The Diocese of Madison’s response to Thursday’s press conference is a textbook example of victim-blaming. To suggest that Ms. Moriarty and her father are responsible for the church’s failure to act because they did not feel comfortable with diocesan reporting procedures is deeply offensive. Survivors and their families should never be expected to place their trust in the same institution that has knowingly allowed abusers to remain in ministry and repeatedly misled the public. Bishop Hying’s refusal to return Mr. Moriarty’s phone call is not just a personal slight – it is an abdication of leadership
Bishop Hying insists he had “no way to act” without additional details, but that is false. When a parent contacts the diocese to report that a priest sexually assaulted his daughter, leadership has an obligation to take proactive steps to protect others from harm. The Diocese of Madison has the resources and authority…
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