[ OUR OPINION ]
PARISHIONERS who were outraged at the Roman Catholic hierarchy's shielding of priests accused of child sexual abuse are upset now about the new get-tough policy adopted by many dioceses. Both practices -- quiet tolerance and zero tolerance -- ignore involvement of the laity. Signs that discontent from the pews may change the church's policy are encouraging. Lay involvement would
help end scandals
THE ISSUE The pastor of a Maui Catholic church has been removed because of allegations of sexual misconduct more than 20 years ago.
When Hawaii Catholic Bishop Francis DiLorenzo's decision to remove the Rev. Joseph Bukoski as pastor of the Maria Lanakila parish in Lahaina was announced at Sunday's Masses, the reaction was not one of relief. Instead, West Maui Catholics heaped praise upon their pastor of the past four years.
Joe Gallagher, chairman of the Sacred Hearts School Advisory Council, said the entire church community was "devastated by this unsubstantiated attack" associated with Bukoski's alleged sexual misconduct with a minor more than 20 years ago. Mathew Dauenhauer, president of the Parents Teachers Guild of Sacred Hearts School, over which Bukoski had oversight, said he believes "they're just allegations" against a pastor who is "wonderful with the kids."
The reaction is much the same at other parishes across the country to the new approach some dioceses have taken to allegations of sexual misconduct. More than 300 parishioners in New Orleans signed a petition supporting their pastor, who was removed last month because of a 15-year-old incident involving a teenager. Parishioners in Richmond, Va., are rallying around their pastor, who was removed because of "inappropriate judgment" that allegedly occurred 31 years ago. At Manorhaven, N.Y., parishioners are supporting their 74-year-old pastor, accused in an incident that allegedly took place 35 years ago.
Catholic bishops are scheduled to meet next month in Dallas to debate the church's policy on sexual abuse. Ironically, the most sensible plan may come from Boston, where the national scandal originated. A commission created by Cardinal Bernard F. Law recommends that lay people play a greater role in investigating accusations of abuse, counseling victims, starting prevention and education programs and monitoring how sexually abusive members of the clergy are treated.
The Honolulu diocese created a panel 10 years ago to address accusations of sexual misconduct by clergy, members of religious orders and lay employees. However, the committee is comprised of two lawyers, two psychologists and three priests, devoid of specified lay involvement.
Any policy adopted by the bishops at Dallas will be subject to approval by the Vatican. That may be a more difficult venue to achieve the desired policy of shared responsibility with the laity.
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