The recent Philadelphia skewed report coupling 21 innocent priests with 2 priests accused of sexual misconduct highlights the need to distinguish accusations regarding non-sexual indiscreet conduct and accusations of sexual actions, and that the procedures for assessing and handling these claims should likewise be quite different given the difference in gravity in the two types of cases. Father Robert Connor of Opus Dei has posted an article detailing the gross mishandling of that case and the general injustice and lack of support by diocesan officials nationwide for their accused priests, generally treating the accused with the same absolutely intolerant rigor instead of carefully applying the proper procedure for each case for the sake of justice for all parties involved, even the clergy.
In the present reactionary and quite anti-clerical environment it is ironic that the Ordinary/Diocesan Bishop has become the priests' greatest enemy!!!
This general lack of understanding and personal and confidential assistance for accused priests (including priests who might approach their bishops with personal problems in the area of boundaries) should only serve to isolate, reject and destroy many completely innocent and loyal priests.
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