don't blame me

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Jan 12, 2006

How should an archbishop respond, when an auxiliary bishop says that he was a victim of sexual abuse?

Detroit's Cardinal Adam Maida said: "The Detroit archdiocese was never made aware of this."

This isn't a fragmentary sentence, wrenched out of context by a secular newspaper reporter; it's the single direct quote from the cardinal-archbishop contained in a release sent out by his official spokesman.

Look: Someone in the Detroit archdiocese was "made aware" of the incident: to wit, an auxiliary bishop. And still-- surprise!-- nothing was done about it.

Now we all know, and it's time for the chief shepherd to help his flock assimilate the latest story.

"The Detroit archdiocese was never made aware of this."

Can you hear the paternal concern in that statement? Can you feel the passion for justice? Do you notice how he has turned the surprising news story into a teaching opportunity? No? Neither do I.