[ninenot]

It is not over-the-top to presume that the media, in general, is NOT sympathetic to the Catholic Church; and it is legitimate to begin with the assumption that if the media can smear the Church, they will.

It is also clear that there is little discernment utilized by a number of people as to the difference between 'allegations' and 'proven offenses.'

If there are proven offenses, (including such offenses as obstruction of justice on the part of Bishops and/or their staffers) then hard time in jail is appropriate.

Until then, it's better to reserve judgment and let the investigations reach conclusions that are justified with evidence.

[yendu bwam]

Until then, it's better to reserve judgment and let the investigations reach conclusions that are justified with evidence.

Agreed, ninenot. But even an allegation should be cause for IMMEDIATELY removing the accused from close or sole contact with children (especially teenage boys). If one places the welfare of children first, there is no other morally tenable policy.

[ELS]

Precisely!