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I agree that sexual abuse must not be tolerated. As I understand it, if there is a credible accusation, the priest is removed from duty and a full investigation is made, including the criminal justice element. Sadly that had not always been the practice, and the avoidance of scandal was a motive to handle such situations discreetly. A-J had many incidents, as did Bridgeport, CT. Bishop Lori of Bridgeport and new Bishop Bartchak of A-J seem to adhere to the new official church policy. I think Bishop Adamec was in the position of putting things right, after a long period of secrecy.

I was already aware of those incidents, tragic as they were. Police have been discreetly discussing sensitive cases with officials for years. In the case of the A-J diocese, this goes back to the time of the late Bishop Hogan. Obviously the way in which the Church handles such cases today is different than what was done previously. I think both Hogan and Adamec were following the accepted procedures of their day, which differ from what is the current practice.

I lived in the A-J diocese for 18 years, before the time of Bishop Adamec. I happened to meet him several years ago, and found him to be a pleasant man. While A-J has had more than it’s share of pedophile scandal, Bishop Adamec did what he thought best for the diocese (no easy task, given the wide variety of opinions and problems). He did as well as any bishops, and he leaves the diocese in essentially better shape than he found it. I think people should pray for him and also for Bishop Bartchak, as the latter assumes his duties. From all I’ve read, Bishop Bartchak is an excellent choice. I hope the catholics there give him a warm welcome and a chance to prove himself.