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I don't think we know at what point in this process the parents were made aware. We know at some point they met with the molester and his wife. When was that in relation to how long the abuse was going on? When was that in relation to when she may or may not have told the priest? Beats me.

I suppose a cynical point of view is that they've fallen under the influence of the Plaintiff's Bar, and are looking to cash in. The same cynic might also believe that the church is hiding behind an ancient principle to avoid paying-up.

A charitable perspective might be that the girl and her parents have been harmed, and have a need for some kind of restitution. The same charitable perspective might allow that even if that's true, the church has a sacred obligation to protect its sacraments.

My point was, I don't think there is [yet] a serious assault on the First Amendment in this case, and that even if there is, it might be necessary for the priest to accept secular sanctions to uphold his religious duties and protect his soul.