BOSTON (MA)
Boston Catholic Insider
The Boston Globe today published two articles about the matter of unresolved cases of clergy sexual abuse. The articles were troubling for a number of reasons.
Sexual abuse of children by clergy, in and of itself, is very troubling. It simply should not happen–period. When credible accusations of abuse have come forward and have been verified, priests should be removed from ministry. It seems to BCI that if a priest sexually abuses a child and there is no question as to the veracity of the claim, regardless of the civil or criminal penalties, the priest should also be laicizied. Sexual abuse cases have cost the Catholic Church in the U.s. $3 billion, according to The Economist. Imagine those funds put to use on evangelization, programs to support great priests, saving and maintaining beautiful church buildings destined for the wrecking ball, adult catechesis and faith formation, vocations, seminaries, and building the kingdom of God instead!
But the articles in the Globe were troubling for more reasons beyond even these. It seems to BCI that the cost, time delays, and process for resolving sexual abuse claims are all problematic.
Cost: $22.5 million on salaries and benefits
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