Cardinal O’Malley addresses
sexual abuse involving bishops
Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley. |
On Tuesday, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston,
says he is “deeply troubled” in a statement regarding recent accusations of
sexual impropriety by Cardinal McCarrick.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Cardinal Sean O’Malley issued a statement on Tuesday addressing the news regarding
accusations of sexual impropriety against Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.
Troubling and devastating reports
“I am deeply troubled by these reports that have traumatized
many Catholics and members of the wider community”, Cardinal O’Malley writes.
The Cardinal also acknowledges that such reports are “devastating for the
victims, their families and for the Church itself”. Cardinal O’Malley clearly
states that each new case reported causes people to doubt that the Church is
“effectively addressing this catastrophe”.
More than apologies
More than the issuing of apologies, Cardinal is calling for
clearer procedures for cases involving bishops. In addition, protocol is still
needed, he says, to “provide justice for the victims”, and a response to the
“legitimate indignation of the community”. Swift and decisive action must
accompany any claim of sexual abuse, Cardinal O’Malley says. In any case of
abuse, the victim, their family, and loved ones must come first.
Lines of action
Based on his experience in various dioceses as well as on
the Pontifical Commission for the Protection Minors, the Cardinal offers three
actions he believes necessary in light of the accusations against Cardinal
McCarrick.
1. Fair and rapid
adjudication of these accusations
2. Assessment of the adequacy of standards and policies in the Church at every level,
and especially in the case of bishops
3. Clear communication to the Catholic faithful and to all victims the process for
reporting allegations against bishops and cardinals
2. Assessment of the adequacy of standards and policies in the Church at every level,
and especially in the case of bishops
3. Clear communication to the Catholic faithful and to all victims the process for
reporting allegations against bishops and cardinals
Consequences
Cardinal O’Malley concludes his statement saying that,
should these actions not be implemented, “the already weakened moral authority
of the Church” will be further threatened and endangered. In the end the “trust
required for the Church to minister to Catholics and have a meaningful role in
the wider civil society” can be destroyed.
In this moment there is no greater imperative for the
Church than to hold itself accountable to address these matters, which I will
bring to my upcoming meetings with the Holy See with great urgency and concern.
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