Priest calls text 'prophetic'

"We always put justice and forgiveness in opposition to each other, and they're both Christian values," he remarked, adding that Catholic Workers have historically been "prophetic" voices in the Church. He believes this document is another example of looking forward.

He hoped his own participation in writing it "gives some insight as to how we [priests] felt. It's been such a difficult thing for the priests, and at the same time we've been so supported."

The priest sees "Wiping Away the Tears" as a positive statement about the situation, in the midst of many negative ones.

While the Catholic Workers don't claim to be therapists or authorities on clergy sexual abuse, "one of the great things the Bishop did was ask everybody for their input. We're glad to contribute to this conversation. It was good Catholic Worker stuff." (KB)

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