Voice
of the Faithful Focus – A brief update
highlighting both a problem in our church and
some progress being made as we work together to Keep
the Faith, Change the Church.
Problem:
Diocese of Springfield, MA officials say
the "Dallas norms," the policy U.S. bishops
created in 2002 to protect children from abusive
clerics and to punish those credibly accused, doesn't
hold bishops accountable for their behavior. It
would require the Vatican initiating action against
a bishop. Thomas Dupre became the first U.S. bishop
indicted on sexual abuse charges of two boys decades
earlier but the charges could not be pursued because
of the statute of limitations. Citing confidentiality,
officials at the diocese of have repeatedly
refused to disclose Dupre's whereabouts. Also, they have
initiated no action against Dupre in the more than
two years since he resigned as bishop amid these
allegations. Meanwhile Dupre remains a bishop in
good standing, a prince of the Church, receiving
all the benefits and privileges that come with
that title. He is still listed on the diocesan
website as Bishop Emeritus. (Material from The
Republican and Bishop-Accountability.org)
Click
here to learn more about our campaign to reform sexual
abuse laws to ensure accountability for all.
Progress: The same diocese, the Diocese
of Springfield, MA has decided it will not provide
any pension benefits
to a recently defrocked priest who was accused of sexually
abusing minors. The diocese has initiated a process that
could lead the Vatican to defrock at least six other
diocesan priests who have been accused of sexually abusing
minors. When the diocese announced Richard F. Meehan's
defrocking on June 8, it said his monthly stipend of
about $1,000 would end and that a decision would be made
regarding potential benefits. Priests become eligible
for pension benefits at age 70 unless forced into retirement
by health issues. Meehan is 64. Hopefully this same action
will be taken against the other six priests as well as “Bishop
Emeritus” Dupre. The need for financial accountability
is more important than ever. (Material from The Republican.)
Click
here to learn more about how you can
help your parish and/or diocese improve on their
financial accountability. |
