Kansas City's bishop and the diocese waited five months to report that hundreds
of images of child pornography were found on an active priest's computer. He was
required by state law to report this, but failed to do so. The bishop was warned
by the school principal that the priest was being "inappropriately" with
children, but failed to read the report for several months. The priest is in
jail.
Somehow the church still seems to be reluctant and negligent in it's duty
to protect the innocent from predators. I'm not sure if they just don't get
it...or if they somehow still think that just moving people around or giving
them some counseling is a sufficient way to deal with this heinous
activity.
I truly believe that the number of people who have been victims of clergy
abuse is far larger than is ever reported. When I was touched inappropriately
on more than one occasion by either a priest or a brother, the last thing in the
world I wanted was for anyone to know about it. Somehow I was fearful of being
dragged into the spotlight...the consequences for me as a teenager and young
adult, but also of what would happen to these men whom I'd both trusted and
admired. I never wanted to throw the baby out with the bathwater, especially
when these people were both brilliant and much loved and respected.
My experiences happened when I was in my late teens and early twenties,
which was bad enough. The thoughts of much more serious abuse to a child is
hence much more despicable. Maybe when one of the bishops who either fails to
address these situations actually goes to jail, the church will finally wake up.
This is criminal activity, and deserves a full hearing and a just
punishment.
The diocese of Kansas City truly is a "hierarchy of secrecy" when it
comes to shepherding the flock.
Comments (6)
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Jersey Joe, October 20, 2011 - 03:46 PM
You are most welcome.
Please do not take this the wrong way, Most people in my circle do not consider a 19 year old as a child when it comes to allowing anyone to touch them in a way they do not desire. I am not inferring it was your desire.
A question that arises is how and where were you that this act could or would be attempted?
Refreshing your memory to the point of your self standards, what were the attributes you expected in others that would set the tone for your admiration?
Please do not take this the wrong way, Most people in my circle do not consider a 19 year old as a child when it comes to allowing anyone to touch them in a way they do not desire. I am not inferring it was your desire.
A question that arises is how and where were you that this act could or would be attempted?
Refreshing your memory to the point of your self standards, what were the attributes you expected in others that would set the tone for your admiration?
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rnm44, October 20, 2011 - 10:06 PM
As a final note. Part one was in the principals office and in a vacant class room. I was 14 or 15. Part two was when I was a freshman in college..18 or 19. In neither case did I want or desire the contact.
The men involved were either authority figures or teachers. Unwanted contact is always wrong.
The men involved were either authority figures or teachers. Unwanted contact is always wrong.
+0
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One day after a report and the bishop does not act is dreadful.
Back when I began coaching I saw activity that was not wrong but not right. I spoke to many about it and who knows, no one wished to take the first step.
It took a long time but that coach is in jail.
I once called the Bishops office to report what I thought to be a problem with a priest. In my opinion I was classified as maybe a kook. It took ten years but that priest is in jail.
I could not agree with you more that certain Bishops were poor with performing their responsibilities.
In your case, is this same sex activity?