To the editors:
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Having taught in a Roman Catholic major seminary for seven years, and in Catholic institutions of higher learning for ten, I feel that I have some perspective to offer. Sad to say, this article fits my experience. While the actual percentage of offending clergy may be relatively (??) small, all who taught at my seminary knew that such events happened on a regular basis, and that such offenders (often highly placed) offended. We also knew that priests who were involved sexually with anyone (children, other men, or women) were as a matter of policy either transferred to another assignment and/or sent for psychological rehabilitation to very comfortable, and often rural, surroundings. (A middle-aged priest who got a degree student pregnant was sent away for such “therapy,” and the woman vaguely promised that the child would be “provided for.”) This was–alas–business as usual. Our seminary was very nervous about students going for AIDS testing, and its “insurance,” meaning possible lawsuits resulting from the sexual exploits of its members. Meanwhile numerous seminars and weekends were presented on celibacy and “psychosexual development,” seeking to promote the “sexual celibate” (the actual title of a 1975 book by Donald Goergen that was much in vogue in several seminaries).
Equally distressing and equally true is the author’s portrayal of the cover-ups. It seems that one of the primary qualities desired in the contemporary priesthood is the company mind: close ranks around the accused and protect the institution. After all, “these parents” only want money! So–pour thousands of dollars into legal fees and “therapy” for the accused while inner-city and struggling suburban parishes and schools rot from neglect and are closed if not “cost effective.” Where people are starving for signs of hope and community we cover our clerical asses.
Name withheld on request
