Bishop Gumbleton's Testimony
By Kristine Ward, National Vice President, Voice of the Faithful, Chair, Dayton Affiliate
The truth is painful every time we hear it. That is no less so today with
Bishop Gumbleton's revelation yesterday of his own experience of clergy sexual abuse that took place sixty years ago. Bishop Gumbleton, like all survivors, deserves the sincere apology of his Church backed by a real quest for true reform.
Ohio lawmakers see today that the wall of Bishop opposition to the "window" provision of Ohio Senate Bill 17 is not solid. We call upon members of the Ohio House, holders of the public trust, to seize this moment as an opportunity to better appreciate the need for all of the provisions of Senate Bill 17.
The Bishop’s disclosure serves to underscore what the survivors have taught the Church and society at large - it takes a very long time to come to terms with abuse. This is why access to justice should be afforded to victims of sexual abuse through "windows" that allow for a look-back period.
What we don't know does harm us. When we don't know who sexual predators are, children are at risk.
When Bishops cover up abuse and block reforms, the Church suffers for sure but society loses the strength of a significant moral pillar.
Only truth and the willingness to seek it will lead us from the depth of this scandal and cure the laryngitis in the Church's moral voice.
Bishops should lead, not impede. Led now by one of their own, there is a sliver of hope that Bishops will drop their opposition to the look-back window and allow wrongs to be righted, children to be protected, and justice to live again in the Roman Catholic Church.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/10/AR2006011001818.html