It's not the waves, it's the undertow...
By Diogenes (articles ) | December 03, 2004 1:09 PM
... and from the perspective of Cardinal Roger Mahony, the problem isn't with the $85+ million that the nearby Orange diocese is handing out to sex-abuse victims. (The ever-reliable laity will foot the bill; see the items below.) The problem is with the legal precedents.
Fact: By accepting an out-of-court settlement, the Orange diocese tacitly accepted the validity of a California law making it easier to bring sex-abuse lawsuits. The Los Angeles archdiocese contends that the law is unconstitutional.
Fact: Bishop Tod Brown agreed to let the court decide whether or not priest-personnel records should be released to the public. Cardinal Mahony says that the release of records would violate his episcopal responsibility, and any legal demand for these records is tantamount to a state-sponsored assault on the confessional seal.
If the Los Angeles archdiocese is sincere its legal argumentation, Cardinal Mahony should denounce Bishop Brown for supporting an unconstitutional law and for abdicating his pastoral responsibility.
Again, I say this should happen if the folks inside the LA chancery believe their own legal arguments. I'm not holding my breath.
|
An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus: Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you! |
Easter Campaign: Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($20,973 to go):
$80,000.00
$59,027.50
26%
74%
|
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: snowbird -
Dec. 04, 2004 7:04 AM ET USA
Taking a loan on the "paid in full" cathedral in downtown LA, is he? Couldn't make him an Archpriest in Rome someplace. The moment he tried to "redecorate" one of their venerable old churches, those little old Italian ladies would have his head! Do the Puritans or the Shakers have any openings back in Pennsylvania? :):):)
-
Posted by: -
Dec. 03, 2004 6:58 PM ET USA
I believe they call this "Check." It's now the Cardinal's move.
-
Posted by: -
Dec. 03, 2004 2:21 PM ET USA
Neither am I. Fact or Fiction?: The eventual settlements of the Archdiocese of LA will far exceed that of Orange. Fact or Fiction?: Cardinal Mahoney will soon be an Archpriest. Gosh, there's just no being patient where justice is concerned.
