Resignation ends chapter of concern for children

MISSOURI
The Kansas City Star

“Is it good for the children?”

The simple question is familiar to most Kansas Citians. It’s one of those good-hearted slogans, commonly met with nodding agreement.

But the words are incredibly difficult to follow as a strict mission. Egos, ingrained chains of command and even well intentioned attitudes can conflict.

For decades, though, the question has guided Jim Caccamo.

Now he’s stepping down, resigning as chairman of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese’s independent review board, which is charged with handling allegations of sexual abuse.

Caccamo held the post when it was discovered that the church hierarchy had been a barrier to the board’s delicate work. The board was never given the specifics of the allegations against the Rev. Shawn Ratigan, a local priest who is now charged with possessing child pornography. Board members were not told many things they needed to know, details that are entwined in the allegations against Ratigan and Bishop Robert Finn, who is accused of failing to report suspected abuse.

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