The Chicago sexual-abuse audits [UPDATED]
A good summary of the findings in the audits released yesterday by the Chicago Archdiocese. (Here’s the Chicago Tribune‘s story.) I haven’t had a chance to digest the nearly 100 pages of material, but I invite those who have to evalute the response of Barbara Blaine, president of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP):
“Admitting obvious wrongdoing is not real progress. This is nothing
new,” said SNAP president Barbara Blaine, who is calling for George’s
resignation.
“It’s not the church’s procedures that are flawed, it’s the church’s leadership that is flawed,” she said.
UPDATE: This local TV news story on the reaction of local Catholics contains an intriguing observation from a younger Chicago priest:
Father Ryan says the sex abuse scandal has had an effect on Catholic
young adults, and much depends on whether a young adult has been
directly affected by this scandal. He said it is important to remember
that young adults experience the church at a local level and are not
concerned with what bishops are doing.
I think he’s got it half right. Assuming the story summarizes his thoughts accurately: while it’s certainly true and crucial to realize that religious attachment happens at the local level, the spectre of hypocrisy is a powerful repellent to young adults.
Someone will have to show me why George should not go. It is the coverup is it not that is the issue? Perhaps this is where the liberals lose it and the Boston Globe is more effective? Are we Rockefeller liberals or prophetic ones?
Bill,
I recommend reading the audits–I know it’s a lot of material, but it presents a much fuller account of what went wrong in Chicago than anything SNAP has released (including their most recent press release). My initial take is that this was a systemwide failure. Top-to-bottom, wall-to-wall botch. But more later.
Grant, Thank you for the links. I read the report and was horrified. The report does assess blame across the board but clearly point sot specific intentional deficiencies of Cardinal George. These are so egregious that at least tendering his resignation appears to be fair.
It appears that he abdicated his position as Bishop. Surely there is a bishop-in-waiting somewhere who will carry out what was promised at Dallas.
According to the audit report Cardinal George decided that he didn’t need to follow the Dallas provisions. This is not excusable.
Here is the url http://www.archdiocese-chgo.org/
Joe McFaul said it all.
Here is part of the most recent statment (March 25) of VOTF on Chicago and the national issue:
“National VOTF
On March 10, 2006 VOTF National called for Cardinal George and Bishop Skylstad to step down from their leadership positions on the USCCB. For more details, click here. We felt that the accusations against both men warranted them stepping down from the chief policymaking body for the US Bishops until a full investigation could be completed.
We will now call on every bishop in the United States to personally and publicly restate his commitment to vigorous implementation of the letter and spirit of the Charter.
With regard to Cardinal George’s position as ordinary of Chicago, we have supported Chicago in their process to build consensus. ”
I would like to know from Peggy, Grant and other here, what their position now is on Cardinal George? Seems to me George violated the policy he drew up. Is VOTF too restrained on this one and should George resign. Cardinal Law’s coverup was doubtless egregious. But George did this now when the guidelines are clear, HIS GUIDELINES. Again here is the scenario (as Joe McFaul informed above) from VOTF:
“Background
In January 2006, Fr. Daniel McCormack was arrested on allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. At that time, it came to the attention of the public that this was not the first time Fr. McCormack had been arrested for alleged sexual abuse.
August 30, 2005: Fr. Daniel McCormack was arrested by the Chicago Police Dept. on an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
September 2, 2005: Cardinal George was informed of Fr. McCormack’s arrest and subsequent release by the Vicar for Priests.
October 15, 2005: Archdiocese of Chicago Lay Review Board recommended that Fr. McCormack be removed from ministry.
Despite this information, McCormack is not removed from ministry or contact with children until the second arrest in January.
Subsequent to this information being investigated, it was uncovered that there had been allegations against Fr. McCormack while he was in the Seminary 1988-1991 and also a documented allegation in September of 2003. ”
Do we need the Boston Globe?
Andrew Greeley has come out in defense of Cardinal George. I will let you judge for yourselves.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/greeley/cst-edt-greel241.html
I think I know Greeley a little bit. It seems clear to me that George has gone out of his way to appease Greeley and this has colored Greeley’s viewpoint on the current matter. I am not quite sure whether Greeleys defense passes muster as far as what really happened. If so it becomes more incredulous that his staff would keep this from him. Greely disappoints on this one. Maybe George is a closet Democrat.