. . . current policy everywhere in the US is now quite the contrary; and in many places, this policy is nothing new. Many bishops have actually been *quite* strict, in matters of sexual misconduct, by priests--whether with children, or even with *consenting* adults!
In the diocese where I used to live, even a "credible" report means immediate removal from ministry, and revocation of faculties (which are not inherent in presbyteral ordination--they are actually a delegation of the _bishops_ apostolic faculties), pending investigation. If the investigation shows the violation did occur, the best the offending priest can expect is a permanent leave of absence: still bound by the limitations of a priest (norm of celibacy, etc.), but without faculties to minister, receiving no financial support from his bishop, and restricted even from some roles of the laity. Even if the offender "laicizes" (which can now be forced, under canon law), the restrictions remain (again, a matter of canon law, and not specific to the diocese). Full cooperation with the investigations of secular authorities is required of all parties involved in the ecclesial investiation; and if a violation is substantiated, the offender *will* be reported to them.
Curiously enough, this had been policy, there, for quite some time (as much fifteen or twenty years, IIRC) before the brouhaha in the national media; but they won't tell you *that*, because it doesn't make splashy headlines they can use to sell you to advertisers. Granted, other bishops were less proactive (often on the poor advice of psychiatric professionals!); but given even the one counterexample (which is not unique, by far), it is a gross distortion to take everything the media have sensationalized, on the topic, to be Universal Truth.
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HadEnuf!!!!
P.S. If you didn't figure it out, yes, you "stepped in it". Ten demerits! |
