All it takes, apparently, is for some smart lawyer to find a person who was once friendly to a priest, possibly one who was invited into a priests room where the priest tried to interest him in going to the seminary, and who is told if he says he was abused (using just vague words -nothing specific ) the diocese will suspend the priest and possibly even pay off the accuser and of course the lawyer. No trial, no opportunity for defense - guilty just by being accused. Same could go for a girl who fell in love with a priest (I understand many do) and since he would not leave for her she can get even by making an accusation - and besides she (and her lawyer) could use the money.
There were more abuse cases brought to light in the New York City public school system last year alone than in the entire Church during the entire abuse scandal.
Abuse is intolerable and devastating by clergy, teachers, parents, by any party, especially one in authority; but I just wanted to offer this perspective because, given the amount of criticism, unfavorable press, and sheer dollar cost, you'd think it was quite the opposite case.
I may have gotten the numbers wrong: it may the NYCPS over the past 5 years or something -- I'll double check. But it made the Church issue statistically insignificant compared to the NY school system alone. Please note, I said statistically insignificant. It is by no means morally insignificant.
shades of a witch hunt.
Instead of protecting their priests, they should have been turned in and tried in court. THAT is what we have LAWS for.