19 votes

Pope makes unprecedented move of defrocking ex-cardinal McCarrick over sex abuse

3 comments

  1. [2]
    alyaza
    Link
    this move is, as the title states, apparently a pretty unprecedented event in the history of the american side of the church: it isn't the first time globally, though: hopefully things like this...

    this move is, as the title states, apparently a pretty unprecedented event in the history of the american side of the church:

    According to the New York Times, the ruling appears to be the first time an American cardinal or bishop has ever been laicized, a process that strips a former priest of all clerical titles, rights, and resources, including housing and any other financial benefits. It also seems to be the first time any cardinal has been laicized over sexual abuse.

    it isn't the first time globally, though:

    Globally, the scandal has also led to the laicization of two retired Chilean bishops and the removal of two cardinals from powerful positions in the church.

    hopefully things like this will continue to come down.

    8 votes
    1. masochist
      Link Parent
      It's extremely unprecedented in the American side of the church. There has been an ongoing scandal--with a report released within the past few months by the Grand Jury in my state showing it's...

      It's extremely unprecedented in the American side of the church. There has been an ongoing scandal--with a report released within the past few months by the Grand Jury in my state showing it's still happening--that the Catholic church simply moves abusive priests around rather than taking them away from the kinds of people they prey on (forget about notifying the police).

  2. D_E_Solomon
    Link
    This is a step in the right direction. I would like to see the Catholic Church continue to fully cooperate with authorities and also have an independent, public, outside review of cases of abusive...

    This is a step in the right direction. I would like to see the Catholic Church continue to fully cooperate with authorities and also have an independent, public, outside review of cases of abusive priests, the bishops and cardinals who covered it up, and the policies that enabled it to happen.

    Until the truth is known, trust cannot be rebuilt.