I found it interesting that St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hudson, Wisconsin, announced the immediate ousting of their priest after it was found that he stole money. The fact that they did this wasn’t surprising because historically the Church has acted quickly when the theft of money is involved.
Compare this to the many cases where priests have been moved, hidden, or just left when they were accused of being sexual predators toward children. There has been talk of no tolerance policies, but where is the practice?
It has been suggested that the second response is also due to money. The cost to the church for the years of moving pedophiles has been predicted as being high. So it was easier to keep quiet and hope that the silence remains. Or to hope that enough time goes by so that the legal system will prevent a claim.
These lives are more important than the money. They deserve to be protected and they deserve to find justice.
also take the time to read:
Catholic League President Bill Donohue Dishes Out Big Bucks for NY Times Ad, David Mittleman | April 11, 2011 4:41 PM
Abuse of children and the continued silence by the offenders needs to be prevented. If you suffered, saw, or suspected such events, it is important to know that there is help out there.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
7 Comments
Patrick O’Malley
Catholics are more tolerant of child rape than any other group in human history, and are more tolerant of lying than any other religion in history.
Any other group would be so outraged, that they would refuse to go back until their group cam completely clean about the matter, and made completely, unequivocally sure that it never happened again. The Catholic church doesn't, and some of the sheep still come back.
Read the first 6 pages of the grand jury report at http://www.philadelphiadistrictattorney.com/images/Grand_Jury_Report.pdf to see how it's STILL happening today.
Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
What was never covered in the Dallas Charter was the complictness of bishops and other church officicals in the physical and sexul abuse of untold numbers of children.
When is topic of disciplining those bishops and others? It has started, thank God, in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with the arrest of Msgr. William Lynn and four others in the wake of the second Philadelphia Grand Jury Report on that five county archdiocese.
Lynn's formal arraignment will take place on Friday, April 15th at 11:00 at the Criminal Justice Center in center city Philadelphia.
There will be a rally outside the Criminal Justice Center beginning at 9:30 in the morning and there will be press conferences afterward.
All Pennsylvanians and members of child protection agencies are welcome to join those of us who have been outside on each of the two preceeding court dates.
SUPPORT PA HOUSE BILLS 832 & 878 AND CALL YOUR PA FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO SUPPORT THESE BILLS BY CALLING YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES.
WATCH THE LARRY KANE'S "VOICE OF REASON" ON THE COMCAST NETWORK ON WEDNESDAY AT 5:30 p.m.
Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Victims' Advocate
New Castle, Delaware
maturlishmdsnd@yahoo.com
JeannieGuzman
I was absolutely appalled when I read the pdf of the UCCB's Dallas report! Why was there no mention of Cardinal Rigalli and the total mess that has been uncovered in the Archdiocese of Philly (question mark broken)! Of all articles on their agenda, it seems to me that the Rigalli question, along with that of the 37 Pedophile Priests (still in the ministry), with credible accusations against them, would have been the MOST important items to address. How could this OBVIOUS problem with one of the largest archdiocese in the nation be overlooked. I'll tell you how: The whole Dallas Charter just pays, "Lip Service," to the idea of really keeping children safe and keeping Pedo-Priests out of the ministry! Right now, I am totally sickened!
Bob Schwiderski
That's because it is the buck ($), the buck ($), the almight buck ($)-- versus -- the soul, the soul, the precious soul of those that "come onto him."
Mike Bryant
Thank you all for the comments and taking the time to read. Unfortunately, Bob you hit it correctly. The money is the key. Thankfully, more and more people understand that.
Phil
What is this? Make unsubstantiated claim day? I guess you can all be forgiven, it's become the national pastime to accuse the Catholic Church of things. Yes, there were terrible evils committed, but has anyone looked at the situation of the last 20-30 years? Most abuse cases we hear about happened 30+ years ago, and the Church is very strict about abuse. Of all 40,000 priests, there were only something like 6 credible accusations last year. The rate of abuse by teachers, other Christians, and any other sector of society is just as high or higher than the Church.
I know it's fun for you guys to bash the Church, but maybe you need a new hobby.
Mike Bryant
I see full names and than I just see a first name. Makes you wonder who is hiding what. I stand by everything I wrote and see this as a problem for the church leaders. To point to others, isn't the answer. Zero tolerance needs to mean something. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
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