Bishop William Murphy has created two panels to investigate child sexual abuse complaints against priests on Long Island and named former Nassau County police commissioner, Donald Kane, to handle referring the cases to law enforcement.
…Like you, I too have been deeply grieved by the fact that priests and religious, whose vocation it is to help people live holy lives in the sight of God, have themselves caused such suffering and scandal to the young. Because of the great harm done by some priests and religious, the church herself in viewed with distrust, and many are offended at the way in which the church’s leaders are perceived to have acted in this matter. The abuse which has caused this crisis is by every standard wrong
Pope John Paul II’s message in Rome that child sex abuse by priests is not only sinful but also criminal got a mixed reception back in the United States. While some praised the pontiff, others say he still has far to go before the problem in solved.
Pope John Paul II told the leaders of the U.S. Roman Catholic Church yesterday that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young. He called the sexual abuse of children a crime as well as an appalling sin in the eyes of God.
(Vatican City)
In a pattern that critics say mirrors nationwide trends, at least seven priests have been moved from Long Island to other dioceses after they were accused of sexually abusing children. It is a practice that experts say can be dangerous to the community, and one that Long Island church officials now say they will no longer condone.
THE ACCUSED PRIESTS
A look at the seven priests who have been accused of sexual abuse on Long Island and who have since been moved.
Matthew Fitzgerald, 61
Time of Alleged
In a pattern that critics say mirrors nationwide trends, at least seven priests have been moved from Long Island to other dioceses after they were accused of sexually abusing children. It is a practice that experts say can be dangerous to the community, and one that Long Island church officials now say they will no longer condone.
THE ACCUSED PRIESTS
A look at the seven priests who have been accused of sexual abuse on Long Island and who have since been moved.
Matthew Fitzgerald, 61
Time of Alleged