LOS ANGELES (CA)
dotCommonweal
February 1, 2013,
Posted by Grant Gallicho
Following the release of decades-old memos detailing Archdiocese of Los Angeles officials’ efforts to conceal sexual-abuse cases, the new archbishop of L.A., Jose Gomez, has relieved Cardinal Roger Mahony of public duties and relieved auxiliary bishop Thomas Curry of his episcopal duties (.pdf). The archbishop’s statement comes with the release of twelve thousand pages of diocesan personnel files related to the scandal. Gomez writes:
I cannot undo the failings of the past that we find in these pages. Reading these files, reflecting on the wounds that were caused, has been the saddest experience I’ve had since becoming your Archbishop in 2011.
My predecessor, retired Cardinal Roger Mahony, has expressed his sorrow for his failure to fully protect young people entrusted to his care. Effective immediately, I have informed Cardinal Mahony that he will no longer have any administrative or public duties. Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry has also publicly apologized for his decisions while serving as Vicar for Clergy. I have accepted his request to be relieved of his responsibility as the Regional Bishop of Santa Barbara.
Most reporting on this letter has characterized Gomez’s decision as a suspension: Mahony is “barred from ministry,” Jerry Filtau writes. Michael Sean Winters hails Gomez as morally courageous: “If you want to see what leadership looks like, re-read Archbishop Gomez’s bold, succinct, unaffected, rigorous letter.” Yet, according to diocesan spokesman Tod Tamberg, Mahony’s daily routine will remain largely unchanged.
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