You know that it is going to be bad when the Archbishop himself says that the most recent batch of previously sealed Church-Abuse documents, will be devastating.
On July 1st, 2013 the Archdiocese of Milwaukee released over 6000 pages, detailing the activity of sexually abusive priests and the Church’s response to the victims. To many people, the 6000 pages contained lists of names, names with no meaning to our lives. But found within the 6000 pages a story emerges about a friend of mine, assaulted by a Priest so many years ago.
On July 1st, 2013 the Archdiocese of Milwaukee released over 6000 pages, detailing the activity of sexually abusive priests and the Church’s response to the victims. To many people, the 6000 pages contained lists of names, names with no meaning to our lives. But found within the 6000 pages a story emerges about a friend of mine, assaulted by a Priest so many years ago.
My friend was a victim of the Priest Child Sexual Abuse and was courageous enough to join the legal battle for justice. Think about yourself as an adult and having to relive your past horrendous experiences as you help other victims seek legal restitution. The Church, to whom you were fully devoted to, betrayed you on every level imaginable. It failed to protect yourself and other children, relocated -instead of removing- sexually predatory priests, and according to the newly released documents- hid money from potential lawsuits. Local news reports state that the documents show that the Church was worried more about its image than in caring for its most vulnerable members.
And in the midst of all this mess, stands my friend. Sadly one of the numerous victims, but one who has not allowed this abuse to define the trajectory of their life. Instead they chose to use this unimaginable evil to help prevent future abuse....
Let us continue to remember the many victims, their families and those still hurting from sexual abuse....
No comments:
Post a Comment