UNITED STATES
Huffington Post
Tom Rastrelli
The condemnations and apologies have been forthcoming since Father Benedict Groeschel, a founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, told the National Catholic Register that some teenage victims of sexual abuse seduce their priest perpetrators. He also referred to convicted sex felon Jerry Sandusky as “this poor guy” before implying that Sandusky’s victims should have spoken out sooner.
The National Catholic Register removed the interview from its website and posted an apology explaining the publication of Groeschel’s “comment was an editorial mistake.” In addition, the Register “sought clarification from Father Benedict,” as if Groeschel’s 468 word “comment” wasn’t clear enough.
The Archdiocese of New York quickly condemned Groeschel’s statements, acknowledging the harm that such comments cause victims of sexual abuse and offering “profound sympathy” and prayers to those hurt by Groeschel’s words. Their communications director stated, “The Archdiocese of New York completely disassociates itself from these comments. They do not reflect our beliefs or our practice.”
As I write this post, Father Groeschel is listed on the faculty of St. Joseph Seminary in the Archdiocese of New York, where he is entrusted with the task of teaching pastoral psychology to future priests. The website of Trinity Retreat House (also in the archdiocese) greets visitors with a letter penned by Groeschel. If their statement of disassociation had any merit, would they not fire Groeschel?
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