US scandal offers us a stark insight

Whether it has been the growth of organised crime, the drug culture, or the breakdown in social values here in recent years, there was a preview of what was to come in the United States.

Both countries are finally facing the problems of clerical abuse, and we may well be getting an insight into what is likely to happen here before long.

Cardinal Bernard Law is currently under intense pressure to resign his position in the midst of the growing scandal, following the release of documents last week detailing a frightening level of clerical sexual abuse in the archdiocese. The cardinal has already been advised to file for bankruptcy, because of the scale of likely damages being sought.

The newly released documents detail instances of abuse involving not only children, but also a priest’s housekeeper who was battered, a priest who was having sex with novice nuns by claiming to be the second coming of Christ, another fathered at least two children, and a priest who was trading cocaine for sexual favours.

The documents contained further evidence of offending priests being moved from one parish to another in order to cover up their misbehaviour.

It may sound very familiar, but many priests there have now joined the public chorus calling for Cardinal Law’s resignation. Last week, priests in the archdiocese drew up a petition emphasising that his position is untenable.

“Your position as our bishop is so compromised that it is no longer possible for you to exercise the spiritual leadership required for the church of Boston,” the

petition read.

Cardinal Law is currently on a hurriedly arranged visit to the Vatican. The scandal has ominous overtones for this country, especially if it becomes necessary to declare bankruptcy there.

In Ireland the State has agreed that the Church’s

liability for compensation claims for child abuse in residential institutions will be capped at a comparatively modest €128m, and the State will assume responsibility for any excess.