest scandal already. I am a Catholic and intend to remain a Catholic. ..." --Name withheld *"I am very upset about the constant news coverage of priests molesting young boys. Everyone is up in arms about it, like this is something new and unusual. It is a terrible thing, but there are many children, boys and girls, that have been molested by people other than priests. . . ." --Name withheld *"I am not surprised that the Bishop does not get it. The princes of our church live in their own reality. But I am offended that our church continues to hide behind its lawyers and p.r. strategies. So before we hire more outside experts or appoint more national panels, let me offer, in addition to the envelope I threw in the collection basket this weekend, this simple unsolicited advice. Instead of battling in courtrooms the Bishops should be fighting for salvation. That means come clean. Fire the lawyers. Now. Make public the wrongs that have been committed and by whom. End the litigation. Disclose what sins have been committed and then seek our forgiveness. As for how to handle the crimes of the future: how about a little humility? Tell the truth. Submit to the rule of law. This is not difficult." --Dennis Culloton *"Since Cardinal [Bernard] Law [who resigned in 2002 after his mishandling of clergy abuse in Boston] was assigned to a parish in Rome, it is time to consider this for Cardinal George. Lip-service is one thing, lack of action in light of these scandals, is quite another. We need a cardinal who is sincere in his and the church's efforts to implement the reforms." --C.L.G. *"Thank you so much for continuing to write about the Archdiocese of Chicago. . . . A quote I remember from Catherine of Siena that is just right for today: 'So uproot from the garden the stinking weeds full of impurity and avarice, and bloated with pride.'" --Bobbie S. Sneedlings ... Condolences to the family of former reporter Jay Jackson, who died last weekend. Jay was a permanent fixture at the legendary Christmas parties of the late reporter Steve Pratt. One of Jay's last requests was to go to the Berghoff before it closed. With his friend Curtis Lawrence, a former Sun-Timesman, Jay enjoyed a final order of that famed creamed spinach. . . . Today's birthdays: Penn Jillette, 51; Eddy Grant, 58; Eva Mendes, 32; Niki Taylor, 31, and belated wishes to Fred Lebed, 52. Michael Sneed is seen at 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays on WMAQ-Channel 5.
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