The Case of Fr. McCormack

This recent case of an accusation of abuse being made against a priest and how it was (and is) being handled by the Archdiocese of Chicago is very illustrative of that fact THAT ABSOLUTELY NOHING HAS CHANGED. The Dallas Charter notwithstanding, allegations are ignored, priests are given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to continue to molest. But don't take my word for it- follow me here.

First we have the public statement by Cardinal George:

Some highlights:

Late Wednesday, Jan. 25, I returned to Chicago and was briefed on the allegations now being made against Fr. McCormack. In any such stories, the first concern is for those alleging to have been abused, and they are in my prayers. But others are also involved, especially in the effort to evaluate whether a story is true or not.

Now is it just me, or is the word "briefing" what you would expect from the shepherd of souls? Or is it what you would expect from a politician discussing a strategy meeting with his handlers? Just a thought.

When a second story arose over a week ago, the allegation was made to the Archdiocese.

Now the first allegation (of last August) was made to the police and NOT the Archdiocese. It wasn't taken seriously by apparently the police or the Archdiocese but see here boys and girls IF you take your complaint to the Archdiocese FIRST then we will take your complaint seriously.

Some have said that Fr. McCormack should have been immediately removed from ministry last August on the basis of what remains hearsay, without any sort of process. It seems to me morally wrong to insist that anyone should be punished on the basis of a story that could not be investigated. If this were the practice, no one would be safe.

Now this is a real kneeslapper. Did the Cardinal really say "no one will be safe" if abusers are removed based on hearsay? How revealing that we are concerned about the "safety" of the priest, the criminal abuser and NOT children. It's too rich. What is the meaning of zero tolerance if it doesn't mean that a priest is removed pending the investigation?

Along with my prayers for all involved, I would hope that anyone who has knowledge of the abuse of children by a priest or anyone else would report it immediately to IDCFS and to the Archdiocesan Professional Responsibility Administrator (312-751-5205). The Archdiocesan process works well when it is given a chance to be used.

And a final reminder to go to the Archdiocese first.

Now if a case of reported abuse is called hearsay by the Archdiocese what chance do victims have of being believed? Are they calling for the old standard of two eye witnesses?

To add to our disbelief we find that this priest had an accusation against him in 2000. You can read the story here.It's like deja vu all over again.