Mahony Relieved Of 'Public Duties'

I studied in the seminary where most of the clergymen (who are the subject of these files) came from. I am shocked about this scandal and the online files one can read at: http://clergyfiles.la-archdiocese.org/listing.html To me, this scandal highlights major problems with the Catholic church's structure today, including: 1. Transparency - lack of it. We Catholics never know what goes on inside the church administration; e.g why priests are transferred, what are their backgrounds, who is promoted or demoted, etc. The online personnel files now tell us. 2. Conspiracy - plenty of it. It's obvious the cardinal and his aides tried for years to keep facts hidden and move priests away from the civil authorities. 3. Clerical elitism. Bishops, priests and seminarians are trained to think they are a superior order above the "laity" (lay women especially). They even communicate among themselves in a special way, signing letters "yours in Christ," etc. 4. Fortress mentality. Clerics see the outside world as "secular" and the church as "the body of Christ" to be protected from its influences. Celibacy reinforces that view. 5. Canon law. The church keeps its own "canon law" with its own attorneys and courts, with jurisdiction over all its personnel. A typical sex abuse case is a "graviora delicta." The offending priest is transferred or suspended and sent for a few months treatment to an out-state rehabilitation center. At worst, the priest's "faculties" are suspended and he is directed to request laicization.

The Cardinal should remove his Red Hat and not participate in the coming Conclave. It would be an act of humility and penance that would demonstrate that bishops whose nonfeasance and malfeasance have no business electing a Pope. Sadly, Mahony is not the only Cardinal who should avoid this solemn duty. And isn't this election, while behind closed doors, a public act? A ministry of election? Stay home Cardinal.