Before I forget&

*Cease to do evil,
learn to do good;
seek justice,
rescue the oppressed,
defend the orphan,
plead for the widow.
                    -- Isaiah the Prophet 1:16-17
* What is Spring? -
    Growth in everything.
                     -- Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J.

     When I returned to the United States on March 20, I returned home to a huge scandal in the Catholic Church.  While I was in Australia, it was the Anglican church that was in the midst of the same scandal.  In the 1980s our own Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis was sued for the crimes committed against minors by clergy.  Several decades ago sexual misconduct was seen as a moral failing/sin.  Today we see it as a crime against minors.  Retired Archbishop John R. Roach, Archbishop Flynn and the Vicar Generals of the Archdiocese, Fathers Michael O'Connell and Kevin McDonough have dealt with the issue and have been at the forefront, not only in the United States, but in the Universal Church.  Our archdiocese has a very detailed policy to deal with all involved.  It is an open, honest, fair, and balanced treatment of the issue and a just remedy for all parties concerned, including treatment for the priest perpetrators.  Once a priest is convicted of this crime, he may no longer work in a ministry where there are minors.  If you wish to read and review the policy of the archdiocese, it is available from the Chancery Office (651-291-4400).
     When victims of clergy abuse turned to the Church (no only the Roman Catholic Church) they weren't looking for money.  Few even hired lawyers.  All they wanted was an admission of guilt, an apology, the reassurance that it would never happen again, and some modest compensation for therapy.  In the past, attorneys working for the church advised the church no to disclose any information.  I believe our local archdiocese has learned to be open and honest and cooperative with civil authorities.
     Are there priests being accused who are innocent?  Almost certainly.  Ten years ago a classmate was accused of propositioning a minor in Spokane.  He was so embarrassed and ashamed of the accusation, he took his own life.  The young person eventually told officials nothing had happened.  This man was innocent but something snapped in his mental health.  There will be witch hunts.  A single unproven accusation is enough to ruin a person's career.  Are we to assume bishops and priests who exercise their legal rights in court are guilty?  Rushing to judgment is dangerous.  Anyone, a teacher, a good husband-father, a daycare worker, could be accused.  Justice for victims doesn't mean that we can disregard justice for the accused.
     Sexual dysfunction is a problem not only among the clergy but also in families.  We need to discuss issues, especially sexual issues, with respect, honesty, and sensitivity.  Confidentiality is required to protect the innocent.  In a civilized society we operate with ethics and propriety.  As Catholics we want justice for all, and we don't want our leaders trying to cover up issues.  I think most of us can handle the truth.  We are resilient.  None of us take delight in this recent scandal.  We must tell the truth.  Maybe it's time for the Bishops to invite the laity to have a greater role in church affairs.  Bishops are the teachers of people - but some non-ordained people are better informed and educated about some complicated issues that we face in this new millennium.  What can we learn and do better as a result of this latest scandal?
     We must pray - for the Church of Christ - for our youth - for families - for society. We need to grow, to be real, to be honest.

Fr. Bill