Finally, Vatican acts on sexual abuse, but is it really enough?

Theodore McCarrick will go down in history as the first Cardinal to be dismissed from the clerical state in the Catholic Church.

The once mighty prelate has dramatically fallen from grace; his defrocking handed down by Pope Francis (pictured) for the cardinal sins of abuse of children and vulnerable adults in America. The Pontiff may have dallied in addressing these horrific crimes, but with the dismissal of McCarrick, he is now stating categorically that not even princes of the church are above the law. That every cleric is called to integrity, accountability and protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Yet, Francis is only too aware that defilement of children and adults is causing as much pain, shame and disgrace in the Catholic Church as the anguish of division caused by the Reformation 500 years ago. What initially appeared like ‘a few bad apples’ in the English speaking countries, has surfaced in every corner of the church as a global problem that can no longer be swept under the carpet.

For decades, paedophilia was not understood as the sickness that it is and few grasped how predators destroy their young victims’ lives.

Offenders were transferred to other stations where most continued their abuse on vulnerable children. Bishops covered up to protect the good name of the Church which took precedence over justice for the victims. But with each passing week, more revelations and scandals hit the headlines and the church no longer has a good name in much of the world. The Pope has now called the leaders of the church to Rome for a four day meeting to reflect on the crisis.

Expectations are high that the church will put in place policies to protect children, remedies to address the past and punishment for those who have abused. Victims will be granted opportunities to share their stories and press upon leaders that cover-ups, indifference and silence will no longer be tolerated. It is hoped all those who attend will return home and start a process of discussion, redress and justice for victims in every diocese in the world.

The silence must give way to open and frank investigations and discussions at every level to ensure every child and adult is safe in the Catholic Church.

Of course there are many who will be uncomfortable with hearing about the sins in the church. There are those who might even believe that my writing on the subject is letting the side down, is rocking the boat and displaying our dirty linen in public for people of other denominations and faiths to insult or attack the Catholic Church.

However, if the alternative is silence, covering up and secret payments, we all better speak. Our first and primary obligation is to safeguard children and the more that we discuss that in every forum, the safer our young ones will be.
Jesus said that the truth will set us free (John 8:32) no matter how painful that is.

The crimes done by people ordained to do the work of God is essential if change is to occur. Incremental change is not enough and piecemeal reforms mere band aid solutions to festering problems that can destroy the church everywhere, and here too. There must be ‘zero tolerance’ for sexual abuse if the church is to regain credibility and be faithful to its founder.

The culture of clericalism, where ordained ministers have been given special powers and protection is at the heart of the rot. Clericalism circles the wagons for those on the inside, but denies justice and protection to those outside.

All remedies then cannot be entrusted to clerics alone to oversee and implement. Professional, committed laity everywhere must not only play the watchdog role, but guide policy, supervise clergy and investigate, with the police, complaints that are forwarded.

We must see is the traditional monarchical model of church being replaced by a more democratic, inclusive and accountable one.

Pope Francis is a global leader, arguably the only one who speaks with authority on issues of migrants, the environment and the poor while speaking for persecuted Christians in the Middle East and confronting demagogues in the political sphere. The crisis of abuse that he inherited from his predecessors is still a work in progress. He needs prayers and support.

For all of us, the big question remains, how safe are our children in churches, schools, sports grounds and our homes? Abuse unfortunately is found everywhere.

[email protected] @GabrielDolan1