This weekend clergy and lay Catholics should be aware that the Archdiocese of Washington is now, and has been under investigation by the State of Maryland Criminal investigators. If you have evidence contact the State investigators. These investigations originated because of the horrible, destructive and fatal sexual abuse or assault crimes committed by priests; and of course the decades old and ongoing denials and cover ups carried out by Church clergy and lay staff. Since the 1950s and 1960s and in the decades since then there have been hundreds of criminal actions carried out by our Catholic clergy and knowledgeable Lay Catholics.
Particular individual priests have faced possible criminal indictments. Of course auxiliary bishops, bishops and Cardinals have been or might be a part of past or ongoing investigations. Criminal cover ups require teamwork. For years priests, Laity and our Archbishops have known about the boy and girl— both trusting Catholic kids—-who were raped separately by two different priests in Southern Maryland. They were told to shut up and were falsely accused of being liars—- by the Archdiocese of Washington clergy. Both acts of denial and “accusing the victims” is an old traditional defense strategy used by the Catholic Church. Tragedy is clearly recognizable in the losses of these two kids who took their own lives.
Today’s clergy and maybe Church laypeople are deliberately stonewalling and covering up. The priest who heads the Archdiocese of Washington Archives and a Canon Lawyer, has yet to give State investigators access to the necessary Church documents. Lacking such access makes it nearly impossible for investigators to more thoroughly clarify matters, including the roles carried out by priests and laity in both past or ongoing cover ups. This can include the possible destruction of evidence concerning the above two kids. This Canon Lawyer has been unwilling to work in a more cooperative way with the State of Maryland investigators. He could willingly provide them with greater access to the Archdiocesan Archives. But he chooses not to do thus! Is this unwillingness a crime?
To read the entire article from Fr. Michael's Newsletter, click here.
