It is anguished essays like this that I have in mind when arguing that there is indeed a “tipping point” that has been reached in the most recent wave of the abuse crisis. Members of the clergy who ignore, downplay, mock, or obfuscate this emerging phenomenon among serious Catholics of great faith, responsibility, and standing in the community are making a grave mistake, in my view.I really hope that Cardinal George gives Judge O’Brien a call—and invites her to lunch so that they can talk.

Cathleen Kaveny is the Darald and Juliet Libby Professor in the Theology Department and Law School at Boston College.

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