In Perspective: a Bishop's Apology, WKBT, August 11, 2010

In Perspective: a Bishop's Apology

WKBT
August 11, 2010

http://www.wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=12965588

During his homily Wednesday, new Bishop William Patrick Callahan addressed the issue of priest abuse scandals, and apologized for them. "I apologize personally, sincerely and humbly," said Bishop Callahan.

It was a clear, heartfelt apology from the addressing one of the most pressing issues facing the Catholic church today. "We cannot replace the pain," said Bishop Callahan, "but we can work together with those who have been hurt to bring about some healing."

Healing that many in the church have been looking for for decades. Abuse allegations reached national prominence in the early 1980's when the national media started covering some high profile cases. While the abuse itself is hard for many to comprehend, the way the church has handled those priests is at the center of the controversy. "We just want clergy to have the same obligations, responsibilities, sort of licensing requirements as every other occupation working in civil society in our country," said Peter Isley, Midwest Director of SNAP, the Survivor's Network of those Abused by Priests.

Many criticized the church for moving priests who had been accused of abuse to another parish, rather than remove them from the priesthood. But in Wednesday's speech, Bishop Callahan says he will do everything he can to make sure abuse doesn't happen again. "As Pope John Paul II said: 'There is no place in the priesthood for anyone who would harm a child', I agree" said Bishop Callahan.

The quote came from comments Pope John Paul II made back in 2003 shortly after it was reported that the Vatican was closely monitoring the situation in the US. The bishop did not, however, quote the current Pope when it comes to abuse scandals, who has himself been at the center of controversy.

Pope Benedict XVI was recently tied to a case involving Milwaukee priest Father Lawrence Murphy who was accused of molesting 200 deaf boys over a 25 year span. The Pope, who was then Bishop Ratzinger, was accused of halting a trial against Father Murphy, a claim he denies.

He gave his own apology for all abuse scandals earlier this Summer, but many felt it wasn't enough and failed to address punishments

"No pain that we feel as a church can ever equal the pain of those who have been harmed by clergy sexual abuse," said Bishop Callahan during his homily. It's something that the new Bishop will continue to deal with. Today he made it clear he's ready, "Together, with prayerful vigilance we will move forward," he said.

Bishop Callahan also said he'll commit local parish's and school staff to implement the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter was adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to provide a safe environment for all youth participating in church activities.