Newspaper: Bishop Finn ‘got off easy,’ should be removed from office

CWN - September 07, 2012

Bishop Robert Finn, found guilty of failing to report child abuse and sentenced to two years of probation, received a “disturbingly light sentence,” the Kansas City Star stated in an editorial.

“The whole imbroglio has not only decimated the church’s credibility but its moral standing,” the editorial continued. “Finn’s conviction is a strong reminder that he must not be allowed to remain in his post as bishop. In legal terms, Finn got off easy. But the church and its hierarchy have been put on notice.”

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Show 4 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: unum - Sep. 08, 2012 8:09 AM ET USA

    Bishop Finn made a judgment call about reporting the second case of alleged child pornography on a priest's computer that occurred in 2011. His actions were wrong, but not criminal. However, they indicate the same "benefit of the doubt for priests" mindset that has led to the bishops' coverup of the abuse of children by priests from the beginning. Only God knows whether the bishops were protecting the Church or themselves because if inadequate supervision, but the mindset still exists.

  • Posted by: hartwood01 - Sep. 07, 2012 8:17 PM ET USA

    Regardless of the Kansas City Star's attitude toward Catholic,the public sees this as giving a pass to yet another bishop derelict in protecting children.

  • Posted by: sprice036176 - Sep. 07, 2012 6:34 PM ET USA

    The Star is rabidly anit-Catholic. For perspective, refer to comments by Bill Donahue of the Catholic League in "Assessing Bishop Finn's Guilt" at http://www.catholicleague.org/assessing-bishop-finns-guilt

  • Posted by: Chatholic - Sep. 07, 2012 4:42 PM ET USA

    The Kansas City Star editorial board going on about moral standing, now that is rich.

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