Where the Rubber Hits the Road

Here's a typical NYT series of events. The first story yesterday screams that the Vatican told Irish Bishops not to report abusers to the Police... today we find out that there is nothing that actually says that in the letter. What's more, the author was confusing Church (canonical) law with civil law. That's what led to this story today (not nearly as prominent mind you but at least its there) in which they pull back on their more sensational and salacious allegations. It's enough to make one wish that the NYT would hire a religion editor to vet their news stories about the sex abuse scandals. In 1997 Letter, Vatican Warned Irish Bishops on Abuse Policy - NYTimes.com

A column from Charles Lewis of the National Post . Mr. Lewis has been a fairly impartial if perhaps even supportive of the RC Church. His voice should not be ignored. He has earned the benefit of the doubt as to his intentions. I have called for very much of the same thing on this blog: I have shared it as well with virtually every friend I have within the RC Church in my attempt to sell the idea. To date, I have been seen as being an 'alarmist'; a 'chicken little' running around claiming the sky was falling. " We've dealt with the issue effectively here in Canada " I was told. " We don't need to follow the American model - it's too extreme for us " was the consensus opinion of those who reviewed my suggestion. I was even cautioned that to propose such a structure publicly would result in my possible suspension by my Bishop, should he decide to take offense at my 'overstepping' my position as priest. Well I posted it on my blog a...

Taken from NYT website. Click on the title to read the entire NYT story. In its statement, the Pembroke diocese said the victim ''was encouraged to refer the allegations to the civil authorities'' in accordance with Canadian church protocols, but ''his decision at the time was not to do so.'' However, the victim in a response to the diocese's statement e-mailed to The Associated Press disputed its account. ''At no point in my meetings with the diocese did they encourage me to call the police,'' he said. ''At no point did they offer to call the police on my behalf.'' The victim said that Windle never attended any meetings with him and church officials at the time.