The sexual abuse scandal continues in the Church. Now some of the Irish bishops involved in covering up the abuse have resigned. This is good news.
But what happens to bishops who resign because of the scandal? Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston in the US was given a high profile position at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome and is reportedly still one of the “bishop-makers” of the US Church. Perhaps the Irish bishops who have resigned are looking forward to a quiet life in an Irish cottage.
But these bishops who have caused such great scandal and have damaged the good name of the Church in such a grievous manner should live a life of prayer and penance in exile from their home countries. Pope Benedict should summon them to the Vatican and present them with the choice of one of three countries (none of which are near their home countries) to spend the rest of their lives in a remote hermitage in prayer and penance.
It is true that last year when he visited the United States, the Pope met with some survivors of the abuse and tendered an apology. That was a good beginning. But sending the bishops responsible for the cover-ups into exile would show that he does truly understand the grievous harm which has been done to the Church.
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- NCR ends online comments - January 15, 2014
