Anderson Advocates Blog
May 19, 2010
http://andersonadvocatesblog.blogspot.com/
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In 2002, an agreement was made. After years of disgraceful cover-ups, leaders of the Benedictine monks at St. John's acknowledged the abuse perpetrated by their clergymen, made financial amends with victims, and agreed to change. A precise plan was forged; one that demanded transparency and accountability. Specifically, it demanded that abusive monks were to live carefully restricted lives away from children.
Sadly, just one year after the agreement, leaders of the Benedictine monks set loose Father Francisco Schulte -- a premeditative pedophile with a history of recruiting his victims on an international level. Until very recently, Father Francisco Schulte lived unrestricted in Rome, with access to unsuspecting parents and children. He wore a collar that reflects trustworthiness and safety, and wore it in front of children.
Protection of children is a fundamental duty. There is no debate here. It is disappointing that a profound opportunity for redemption was squandered but even more unfortunate is the fact that Father Schulte's religious superiors failed to keep him away from children.
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