Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Allegations, Priests, and My Take

Misbehaving priests are in the news again. This time in connection with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

So far, the situation in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is following a pattern we've seen before. Too many times.

• Allegations of abuse are made
• Some are false
• Some are true

Investigations of abuse are still going on in the Philadelphia archdiocese: but it's likely enough that at least some will prove to be true. If or when that happens, the archdiocese will assume responsibility for the actions of errant priests, and make reparations.

I think the odds are that isn't how the story will be spun in traditional American news: but that, in essence, is what I expect.

I also expect that there will be the usual emotional outbursts, claims that the entire Catholic Church is always shielding child abusers: all the usual routine.

Do I think there were instances when individuals or groups within Church leadership decided to try suppressing complaints of abuse? Yes.

Do I think it was right to try suppressing those complaints? Certainly not. That was morally reprehensible. The attempted cover-ups may have done more damage to the Catholic Church's reputation than the original offenses.

Do I think that the whole Catholic Church is evil, in league with Satan, or bent on the destruction of the ozone layer? No.

Have I discussed this sort of thing before? Yes:

"Not Saying the Culturally-Normative Things About Pedophile Priests"
(April 2, 2010)

"That prolific correspondent, Anonymous, left a comment on a recent post: one dealing with The New York Times' handling of the "actual EVIL perpetrated by representatives of the Catholic Church". Here's the comment, in full:

" 'I came across your webpage, and wonder if you'll ever comment about the actual EVIL perpetrated by representatives of the Catholic Church, or admit and hold accountable the MANY bishops and cardinals who PURPOSELY transferred the trash who violated all of these young CHILDREN?

" 'Notice the CAPITALIZED words; I followed your style of highlighting text that you thought readers might miss.

" 'Are you apologizing or rationalizing the investigations by the NYT? Yes, the press is one of the most important aspects of our culture and society, and without it challenging every part of our protected icons- political or religious, we are without a voice.

" 'Don't like it? Leave- and move to the Vatican City. Have a nice bunk mate while you're at it.

" 'I hope that il papa gets dethroned and defrocked for his misdoing and I hope that every single priest that is part of these coverups burns in hell AND EARTH.' "

"Although I agree that evil has been done, I cannot wish that anyone "burns in hell" - out of simple prudence, if nothing else.
(More in "Hating People: Not a Good Idea" (January 22, 2010))
(And see Matthew 7:1-2, John 8:7)"

Archdiocese of Philadelphia: My Take on Accusations and Investigation

I live several states over from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: and have no personal connection with the situation there. For which I'm duly grateful.

Excerpts from one article on the allegations, and my reactions, follow. I recommend following the link and reading the entire article.

"Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia has placed 21 priests in the archdiocese on administrative leave, following investigations into a grand jury report that there were credible abuse allegations against the clergy members....

"...The grand jury report - issued on Feb. 10 - charged that there were 37 archdiocesan priests still in ministry who had credible allegations of abuse against them but were still in roles that brought them into contact with children....

"...Within a week of the release of the grand jury report last month, the archdiocese hired Gina Maisto Smith, a former Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney who has prosecuted child sexual assault cases for nearly two decades. Smith, a partner at the law firm of Ballard Spahr, conducted an initial review of all 37 cases....
(CNA (Catholic News Agency))

So far, so good. It looks like the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is being smart: Those allegations won't go away, and if any of them are true, it's a situation that has to be dealt with.

The Catholic News Agency actually is 'Catholic,' which I think helps explain why the article sticks to the matter at hand in the archdiocese. There's a fair amount of detail to wade through, as it is.

Those two words - "credible allegations" - are, I think, important.

The first, "credible," means "believable" in this context. In other words, there are 37 instances where there apparently was reason to believe that a priest associated with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia had abused someone.

That's serious, of course - but I think it's well to remember that not everybody who complains about mistreatment is giving an accurate statement. Does that mean that I hate rape victims, and never believe anything that children say? No, certainly not. It does mean that I recognize that it's possible for a person to make a statement that's not accurate.

The second, "allegation," has two related meanings in this context:

• (Law) a formal accusation against somebody (often in a court of law)
• Statements affirming or denying certain matters of fact that you are prepared to prove
  (Princeton's WordNet)

Allegations may be true. Or, not.

