UNITED STATES
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release, September 23, 2015
Statement by Peter Isely of Milwaukee, SNAP Midwest Director (414 429 7259, peterisely@yahoo.com)
The editor of the independent National Catholic Reporter takes Francis to task today – as he should – for his first remarks about the church’s seemingly-endless scandal of sexual violence and secrecy.
An NCR reporter says that Francis made “an oblique” reference to the abuse and cover up crisis. And NCR editor Dennis Coday said that the pope’s “sadly disappointing” message was “a glaring oversight” that “will undoubtedly raise the charges of ‘he just doesn’t get it.’”
Both journalists are right. Francis today basically ignored those who are vulnerable because of the crisis: children. He basically ignored those who are suffering because of the crisis: victims.
He praised, instead of chastising, those who are causing the crisis: bishops. And he offered not a single step forward, other than his vague plea that these crimes, still happening now, somehow “not be repeated.”
Francis continues to please many who want a more merciful church but disappoint most who want a safer one.
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