In the United States from 1950-2002, 4,392 Catholic priests and clergymen sexually abused (including molestation) 10,667 people, according to the Catholic News Service. Although there hasn't been a thorough national survey taken since the 2002 study by the U.S. bishops' National Review Board, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reported 1,083 additional abuse incidents in 2004 alone. The inappropriate and sinful actions of the guilty clerics, priests, bishops and employees of the Catholic Church have destroyed the faith of many Catholic followers and traumatized the lives of the abused victims.
Apologies and compensation for victims are certainly expected and have been provided, but these actions alone will not suffice. The church must use many different methods to redeem itself and recapture a high moral image; however, it seems the preferred method is to spend millions of dollars in an effort to redeem Catholicism.
According to The Associated Press, The Diocese of Covington in Kentucky recently agreed to pay $120 million to the victims of abuse by any employee of its diocese. Covington is a recent example of many dioceses, which have decided to financially compensate its victims. Sexually abused victims in Covington will be categorized by severity of abuse suffered in order to determine the amount of money he or she will receive. Victims of smaller crimes can collect as little as $5,000, whereas the victims of more severe crimes will be compensated as much as $450,000.
Some Covington Catholics question the efficacy of the diocese's plans: Jack Gartner, a member of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption told Kentucky's WJLA news, "It's hard for me to imagine that money can justify or satisfy the individuals who have endured this kind of abuse." His skepticism is valid; the money will serve as a band-aid to cover a wound, but will not heal it.
By using financial compensation as its primary form of reparation, the Church is promoting materialism to make up for its wrongdoings. The money has no specific intent; however, a portion of the funds is designated for victim counseling and the rest will be given to the victims to use as they will. Unfortunately, money will not correct the horrifying actions of abusive priests and it will not erase the appalling and sickening memories the victims carry in their hearts. Throwing money at the problem will not help the church regain its moral reputation with Catholics worldwide and people of other faiths.
Additionally, this practice is hurting the church: The Diocese of Covington needs $40 million that it doesn't have. In order to raise this amount, the dioceses will lay off employees, sell real estate and liquidate investments, according to the AP.
Moreover, apologies issued by the church have been undermined by some bishops' unwillingness to come to terms with the past. In 2001, Pope John Paul II made a now-famous statement in order to "apologize unreservedly to the victims for the pain and disillusionment caused to them."
Four years later, Pope Benedict XVI blamed the media for turning the sins of a minority of priests into a "planned campaign" against the church. Instead of pointing fingers, the new pope should assure victims that the church remains ashamed and regretful for the crimes that have occurred.
Pride must be laid aside, and Catholics - especially high-level church leaders - need to be candid with themselves as well as with the public.
The Pope needs to directly address the sexual abuse as his predecessor did: with an apology. The world, especially those of Catholic faith, need to know that the church recognizes its crimes, and not just pays for them.
Nothing will be equivalent to the awful events the victims experienced, and the money the church is spending would be better spent establishing a vast network of support and counseling services for those who need help. The church and its dioceses must now focus on improving their actions in the future and helping victims of the past cope with their misfortunes.
-Jessica Napier is a pre-journalism sophomore and a staff columnist for The Daily Aztec.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to letters@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed - include your full name, major and year in school.
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