Bishop describes 'painful process' of clergy review

In what he describes as "an extremely painful process," Bishop Howard J. Hubbard is reviewing diocesan clergy files and consulting with his advisory panel on sex abuse to implement the charter passed by the U.S. bishops in Dallas two weeks ago.

The Bishop began last week to carry out the articles of the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People," including its directive that abusive priests -- regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred, how successful their treatment was or how loyally they have served Catholics since their reform -- be removed from ministry.

"In light of the charter," he told The Evangelist, "I am reviewing the files to see who would be affected. Once that is determined, they will be removed from ministry."

'Painful'

"It is painful to know that people who represented the Church have violated boundaries with minors and have caused havoc in their lives," he explained. "It is also painful to know that priests who have received treatment and not re-offended must be removed from ministry."

The Bishop called the abuse scandal "a horrible nightmare for the Church and a terrible ordeal for anyone who was abused."

Prayer

He also hopes prayers will be offered for two other groups when the priests' names are announced. "I hope Catholics pray for those who were victimized, for them to find healing and reconciliation. I also hope they pray for the priests, that they may experience forgiveness and compassion."

When the Diocese announces the names of the priests to be removed, Bishop Hubbard expects that "people who have had a positive relationship with them will be taken aback to realize they offended in the past. It will be a shock for some. It is one thing to know there is a general problem; it is another to know someone personally who was abused or who abused."

(06-27-02) [[In-content Ad]]