Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com
Published - Thursday, April 24, 2008
Was the pope’s message heard?
Pope Benedict’s meeting with some sex abuse victims was meant to promote healing and moving on.
Sadly, some still cling to a call for “action.” I’m not sure what they mean by action. Are they aware of the present enforcements in our diocese (and in almost every diocese in this country) to prevent sexual abuse?
To remain a priest in good standing each year for the rest of his active ministry (even the innocent) all priests must meet certain requirements. They must review researched, designated materials on sexual misconduct and its effects and then pass three stringent exams. The diocese strictly enforces this requirement.
All priests also live under the “one-strike-and-your-out” rule. On hearing of an allegation, the diocese immediately puts an accused priest on administrative leave. Canon law presumes the priest to be guilty until proven otherwise. One act of misconduct years ago is the same as every act of a serial pedophile. Those suspended are not allowed to identify themselves in any way as priests.
Our seminary (and seminaries across the country) carefully reviews the psychological well-being of each candidate. Those who are judged questionable are dismissed unless their condition can be permanently corrected.
The diocese also provides for counseling and settlements for the victims. Often our bishop has promoted healing services for victims and offered apologies to them. The diocese has asked victims to come forth to not live in their silent pain so it can help in their healing.
National review boards monitor our diocese’s compliance with these rules set nationally. Our diocese has been found in compliance every year to date.
So I wonder, beyond publishing the names of defrocked priests or priests under suspension, what else could the diocese do and for what purpose? For some, any allegation means guilt, period!
The punishment is banishment forever from the priesthood. In an instant the priest’s whole life can be wiped out forever. (I wonder how many in the secular world could live under such working conditions.)
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