A couple of questions:
* morally bankrupt people. The vast majority of abuse cases in Chicago, as well as every place else, happened in the 60s through the early 80s. The bishops that were in place then are dead (in the case of Cody & Bernadin) or long-since retired (in the case of Goedert). So how will this punish those who were responsible? The abuse was part of a culture within the Church - and it was known. Abuse of children was treated as an excuse to show great compassion for a fallen fellow priest. It was not treated as a crime. Every priest who knew what was going on - and didn't STOP it - was/is responsible. To think otherwise is to buy into the "I was just following orders" of the Nuremberg trials. These men were NOT shoe salesmen - they were trained spiritual advisers - a calling that requires an understanding of good and evil. ALL the people who knew what was going on - AND DID NOTHING - are NOT dead. They are still with us. And possible still out preaching "forgiveness" while while some are still engaging in unethical behavior.
* If that's the only way to "wake up" the power structure in the Church. Refer to the point above. Do you have substantiation that Cardinal George is directly involved? I'm no fan of his, but I haven't heard that he has done any of these things. In fact, I understand he is the author of the "zero tolerance" policy that now exists. * Suing - loss of funds - anger from parishioners who donate money to pay off sexually abused children IS swift and sure. That is true. But what happens? Do you think that they will close the chancery? Do you think that the Cardinal will be forced to become homeless? No. They will have to sell of parishes, close schools, stop shelters, close hospitals, and so on. Is that the goal? Had a cousin years ago who studied for a couple of years to be a priest - couldn't do the celibacy part - so he dropped out. That's an ethical choice. What about the men who see the Catholic church as a subsidized homosexual bath house? Celibacy has to do with sex - not just with women. Not raping children is good - but there's more involved in the commitment. And as to what should happen? If the church has become a spiritual wasteland, it should go under. Your comment reminds me of the "Chicago Way" - when things get tough for politicians who want to raise taxes - they tell citizens they have to cut fireman and policemen - but not junkets for the mayor and his staff to Hawaii. Oldest trick in the book. Cut what people value - keep the goodies. This is a serious issue - it deserves better than that type of argument...
* And it works better than winks and nods disguised as "forgiveness". Remember the key rule: corporations don't pay taxes. That works for nonprofits and churches the same as it does for profit-making ventures. What? Corporations pay taxes.