Shouldn’t this be settled by investigation based on testimony and evidence, rather than rumors and strong feelings of either personal loyalty or aversion?
I admit to being swayed by rumors and mockery, but I don’t think this is compatible with judging with justice. I need to restrain my prejudices.
We don't allow Churches to investigate themselves when it comes to child rape.. and shouldn't.
Churches have the right to 'forgive' rapists - that's within their preview... but they don't have the right to ignore the laws of the country. And as I've said before it's just as easy to 'forgive' a priest while he sitting in a prison cell as to forgive him when he's sitting in a rectory 50 feet from a child's playground. The 'right' to forgive is NOT the issue.
As far as priests seducing men over the age of 18 - that's the Church's business. Our laws cover the minimum standards of human behavior... not the standards we should all be following... That's the level we hope religion will assist with establishing.