You really Didn't Think They Would Go Through on This?

Roman Catholic bishops and priests are looking for ways to avoid abiding by the non-binding policy the US bishops published recently in Dallas regarding the permanent removal of any priest who has sexually abused a minor. This was reported in the July 4 'Washington Post' article, "Bishops Face Obstacles to Tough Policy." Now that the bishops are back home, the article reports:

1. "Roman Catholic bishops are encountering serious difficulties in putting it (the non-binding policy) into effect...Some priests are refusing to go quietly, and bishops uncomfortable with the policy are raising practical obstacles, such as the uncertainty about the definition of sexual abuse."

2. "Some bishops appear to see room for interpretation. In Cincinnati, for instance, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk has announced that he will continue to keep secret the names and assignments of four priests who have a history of sexual misconduct with minors."

3. "It is a matter of difficulties in application...it is not as simple as it might first have appeared," according to 'Sister' Mary Ann Walsh, spokeswoman for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

"Definition of sexual abuse...Room for interpretation...Difficulties in application...Not as simple." I guess lay Catholics are so ignorant, they will need a teaching magisterium to tell them what "sodomy" REALLY means!

And for those readers who need a laugh today, the article said that 'Sister' Walsh, "denied that there is any lack of will among Catholic leaders to implement the decisions made in Dallas."

With the Roman priesthood looking for every possible loophole, please keep praying our Lord would shatter a Roman Church that continues to protect sexual predators.