Connecticut diocese appeals to U.S. Supreme Court over privacy concerns [CNA]

[CNA_News]

Hartford, Conn., Jul 17, 2009 / 05:53 pm (CNA).- The Diocese of Bridgeport is involved in a protracted legal battle to keep the personnel files of some of its employees private and plans to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The diocese argues that granting the request of several major newspapers to unseal the files violates privacy rights and the First Amendment.

The lawsuit, Rosada v. Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocesan Corp., is being brought by several newspapers, including the New York Times. The publications are attempting to gain access to personnel files in order to determine how the recently retired Cardinal Edward Egan handled sexual abuse cases while he was the Bishop of Bridgeport.

The diocese maintains that access to the files should not be granted because doing so would reveal personal information that is not relevant to the sex abuse cases.

Full article…

 

[Dori1]

In theory, I believe the diocese is right. However, in practice, the Catholic Church should be a model of transparency. There should not only be no hint of secrecy that could be interpreted as “cover-up” or “deception,” but we should go out of our way to be entirely open about the whole issue.

The statistics are clear that a child is more likely to be sexually abused in public school or youth sports than by their parish priest. Yet this scandal did occur. We must accept it, deal with it, and be transparent about it. Only that will be a witness to the world.

 

[Beau_Ouiville]

Actually, I believe the newspapers are suing to gain access to information revealed in the lawsuit, they are not suing the diocese.

 

[LRThunder]

In theory, I believe the diocese is right. However, in practice, the Catholic Church should be a model of transparency. There should not only be no hint of secrecy that could be interpreted as “cover-up” or “deception,” but we should go out of our way to be entirely open about the whole issue.

The statistics are clear that a child is more likely to be sexually abused in public school or youth sports than by their parish priest. Yet this scandal did occur. We must accept it, deal with it, and be transparent about it. Only that will be a witness to the world.

A crime that has been committed doesn’t justify the breaking of laws to punish it. For example, just because a defendant is accused of a crime doesn’t justify the illegal use of confidential conversations between him and his attorney, depriving him of an attorney, etc.

 

[Dori1]

As I said, the greater issue isn’t a matter of law, but a matter of Christian witness. I understand your issue, and, to some extent, agree. However, as I said previously, witness to the world and transparency of the truths involved should be the paramount concern of the Church. Of course, this is opinion only, as is the entire thread.