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In this section of CHRISTIFIDELIS we present questions which have been asked of the Foundation, summaries of actual cases or explanations of current issues which have to do with some aspect of ecclesiastical law. The answers or opinions given have only the force of the author's scholarship and are intended for the purpose of informing our readers. Ed. THE QUESTION: Do you think that bishops who "cover" for sexually abusive priests ought to resign? Also, why do we never hear of sexually abusive priests being brought before Church tribunals? THE ANSWER: My personal opinion is that the bishops who "cover"...

By Charles M. Wilson and R. Michael Dunnigan narcotic n 1:a drug (as opium) that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces profound sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions --Merriam-Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary 1 An ecclesiastical Enron. The Church's Watergate. A cancer on the Church. Observers have fixed on these three images to describe the widespread seduction of young boys by Catholic priests in dioceses across America.2 The observers who use these images no doubt wish to shock the public into appreciating the magnitude of the scandal. In fact, however, these metaphors are...