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PDF versionCardinal Rigali Must Go
by Michael Sean Winters on Feb. 17, 2011
One of the central themes of the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI has been the Holy Father’s repeated invitation to the secular West, not only that it recall the place of God in human life and in the development of the culture of the West, but that in so doing, our culture turn away from the skepticism about human reason that has infected Western thought, that we, as a culture, rededicate ourselves to the idea that Truth – with a capital “T” – is accessible and not merely the sum total of subjective whims, but true at all times and in all places.
Except, evidently, in Philadelphia. There, Cardinal Justin Rigali has announced the archdiocese is “re-examining” charges of sexual abuse against as many as 37 of its priests. I am dumb. The Dallas norms, in place for the United States church since 2002, set a low bar for investigations: if there is a “credible” allegation against a cleric, then that cleric will be removed from ministry until the allegations are proven to be true or false. If the charges against these 37 have been investigated and found to be unfounded, and surely there are instances of false allegations, then let us see the results and announce that these priests have been vindicated. If the charges were found to be true, and these priests were not removed, the Dallas norms have been violated.
Here is what cardinal Rigali wrote in a short, three sentence, letter to the faithful of the archdiocese: “The report states that there remain in ministry archdiocesan priests who have credible allegations of abuse against them. I assure all the faithful that there are no archdiocesan priests in ministry today who have an admitted or established allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against them.” Now, I am no lawyer, but I can spot lawlerly distinctions. In the first sentence, the operative word is “credible.” In the second, the operative words are “admitted or established.” But, if an investigation against someone charged with a crime has proven that the charge is “unadmitted or unestablished” we have a word for that too: exonerated. But, Cardinal Rigali is not saying that these clerics have been exonerated. He is re-opening the investigations.
The entire American episcopate has staked its reputation on adherence to the Dallas norms. They have said, in effect, yes, we messed up horribly. We were confronted with horrific allegations and we did not respond with horror. But, we have learned our lesson. We have learned that clergy sex abuse is a thing so revolting to common standards of decency, to say nothing of the Master’s warning not to harm the young, that all credible allegations require immediate examination and investigation and, if true, that priest will never, ever be returned to active ministry. They have said that they “get it,” that they understand that this issue is so large, and so repulsive, that the credibility of the Church itself hangs in the balance, that all of the Church’s good works, our care for the poor and the vulnerable, our attention to the educational needs of the young and the medical needs of the elderly, indeed the veracity of our claims to act in the name of the Good Shepherd, all of this counts for nothing if we look the other way when one of our priests molests a child. That has been the stance of the bishops since Dallas. That stance has been gravely compromised by the revelations from Philadelphia.
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On an issue this important, you do not get two bites at the apple. Who can ever trust anything Cardinal Rigali now says? How can he, in good conscience, mount the pulpit of his cathedral and proclaim the Good News when the newspapers are documenting the Bad News, the devastating news, that all the promises made at Dallas were lies? One case that slipped through the cracks would be one too many, of course, but we all make mistakes. Thirty-seven cases? That is a systemic problem. And the name of that systemic problem is clericalism.
Just last Sunday, in the Gospel, we heard, “If your right eye offends you, cut it out.” Cardinal Rigali should resign. He should resign today. In disgrace. He should resign from all of his Vatican appointments: He sits on the Congregation for Bishops, after all, and who would want someone so morally compromised having anything to do with the selection of future bishops? Nothing he can say now can restore his credibility. Nothing he can do will restore the confidence of the people of God in his governance. And, the Holy See must figure out, perhaps with an apostolic visitation, how it is going to root out of the culture of clericalism that is stronger in Philadelphia than anywhere else in America the rank and stinking sin of covering up clergy sex abuse.
The laity has no voice in
The laity has no voice in anything. Just pay, pray and obey. Even my 82 year old Irish Catholic mother in law is fed up. Business as usual? I don't think so. The hierarchy can huff and puff and threaten and even excommunicate people. It no longer works. The time has come for dramatic action, but don't look to Rome. What do we get from Rome? Just more and more clericalism, more threats and more business as usual.
