Church more open about abuse
Finally, after decades of stalling, denials and civil lawsuits, Catholic dioceses seem to recognize their accountability for the criminal behavior of pedophile priests.
Consider the case of retired Bishop Joseph Hart. The former prelate of Cheyenne, Wyo., now 86 years old, could face criminal charges under what the current bishop of Cheyenne has deemed credible and substantiated accusations of sexual abuse.
News of the case traveled ahead of the headlines to Kansas City, where Hart was ordained in 1956.
The Kansas City diocese readily restated that Hart had previously been accused of abusing 10 people, which led to multimillion-dollar settlements involving allegations against him and other Kansas City priests.
Across the state line, the archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas announced in May that a priest, John H. Wisner, has been defrocked for allegedly sexually abusing three men now in their 40s, a punitive step that previously was almost unheard of and requires a sign-off from the Vatican.
The archdiocese was criticized for not more widely and earlier publicizing the move against Wisner. However, it has become clear that the archdiocese went to great lengths in pressing for the defrocking. And it has beefed up the office that handles such allegations.
In June, the scandals reached deep into church hierarchy. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the former archbishop of Washington, was removed from ministry duties after findings that he’d been credibly accused of sexually abusing a teenager decades ago. Church officials also admitted that McCarrick, 87, had been previously accused by others, some of whom had agreed to be silenced by settlements.
Even more hope can be derived from off-the-record conversations I and other reporters have had, not to mention the hierarchy’s new attitude toward reporters and others who are seeking answers about clerical abuse.
Diocesan spokespeople return calls right away, even at late hours. And they reply with full statements.
That never used to happen. Dioceses are demonstrating that they understand the gravity of the sins of pedophile priests. This is hard-won progress. And it has been possible only because victims have continued to step forward and tell their stories.
It’s often said that sexual abuse survivors, those who were attacked as children, are never whole again. The comment acknowledges the deep wound that such abuse inflicts, damaging victims’ ability to trust, to form healthy relationships and even to believe in a loving God.
All of this is why the statements — and, more importantly, the actions — that are occurring deserve note. Note this statement issued by Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr. of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph as it reacted to the news out of Wyoming about Hart: “If you were harmed by Bishop Hart or any other person who has worked or volunteered for the diocese, no matter how long ago, the diocese wants to provide care and healing resources to you and your family.”