“How about you cite the cases where church officials have come forward and turned child rapists over to the police for prosecution? Show me where that has happened and maybe your defense would be a tiny bit credible.”
From:
Archdiocese of Washington
Annual Report from the Child Protection Advisory Board
July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012
Allegations against archdiocesan clergy in this reporting period. One allegation of child abuse was received involving an archdiocesan priest who had been previously accused,removed from ministry, and is deceased. The allegation, which was made by a relative of the
victim, alleged conduct occurring in 1971-1972. Although the accused was deceased, the Archdiocese reported the allegation to the civil authorities as required by archdiocesan policy and offered assistance with counseling and pastoral care for the victim.
Allegations against lay employees, contract workers and others in this reporting period. One allegation of child abuse was received involving a former lay employee who
worked in a parish. The allegation involved conduct occurring in 2001. The Archdiocese reported the allegation to the civil authorities, cooperated in their investigation and provided assistance with counseling and pastoral care for the victim.
I am a parent of a kid in Catholic school. Before I or anyone else (parent, staff, priest, etc) can work around children, we must be fingerprinted, undergo a background check, and attend training on what to do, not do, reporting responsibilities, and identifying potential abusers.
Atrocious things happened, and the past cannot be changed. No one wants to see it ever happen again.
I think the challenge involved turning in someone before an outside claim was made. We military types would call that the IG finding a problem before it becomes a problem. The Army does not move bad commanders and senior NCOs to another unit. They relieve them. If they break the law they prosecute them. I have been an Article 32 investigating officer a few times. Sexual misconduct especially involving child abuse are dealt with expeditiously. If found guilty it is hard time at Leavenworth.
AMEN!