I experienced, first hand,
I experienced, first hand, attempted sexual abuse by a priest who taught me in high school. He did not succeed in his attempt to draw me into a sexual encounter, but he was eventually exposed by another student and was removed from priestly ministry. The man has since died, and while I still feel embarrassed and ashamed when I think about the attempt, Christian Mercy, which I so desperately need in my own life, requires I do all I can to cooperate with Grace and forgive. One of the things I've learned in this process is that the only voice I ever truly had fell on the ears of God and to the extent I surrendered my anger and pain, the more peace I experienced. My rabid need to be heard by the Church eventually evaporated into solid comprehension that I have already been heard, I would know justice, and peace would be mine. It is mine now, but it required absolute surrender, absolute trust, absolute forgiveness, and in the end absolute submission to authentic authority...something that doesn't come naturally and easily for me. I hope someone who is struggling with this in their life finds comfort in what I've written here and the only advise I offer is reject anger and bitterness and the need for human justice. It will leave you unhealed. Forgive and surrender to God and his Will.
The light of day that is
The light of day that is showing Rigali's cover-up is precisely why NCR has a new article written by Allen, being put out by Dolan and Rossetti about "rethinking zero tolerance." This same cover-up (yes, under current "norms") is happening everywhere, at the behest of clerical psychologists like Rossetti, themselves blinded by their own narcissism.
If Rigali falls, so do Dolan and Rossetti and all the rest because they have all been doing the same thing.
Dolan talks about his righteous defending of a serial molester's priesthood! Really?
Two priests in the Old Testament that transgressed ritual rules once were struck down dead by God on the spot. This story is a lesson for us now about how sacred the calling and how serious infractions should be taken.
Yes, defend the priesthood -- by ridding it of monsters through the modern means of dismissal and prison terms.
There is an indelible character with the priestly annointing as with baptism but people renounce their baptisms all the time and lose the privilege of being called children of God.
Anyone who has hidden child rapists should suffer the same dismissal and prison terms.
This will never happen. Look for gentle announcements that Rigali will soon retire, or watch him disappear to Rome before he has to take the stand.
Rigali now should recuse
Rigali now should recuse himself from all ministry and turn his passport over to the appropriate civil authority.
The People of God should petition the Archbishop of Rome for a new Archbishop. The Laity should submit names for this new Archbishop. If the Archbishop of Rome does not comply -- then the Church of Philadelphia must elect and consecrate its own bishop. The names submitted for the post must not have had anything to do with the current governing structure and the principals of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The investigations into the 37 should be managed and brought to conclusion by People of God. If indeed it is found that Rigali contributed directly or indirectly to the coverup then the laity must send him to the civil authorities for judgement and punishment.
Archbishop of Rome?
Archbishop of Rome? Consecrate your own Bishop?
Confusion and heretical nonsense is never the answer to pain and suffering.
The Archbishop of Rome
The Archbishop of Rome appoints all bishops in union with him for consecration; see catechism of the catholic church, and the code of canon law.
The possibility that local churches might have to deal with the consequences of systemic failure from that same archbishop opens the door for the local church to name its own bishop for consecration -- which by the very nature of the rite will be in apostolic succession.
Have you called for Mahony's
Have you called for Mahony's resignation too? Rigali is very much an angel in comparison.
I have no clue what anyone
I have no clue what anyone means anymore by clericalism. Is it the same as blind ambition in the corporate world? Perhaps you are right to call the Cardinal it task as the "CEO". However, it seems to me that once we think of a bishop as a CEO, he ceases to be bishop. In my mind it is kind of like the prime minister and the queen. But, I don't know if Rigali bishops either. I do know that it is really hard for one person to be as omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent as people seem to call for these days. So, go ahead, in the spirit of justice and charity take him down. Relieve him and us of our misery. Take them all down, let's get rid of the whole damn structure and we won't have to worry about clericalism because there won't be priests. We're headed that way anyway. Let's let the laity be in charge - then we will be assured that there won't be any ambition, game playing, cover-ups or any other kind of malfeasance. And, if there is - well - we didn't know.
