PHILIPPINES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
Posted by David Clohessy on September 26, 2012
We are glad that the Vatican has finally taken action to remove Msgr. Cristobal Garcia. However, this belated move does not change the fact that their actions in the past have done more to harm children than removing Garcia today does to protect them.
In 2005, after Garcia admitted abusing altar boys, church officials did nothing as the predator priest fled to the Philippines. More recently, they allowed his Filipino diocese to propagate the myth that he was removed “due to health reasons.” These lies and inaction could only have endangered kids.
We hope that there is a serious shakeup due to this mishandling, but we doubt that such a thing will occur. The men who covered for Fr. Garcia in the Philippines should be severely punished. Sadly, we doubt they will even receive a slap on the wrist.
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