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| Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, one of the cover-up bishops who ended up with an assignment in Rome avoiding prosecution in the U.S. (photo from a news conference in 2002) |
With the bishops going after the Trump administration for its policies on the illegal invasion at the border, it might be useful to remember some other policies introduced by the U.S. Catholic bishops. Their motives often seem to be more about protecting themselves than concern for the flock. That's exactly what happened with the bishops" Charter on Protecting Children developed after the bishops' meeting in Dallas in 2002 where they addressed the sex abuse crisis. The bishops focused attention on the priests in the parishes and laity instructing children in CCD classes. I spent about 25 years in religious education and quit when the new policies were instituted, because they were more about protecting the bishops than protecting the children. The bishops exempted themselves from oversight and some continued covering up abuse and bullying parents to remain silent. Full transparency is needed at every level in the Church. Take a walk back through the history and pray that the bishops will learn from past mistakes. They seem a little obtuse when it comes to self examination. Check out Janet Smith's 2022 analysis of the charter after 20 years.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2004
Open Letter to the United States Catholic Bishops:
Keep “Touching” Programs Off Our Children
http://www.catholicmediacoalition.org/touching.htm
Your Excellencies,