Since the days of the early
Since the days of the early church, bishops have been the supervisors of the community to which the Holy Spirit has assigned them by acclamation or by appointment by the Vicar of St. Peter. Thus the 'govern' part of their 'teach, sanctify, govern' duties.
As with most, the measure of ones success is that they do what they say they are to do. Thus, if the bishops of the US have a particular law that says 'zero tolerance', and they play fast stepping deceits with that law then they have failed. In the case of the this particular law their failure goes to their moral center, and the failure calls into question their own sanctity.
Paul vi said that clericalism is a grave sin. It is a sin because it is rooted in pride which limits a clerics ability to serve as Christ served. Clericalism often is experienced when clerics make decision contrary to church or civil law, or against justice and mercy simply because they view their decision as righteous by virtue of ordination.
Bishop - queen? Don't EVEN
Bishop - queen? Don't EVEN go there!!!!
Well, there is another
Well, there is another solution to all of this. let all who complain about the roman catholic church , just get out of the church since they are so unhappy in it. they can move over to the islamic faith and i would be very interested to know what will happen when they complain!!!! Thanks!!!!!!
Annymous.... Why does the
Annymous....
Why does the only solution have to be "Love it or Leave it"?
God the Father is the CEO of the people of God! I don't see
anyyhing in His Memoes (Scripture) to suggest this...
Bernard Law and Rigali have
Bernard Law and Rigali have both sat on the Congregation for Bishops. They have recently been joined by Cardinal Burke. This explains plenty about the quality of bishops we get in this country.
The solution is easy. Each
The solution is easy. Each parish council needs to establish itself as a legal non-profit corporation and set up a new checking account controlled by it and not the pastor and insruct the parishoners to give to it and not the parish. That account would then pay for everything but would not send any money to the Cardinal until 1. he transfers all parish property to the corporation, 2. establishes all diocesan entities as non-profits with independent boards 3. let the council hire the priest and 4. resigns when this is done. Peter's pence should be withheld until the same bodies, in unison, elect the new archbishop and the Vatican recognizes this as legitimate.
The faithful realize that until they set up alternate payment arrangements, things like this will continue.
They already have this kind
They already have this kind of set up in Holland and it is a disaster. The laity run the Priest and the Church. The Bishop has to step carefully or he does'nt get any money. Result? Complete anarchy . .The trendy liberal busybodies have turned certain parishes into protestant happy convivial Taisae hymn singing fests. The Mass is so horribly disfigured that there is NO Nicene creed and no kneeling etc . . And it's the wonderful uncontrolled laity who have brought it about!! NO THANKS
No kneeling! As an objection.
No kneeling! As an objection. Bow your head to no one , human or human fabrication. Are you a submissive fool?
"Nothing he can say now can
"Nothing he can say now can restore his credibility. Nothing he can do will restore the confidence of the people of God in his governance."
I understand the reason for the emotionally absolutist claims and statements in your letter, but you have, quite frankly, lost your sense of reason and perspective on the issue. Moreover, to make such sweeping statements about a person's character based upon a three sentence letter seems to me like claiming the knowledge and authority of God (who are you to make such judgments? when did you earn the ability to judge souls?).
If you reread the article I
If you reread the article I think you'll find that Mr. Winters' condemnation of the Cardinal is based on Rigali's violation of the Dallas norms. How could the Archdiocese have allowed 37 priests with credible abuse allegations to remain in the ministry? I would also recommend reading the recent Grand Jury report that got all this started. Absolutely horrifying.
Let us all pray for Cardinal
Let us all pray for Cardinal Rigali and the Catholic Church.
How about a word of prayer
How about a word of prayer for the children that were raped and/or molested?
Wow. Completely unhinged.
