FWIS3

Archdiocese to name abusive priests

MPR has been doing an investigation into how the Minneapolis St. Paul Archdiocese has been keeping secret priests accused and even admitted to sexual abuse. Now, the Archdiocese will reveal the names of those they have kept hidden.
Part of a statement from the Archbishop:
"For the sake of the dignity of each human person and for the sake of our souls, we must fix this problem of sexual misconduct right now," Nienstedt said. "For the sake of the God we love and serve, and for all who are counting on Catholic leadership to live by our beliefs and our word, I will not allow it to stand."

No, you are addressing this problem now because you got caught. Why did you not feel you had to fix this problem before it was revealed?

Religious organizations have always struggled with how the public is going to perceive them if they admit wrongdoing. After all, the organization responsible for being your moral guide and path to salvation should be above reproach.

Since it's too hard to actually be above reproach it's much easier to hide those instances where you have not upheld the standards. After all we wouldn't want anyone to lose faith in the church because of the actions of a few people would we?

The church is essentially guilty of trying to rationalize a decision that allows them to protect their public image and maintain trust in the church. The decision to cover up wrong doing is rationalized as being for the "greater good". After all, if you are the Catholic church you can't say "we are only human" to justify your behavior.