Re: “Seattle Archdiocese isn’t shirking its duty to victims of abuse” [Sept. 13,Opinion]:
“Tell the whole truth” is our response to the recent op-ed from the Seattle Archdiocese regarding the ongoing sexual abuse scandal. We at Healourchurch.org believe it is important to point out the distortions in the op-ed.
For nearly five years, we have been calling for an independent review of the files relating to this scandal. Finally, Washington’s attorney general, a lifelong Catholic, initiated an investigation to find the truth behind the cover-up. To hear the Archdiocese claim that it is cooperating with the investigation is a myth of huge proportions. They have fought this “tooth and nail” from the start — even as cases continue to be filed.
With stunning hypocrisy, the Church claims it is trying to protect the identity of victims and their families. No investigation anywhere has ever been interested in identifying victims. And transparency is not simply about identifying clergy, employee and hierarchy perpetrators. Rather, and just as importantly, the “how and why” this happened is critical to preventing a reoccurrence.
Finally, does the claimed $100 million paid to survivors plus significant attorney fees come from donations of the faithful?
For those interested in an accurate history of this scandal, please visit Healourchurch.org.Tom Lucas and Colleen Kinerk on behalf of Heal Our Church Steering Committee
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