If proof were needed that the Church has not moved beyond the pedophilia scandal, the Washington Post reported today that the Archdiocese of Portland will file for bankruptcy because it is overwhelmed by the financial costs of settling sexual abuse claims. The Post cited pending lawsuits involving Maurice Grammond, a priest who is acused of molesting more than 50 boys. Two lawsuits in particular involve claims for more than $160 million.
The Church- my Church- must make the sincere act of contrition that it teaches all Catholics to make. The Archdiocese of Boston has set the example for penance by replacing it's Bishop, selling property and closing parishes to raise funds to compensate those who have been abused by priests like Grammond. True contrition is not without pain, but without contrition there can be no healing.
The Post quoted Grammond from a deposition taken before his death in 2002: "I'd say these children abused me. They'd dive in my lap to get sexual excitement." That such a man was a priest for long enough to molest 50 boys is inexcusable. Worse, he was not alone in his depravity and his Archdiocese was not alone in failing to prevent such systematic abuse. What price should we not bear to demonstrate faith in Christ when we have so failed our children?
Posted by publius at July 6, 2004 11:05 PM