Of course, to be fair to Keating, the sixth commandment is against adultery. The fact that we’re discussing merely “an inappropriate sexual relationship” gives some wiggle room. But make no mistake: the commandment that is broken by “an inappropriate sexual relationship” is the 6th commandment.
And I am morally obligated to note, that I am only defending the diocese’s actions, against the inference that there must be some terrible cover-up for the diocese to have treated Fr. Haley so harshly. I do not know the truth of what Fr. Haley may have done or not done; I’m only saying that according to the facts as presented by the various sources presented, the diocese actions were consistent with canon law, as I understand it to be. I am in no way meaning to presume Fr. Haley’s guilt. I have no idea what his defense against such accusations may have been.
If there is no cover-up, why does Bishop Loverde suppress the details of the excommunication and the supposed evidence against Fr. Haley? Is it standard practice to excommunicate a priest in secret? There is certainly a cover-up in this regard.