The Philadelphia Archdiocese may have finally suspended accused priests from active ministry, according to credible sources. The number is unclear, but could range from 25 to 34. According to the grand jury report and an article in The New York Times, there are as many as 37 credibly accused priests in active ministry.
The announcement may take place later today. This action was most likely prompted by media coverage, pressure from the D.A.’s office and the threat of more costly civil suits.
Morality and common sense would have dictated immediate removal of all credibly accused priests. Apparently the Archdiocesan hierarchy falls woefully short in this area.
This action is far too late for countless victims. Putting our children at risk for even an additional day after a credible accusation is inexcusable. Will they name the 37 priests who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse and harassment? Will those parishes and institutions show their outrage at being put at risk. I pray they will.
Typically, the archdiocese makes these announcements late morning. Check your local news stations at noon.
I deeply fear and strongly suspect that, years from now, a victim of an abusive Philly priest will step forward. She will have been assaulted as a child by of the 30+ credibly accused predator priests who’ve been left in ministry for the last several years by the Philly Catholic hierarchy. And she would have been spared a lifetime of pain, had even one of the top archdiocesan officials acted with compassion and courage by calling the police . . .David Clohessy, Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, (7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143), 314 566 9790 cell (SNAPclohessy@aol.com)
It is so disturbing that is had to take a grand jury investigation to get Rigali and others to do the right thing.
And,I suspect it will take grand jury investigaions, and more arrests in all the diocese to pressure them into reporting credibly accused predator priests also.
Philly is not the only diocese who is not following their own rules. but of course when you make your OWN rules, you don’t have to follow them I guess.
How sad, but yet how important for victims to finally be believed by so many who stilled doubted them.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, 636-433-2511
snapjudy@gmail.com
“Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests”
http://www.snapnetwork.org/
The Vatican/ Pope Francis should start getting rid of all pedophiles/ homo sexual priest. The Vatican covering the sinful act of bishops and clergy is a big disgrace! It took so long before they do the right thing which is protect innocent young children’s boys/girls. I lose faith in the Catholic Church I have my good reasons why? tolerating pedophiles, allowing homo sexuals to become priest when they are just molesting/ sexually abusing young boys. All Catholic Priest, Bishops, even the Pope should stop deceiving many by being a ” Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing ” that must be put to stop! They need to examine and clean up their acts.