There's a principle that makes American law a little odd, compared to many other systems. It's that corny old 'innocent until proven guilty.'

Does that mean I assume that all priests are completely innocent and can't possibly be guilty of anything? Of course not. But I do know the difference between an allegation and a proven fact.

Back to the article.

"...After Smith conducted her review, Cardinal Rigali announced on March 8 that 21 of the 37 priests referenced in the report have been placed on administrative leave.

"The Philadelphia Archdiocese reported that of the 16 remaining priests who were not placed on leave, eight were cleared and did not warrant further investigation.

"Of the remaining eight priests, three had previously been placed on leave in earlier weeks, two now serve in religious orders outside the archdiocese and two are incapacitated to serve and are no longer in active ministry.

"Cardinal Rigali said that now that Smith's initial examination has concluded, 'I have accepted her initial recommendations.'

"The next step will involve Smith and a team of experts – including pediatricians, forensic psychiatrists, psychologists, and child advocacy workers – investigating the cases more thoroughly.

"Cardinal Rigali underscored that the move to put the 21 priests on administrative leave serves as an 'interim' measure, and not a final determination or judgment.

" 'I know that for many people their trust in the Church has been shaken,' he added. 'I pray that the efforts of the archdiocese to address these cases of concern and to re-evaluate our way of handling allegations will help rebuild that trust in truth and justice.'..."
(CNA)

As I said before, I'm not personally involved in the Philadelphia mess. If I was, I'm sure I'd be upset. I hope that I'd also recognize that there's good reason to think that a methodical investigation is going on.

One problem with methodical investigations is that they take time. Occasionally quite a bit of time. And there often isn't any emotionally satisfying drama involved.

The lack of histrionics doesn't, I think, mean that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's leaders don't care:

"...'As we strive to move forward today,' Cardinal Rigali said, 'I wish to express again my sorrow for the sexual abuse of minors committed by any members of the Church, especially clergy. I am truly sorry for the harm done to the victims of sexual abuse, as well as to the members of our community who suffer as a result of this great evil and crime.' "
(CNA)

Just being sorry won't cut it, of course, there have to be reparations. If any of the allegations are true, and the Philadelphia situation follows the patter we've seen elsewhere in America, the archdiocese will make reparations in party by giving money to the victims, or the victims' agents.

Maybe that sounds cold: but it's the way American culture in the early 21st century works.

As for the churches and other property that may have to be sold, to raise the sums required - well, that's another topic.

Just "Sorry" isn't Good Enough

This may seem harsh, but it doesn't look like just saying "I'm sorry" is enough to clean up the mess left by sin. It's a start: but if I took someone's car and wrecked it, saying "I'm sorry" wouldn't be very convincing. Unless I followed the admission of guilt and apology with an offer to repair or replace the car.

Not that I'm going to commit grand theft, auto.

The same principle applies in other cases when harm has been done to another. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1491, 2409, 2412, 2487, for starters.)

Remember though, I'm just "some guy with a blog." I recommend following those links and seeing what the Catechism has to say.

Related posts:

• Confronting evil, getting a grip
  
  • "Anger, Hate, Love, Prayer and Trashing a Maywood, California, Catholic School"
    (May 26, 2010)
  • "Is Celibacy Healthy? Actually, Yes"
    (April 14, 2010)
  • "Pedophile Priests! - or - My Mind is Made Up, Don't Confuse Me With the Facts"
    (April 11, 2010)
  • "Not Saying the Culturally-Normative Things About Pedophile Priests"
    (April 2, 2010)
  • "Saints, the Catholic Church, and Pedophile Priests"
    (March 25, 2010)
• Priests behaving badly
  • "Pedophile Priests, Ephebophilia, and Facing Facts"
• The Catholic Church and me
  • "Following Worlock, Following Jesus: Some Choice"
    (December 1, 2010)
  • "Being Catholic Because We Know Why We Believe"
    (August 11, 2010)
  • "I Accept Catholic Teachings: Or, Understanding Why I Believe What I Believe"
    (June 24, 2010)
  • "Why I Became a Catholic"
    Text and links

In the news:

• "Philadelphia cardinal places 21 priests on leave following abuse allegations"
  Marianne Medlin, CNA (Catholic News Agency (March 8, 2011)