Vanishing Predators blog
April 8, 2019
Police officers and priests have a great deal in common.
Each, for example, has chosen to work in a career field imbued with enormous power and authority, with the understanding that these tools be used responsibly and always for the accomplishment of good. Practitioners in both lines of work are, generally, treated with a modicum of respect and, whether “on duty” or “off duty,” are expected to behave in a manner above reproach. And as we have witnessed far too frequently, malfeasance in either of these two professional arenas can cause incalculable harm in the community.
As a forty year member of the law enforcement profession (now retired) and a life-long Catholic, these two entities have often provided great joy and satisfaction over the course of my seventy plus years while, at other times, leaving me outraged and filled with despair. Both institutions are, of course, composed of human beings, and despite what individuals swear, affirm, vow or promise, we know they sometimes fall short.
It is at this juncture that the two professions diverge.
In cases where police officers break the law or misbehave, law enforcement leaders act swiftly and with purpose. They understand, after all, that they are guardians of a public trust, and that in order to be effective a police agency must have the confidence and cooperation of the community. A bad cop found to have violated law or policy will be terminated; he could face criminal charges; the circumstances of the event leading to his dismissal will be public; and he will never be able to work as a police officer again.
When a priest is accused of sexual abuse, though, church leaders run for cover. Yes, a fallen clergyman could be removed from his position and, depending on the recency of his offense, be criminally charged. Absent external pressure, though, the circumstances will likely remain secret and at the end of the day … unbelievably … he remains a priest. According to Canon Law, the sacrament of Holy Orders cannot be revoked and in some emergency circumstances, a laicized priest can even be called upon to perform certain priestly duties.
With specific regard to Catholic Church hierarchy, though, their response to the devastating scandal that has harmed so many innocents can only be described as shameful. In one especially egregious case in the New York Archdiocese, a diocesan priest whose despicable behavior was well known (including a secret settlement with a victim) was simply moved from parish to parish. In one case, his assignment lasted only two weeks; parishioners there, having learned of the damage he had caused, threatened to withhold donations if he was not removed.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.