LOMBARDI: Lack of action in Jesuit sexual abuse case speaks louder than words
By Eric Lombardi
Two months ago I told Marquette about the Rev. Donald McGuire, a Jesuit from Chicago who has molested at least three Wisconsin children, and asked the Society of Jesus why they have not done more to address McGuire's heinous crimes.
It's taken far too long, but the Jesuits have finally responded.
The Rev. Edward Schmidt, head of the Chicago province of the Society of Jesus admitted last week the Jesuits did not do enough to stop clergy sexual abuse in general and in the case of McGuire, specifically.
"I am personally outraged that anyone, particularly a Jesuit, could abuse a child," Schmidt said, "Above all, I want to say that I am sorry."
Critics present at the press conference believed Schmidt's apology was insincere.
The importance of Schmidt's sincerity pales in comparison to the importance of the Jesuits' lack of action.
The Society of Jesus simply relocated McGuire every time he was found to have molested a child instead of taking any action to prevent it, and he was only asked to stop wearing clerical garb last month.
During the press conference, Schmidt unveiled "new" child molestation prevention policies — which is a great step in the right direction. Except for the fact that other Catholic leaders have adopted similar, and even more aggressive policies, years ago.
Barbara Blaine, a member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests organization, said of Schmidt's comments, "The Jesuits preach safety and still let their predators roam free to abuse children."
The Rev. Kenneth Lasch, a church law expert, went so far as to tell Chicago Sun-Times reporter Susan Hogan that "religious orders have long argued against ousting predator members on the grounds that society is safer because orders can provide close supervision…the trouble is that they don't, the Chicago Jesuits and McGuire have been slapped with two lawsuits involving three boys in the past 19 years."
It seems no coincidence that Schmidt's apology came the day after SNAP issued a formal letter to Catholic Bishop Olmsted.
It's taken far too long, but the Jesuits have finally responded.
The Rev. Edward Schmidt, head of the Chicago province of the Society of Jesus admitted last week the Jesuits did not do enough to stop clergy sexual abuse in general and in the case of McGuire, specifically.
"I am personally outraged that anyone, particularly a Jesuit, could abuse a child," Schmidt said, "Above all, I want to say that I am sorry."
Critics present at the press conference believed Schmidt's apology was insincere.
The importance of Schmidt's sincerity pales in comparison to the importance of the Jesuits' lack of action.
The Society of Jesus simply relocated McGuire every time he was found to have molested a child instead of taking any action to prevent it, and he was only asked to stop wearing clerical garb last month.
During the press conference, Schmidt unveiled "new" child molestation prevention policies — which is a great step in the right direction. Except for the fact that other Catholic leaders have adopted similar, and even more aggressive policies, years ago.
Barbara Blaine, a member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests organization, said of Schmidt's comments, "The Jesuits preach safety and still let their predators roam free to abuse children."
The Rev. Kenneth Lasch, a church law expert, went so far as to tell Chicago Sun-Times reporter Susan Hogan that "religious orders have long argued against ousting predator members on the grounds that society is safer because orders can provide close supervision…the trouble is that they don't, the Chicago Jesuits and McGuire have been slapped with two lawsuits involving three boys in the past 19 years."
It seems no coincidence that Schmidt's apology came the day after SNAP issued a formal letter to Catholic Bishop Olmsted.
Published: 10/30/07 Section: News
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Catherine Mary Henry
posted 10/31/07 @ 8:48 AM CST
Letter to the Editor of the Marquette Tribune:
The religious orders of men, the Jesuits in this case, are no better in the honesty, accountability and transparency departments than the bishops of the Catholic Church in these United States. (Continued…)
John Pilmaier
posted 10/31/07 @ 4:11 PM CST
I am really disappointed to learn of the deception that went on in regard to Fr. McGuire. I had hoped the Jesuits were different, but we've been let down again. (Continued…)
Nonna
posted 10/31/07 @ 6:06 PM CST
40 years, 40 years this man has been allowed to be around children. This is something very wrong with this religion.
Vera Capto
posted 11/02/07 @ 12:30 PM CST
Molestors of children and their protectors serve Satan not Jesus. According to Foxes Book of Martyrs, the Roman Church and Jesuits burned scripture following Christians for accepting the laws of GOD over Papal power. (Continued…)
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