Thank you for sharing this incident. I understand your point of view and I agree with some of it. In saying this, I still strongly believe in some cases not all that the media is out to smear the Church especially the Pope. Look at stories published about the Milwakee, Oakland cases. This was sloppy journalism at best.Full marks to the Archbishop for the actions that have taken place here. He has quickly addressed the situation, reported to law enforcement, provided background material to parishioners and others impacted by the allegation, and provded the media with the information needed to report the story.
For those catholics who keep repeating “the media is out to get us” over and over, please note that in this story where the archdiocese cooperated with the media:
So for those who want to keep circling the wagons and yelling “unfair” fill your boots-this story shows how cooperation and openness can produce a story more favourable to your point of view
- this was referred to as a “complaint” or the word “alleged” was used as a modifier
- multiple positive quotes about the priest and his conduct were included
- the priest’s proclamation of innocence was given a fair handling
- the positive role the Vatican could play in helping other organizations prepare to combat abuse was mentioned.
That’s what I thought. I first heard a radio news report about this. It did not provide as much information, but it did include the facts that it was from the 1970s, that the priest said he was innocent and that Archbishop Chaput was the one making a statement.
Please keep in mind that this is one allegation. People should keep in mind that this priest could very well be innocent. Most of the time, if a priest is truly guilty, there are numerous allegations against him.
I agree with this. This is from over 30 years ago, and there have been no other allegations made against this priest. We tend to think that if someone makes this kind of allegation, it must be true. Remember Cardinal Bernardin. One man made an allegation against him, and it turned out to be completely false. This case could very well be the same. The fact that there are so many people sticking up for this priest is a very good sign.
Thank you. I didn’t mean to imply thought I assumed his guilt (quite the contrary actually) – but all these allegations hurt so many people in so many ways, whether they be true or not. And the heartbreak is just one more sacrifice to offer God. (and the pain from my damaged hand is just one more sacrifice for those who are impacted by this new allegation)