Catholic League offers detailed critique of John Jay report
May 24, 2011
The president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights has released an in-depth critique of the John Jay report on the clerical sex-abuse scandal.
In his 24-page analysis, William Donohue is especially critical of the John Jay study’s claim that clerical homosexuality was not a major factor in the scandal. Carefully scrutinizing the data, he finds that the evidence contained in the document suggests that homosexuality was a very important influence. Moreover, Donohue observes, the John Jay study neglected additional evidence that would strengthen the connection with homosexuality. For example:
St. Luke's Institute is the most premier treatment center in the nation for troubled priests, and according to its co-founder, Rev. Michael Peterson, "We don't see heterosexual pedophiles at all." If this is true, how can it be that the John Jay study failed to pick this up?
Donohue faults the John Jay researchers for relying on testimony from groups like SNAP and Voice of the Faithful, which have proven to be consistently hostile to the Catholic hierarchy. He argues that the report provides an explanation of the bishops’ failure to remove abusive priests from ministry, since psychologists regularly testified that the priests would not offend again. “Well, it is painfully obvious by now that the psychologists oversold their competence,” Donohue observes.
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
May. 25, 2011 2:50 PM ET USA
Another example of the USCCB throwing around the money of the faithful on a flawed study. Who do they think would be dumb enough to believe that most of the pedophile priests are not homosexual?
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Posted by: -
May. 25, 2011 5:22 AM ET USA
Yes, the psychologists oversold their competence; and some bishops over bought the claim. Just because somebody tells you something, doesn't mean that you have to accept it as true--especially in those cases in which they were known to not believe the fullness of truth.
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Posted by: lauriem5377 -
May. 25, 2011 12:10 AM ET USA
Reports like the John Jay one only serve to increase hostility toward the Church - even from Catholics. While I think the media and anti-Catholic groups have hardly been fair to the Church, the public response of the Church to the sexual abuse scandal in many instances invites further criticism. For the Catholic laity it is much more simple: Forget the PR. Root out those who have abused children and don't ever let these grievous behaviors be covered up again. No excuses. Period.
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Posted by: impossible -
May. 24, 2011 10:11 PM ET USA
Thank you Mr. Donahue and thanks to the Catholic League for having the courage to tell the truth. The John Jay group should refund the $2,000,000 the USCCB paid for the PC roll of Northern they pawned off.
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Posted by: rpp -
May. 24, 2011 6:55 PM ET USA
Thank you, Lord, for this modern day voice in the wilderness. At least someone is willing to state the obvious, if unpopular, truth.
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Posted by: unum -
May. 24, 2011 5:56 PM ET USA
While Donohue's style may be rough (he is a true New Yorker) his pursuit of the truth is admirable. The bishops could learn a lesson from his aversion to spin and doubletalk.
