Dismissing sex abusers from the priesthood ‘entirely fitting’, argues a priest and survivor

LONDON (ENGLAND)
The Tablet

March 4, 2019

By Patrick McCafferty

Along with Fr Joe McDonald, I am also a survivor of clerical sexual abuse and a priest.

Fr McDonald argues that sexual offenders should not be dismissed from the priesthood and he cites “practical”, “theological” and “pastoral” reasons.

I reject those reasons given by Fr McDonald. The penalty of dismissal from the priesthood is entirely fitting and appropriate, for those who are guilty of these egregious crimes.

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