Wow. Completely unhinged. And it seems like nobody notices in this readership. Kind of sad. Sounds like previous investigations indicated the allegations against a set of priests were unfounded, so they are ministering, but the report indicates that some still feel there are credible allegations. So we already cleared them and let them get back to work, but we're willing to look again to be conservative about it. Quick get the tar and feathers out!
Cardinal Rigali will retire,
Cardinal Rigali will retire, a new Archbishop will take over and it will be business as usual. There will be no change, because the hierarchy is incapable of change or bold action. The men of the Curia will doubtless tell Benedict to just stand firm, and ride out the storm, and soon, things will be back to normal.
Except that things are not back to normal. This is 2011 not 1911. Much of the laity will simply not go along any more. The hierarchy has been purged of men who are able to initiate bold action, and stocked with hard right priests of limited intellect and vision. The problem is that we now have a Church that is so rigid it cannot bend, cannot adapt. We have a Church that is polarized and brittle. A major fracture or schism is coming, or we may just have a relentless erosion of people and lose half our members.
I am starting to think that this is exactly what the current hierarchy wants. A much smaller, cult like church, similar to LC/RC or Opus Dei. No more big tent, but a small cult of fanatics who never question anything and who would jump off a cliff if told to do so by the hierarchy. I think the smarter Bishops such as Cardinal O'Malley know what is coming, but they are unable to do anything, because the Vatican will not let them. It's very upsetting when you think about it.
The Church has never been a
The Church has never been a "big tent" entity. Jesus promised that the road to heaven was narrow and difficult and the road to perdition wide and easy. The Church suffers from a lack of faith, not just in the Pope and the bishops, but in Christ, and we suffer concomitantly with a lack of priestly vocations and with our desire to form the church in our own image and likeness. Suggesting that the Church is rigid and cannot bend is simply no fault if the alternative is to bend to every whim and desire of corruption. A big tent is no church at all, just a big tent through which the winds can blow where they whither.
I read most of the Grand Jury
I read most of the Grand Jury Report from Philadelphia about the continued coverup of sexual abusing priests still active in the church. It was obvious from reading the report that the Cardinals in Philadelphia and their assistants were protecting the priest who committed the sexual crimes. This report reveals the depth of evil that was present within the catholic church in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the cardinals, bishops and the Vatican do not seem to understand that those who were involved in this coverup were criminals. Until the Hierarchy of the Catholic Church admits that they lied to the people in our Church and submits to civil laws this scandal will not go away.
This archbishop is a total
This archbishop is a total disgrace to the entire Catholic population. How right you are, when no allegations are proven to true, those accused should be vindicated and able to move on with their lives. Cardinal Rigali is a self-righteous man and yes, mistakes have been made toward horrible "real" allegations of abuse by priests and laity, when these allegations are proved to be true and the priest or lay person has been charged, then by all means set up the correct punishment to meet the crime. However, when false allegations or allegations that have never proceeded to have someone convicted, then those people should be able to return to their positions in diginity and be totally exonerated from any wrong doing. It is sad that Cardinal Rigali is playing the part of GOD in all these actions, and treating the innocent the same way he treats the guilty. This is NOT someone of the Christian faith. Resign is the only answer, although that will not rectify the lives of so many he has destroyed in his path.
Ireland leads the world in
Ireland leads the world in Pedophelia and cover up.The Irish clergy in America are a close second.Let the Irish Cardinals resign as well as Pope Benedict (His record of protecting Pedophiles is well known)
With all due respect,I
With all due respect,I question why we pile on this obviously holy Cardinal of Italian descent after all these years of world wide clerical pedophilia and cover up.
Shame on you for not posting
Shame on you for not posting my defense of Cardinal Rigali.
Francis L.Ferrante M.D.
NOT ANOTHER PALACE! My one
NOT ANOTHER PALACE!
My one hope is that Justin Cardinal Rigali will not be taking up residence in a church palace as was the case of Bernard Cardinal Law. I was amazed to hear that Pope John Paul II rewarded Law with so grand a penance: "Say six Our Fathers and reside in the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major in Rome." I doubt that trip to Italy was done on stand-by or coach!
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