Posted on 08/18/2018 10:37:33 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler
These are my own thoughts. It is not the protocol of my Diocese.
Just a few thoughts about your suggestions.
Since you are suggesting that all the laity take steps in cases of credible abuse, how would you get all the laity to agree upon what “credible” means?
If the abuse is deemed credible by the laity, then how would the abuser be removed from pastoral care? Only the bishop can do that. Do you think the bishop would automatically takes the alleged perpetrator off line based on establishing the credibility of a report in the manner you have described?
Based on who you are suggesting this be reported to (law enforcement, media, bishop), how would you be able to protect the reputation of a falsely accused priest?
Are you suggesting that cases of immoral sexual behavior between a priest and an adult male or female should be reported to law enforcement? Doesn’t seem likely they would do anything with that.
I’m not trying to give you a hard time here but honestly trying to understand your post.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.