[maryz]

I know about Spellman; I read Howie Carr and usually hear his show. But even Howie hasn't said he was known to abuse children.

Do you think -- or have any way of knowing -- whether the incidence of molesting children was the same or lower or higher in earlier decades? Was it merely better secrecy that kept priests trusted?

[sinkspur]

Do you think -- or have any way of knowing -- whether the incidence of molesting children was the same or lower or higher in earlier decades? Was it merely better secrecy that kept priests trusted?

No one has any way of knowing. Who would believe, in 1940, that a Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald-type priest would molest a minor?

The incidence of abuse has never been high, but covering-up, blaming the victim, and completely ignoring their pain has been a hallmark of the Church.