If we learn a lesson from the Book of Genesis, it should be that whatever humans touch will become tainted, that whatever humans attempt to dominate will escape our control, and that whatever eternity humans hope to fashion on earth will become corrupted.  Even the earthly form of the Church is subject to these human frailties.  She is subject sin in her members as the abuse scandal reminds us painfully of the pitfalls of the organizational character of the church. 

It pains me and all of us to read of the defects of the church administration in pastoral care regarding pedophilia by priests.  This happened over a long history (probably before the 50s and 60s).  Like many ‘defects’ in those days, being discreet was the manner of action: families hid the alcoholic, who was considered morally deficient; priests were moved to quietly change the environment of the morally deficient priest, etc.  But this never worked. 

Better insight into the true nature of these conditions (alcoholism, pedophilia) required a different plan of action.  The episcopal “acting with discretion” flies in the face of this understanding and is defenseless before a corps of victims caused by this failed policy. 

What can the Church do now in the face of the unveiling of the prolonged history of erroneous administration?  We all would have our list.  How about some of these:

1)   A mixed group/committee of church persons (e.g., lay, clergy) should outline the history of this whole sordid mess.  It is not just a case of bad will, but of poor judgment, of cowardice in the face of decisions, and of progressive insight into the actual disease.  An outline would help us all see the context of the events.

2)   Site the wrongs where they took place.  Documentation will no doubt corroborate these wrongs, explicit and implicit.  The truth is the truth.  Better to embrace it.

3)   Ask forgiveness and offer means of healing, spiritual and professional (e.g., psychological).  In many ways, this is what has been happening in the USA for several years.

4)   Instruct the leadership (i.e., bishops) about the significance of their role and decision-making: both moral and legal consequences.  Because the church structure (like corporations) makes them a CEO, the bishops need the wisdom and courage to take strong and timely action with offenders.  The Dallas document’s “no tolerance” approach sets the standard; it must be applied.*

5)   Screening and formation of clergy must be different.  Sexual maturity must be integrated.  Within this culture, that is quite a task for everyone. 


This is not a brilliant set of suggestions.  Are we not all worried how to handle well the truth?  After all, truth is the key presented by our Founder (and also for the Dominicans)—and we don’t mean ‘theoretical’ truth.  But truth is not always simple, not for adults.  So, we must discern well the essence, the patterns, and the noble response.  In Europe, the truth and secrets are being revealed.  Pray that there is the gospel courage to confess, repent and follow the Lord.


*A word about ‘defrocking’a priest.  (1) Defrocking means laicizing him.  He then is free from ecclesiastical authority (obedience) and can come and go as he pleases.  Truly, then, civil society is responsible for his whereabouts and actions.  (2) Another mode is to keep him as ‘a priest’ without faculties or ministry; thus, he is under church control and cannot interact with congregations.  Some are placed in monasteries for the remainder of their life.  Which is a better appr