THE HYSTERIA MUST END

Perhaps this will be my final word on the hysteria that has gripped the Church with regard to the scandal resulting from the sexual abuse of minors by some members of the Clergy.

Most likely not.


We should all be profoundly disturbed by the mob mentality that has overtaken the Church in addressing the problem.

It is one thing to accuse, quite another to equate accusation with guilt.

Have we forgotten the parallel periods in history that are stains upon our collective consciences as human beings?

Those who are calling for and enacting summary judgment—particularly those who consider themselves defenders of the innocent—might want to consider their actions in the light of history. 

Have we forgotten the horror of the Salem witch trials?  The victims of Joe McCarthy?  Blacks lynched, not by the decision of any court but as a result of accusations that they had assaulted or whistled or looked the wrong way at a white woman.  

I am sure that those who are calling for immediate punishment of accused abusers would heartily condemn these prior events.

As members of the Body of Christ should we not give proper example by respecting a process which provides justice to the perpetrators as well as the victims of harassment and abuse? 

Certainly, it is time for the abused to have their voices heard.  It is long overdue!

But we must allow that the accused, rather than being summarily condemned, to have their voices  heard as well—be it as an admission and acceptance of punishment or a denial and defense of their innocence. 

Then we must consider the facts and weigh the evidence. 

In defense of the faith and virtues we profess as followers of Jesus, can we not, must we not do better?  

We can—indeed must—strengthen review processes so that the rights of both the accusers and the accused are protected.

Admittedly in a brusque and awkward way, Pope Francis recently brought this to our attention.

He has been pilloried for his effort to defend a Bishop accused of complicity, tried in the court of public opinion without any substantial evidence, and found guilty.

The Church is at a critical juncture.

This hysteria must end.

It’s time for reason and justice to lead on the reality of sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic Clergy.

It time for courage and allegiance to the Gospel to bring both an end to the sexual exploitation of young people by Clergy and provide a fitting model of addressing this horrific behavior with justice.