Opinion: Vatican policy is vague and irresponsible

As much as the vague, noncommittal words of the pope and the U.S. cardinals in response to the current sex-abuse issue do not surprise me, it is frustrating to see that the Catholic Church is still not prepared to take responsibility even for future cases. I grew up in Weston, Mass., where the now infamous John Goeghan was a priest at the church I attended in the early to mid-'80s. It turns my stomach to recall accepting communion from his hands.

I was raised Irish-Catholic, so it is painful to hear the daily revelations that more and more priests are being accused of such acts that are clearly criminal and point to mental instability. Not once in the speeches or new policies put forth by the clergy do I see any mention of the basic, common-sense recommendation to involve law enforcement in any sex-abuse case, "notorious" or otherwise.

The bottom line of the new policy is that there are still no repercussions for coverup, no definitive guidelines to distinguish what is considered "harmful" to a child, no designation of who will investigate in such a case or who will make the final decision whether or not to "defrock" the priest in question. The pope also still seems to believe that if an abusive priest repents enough and claims to have rejuvenated faith and resolve, that there is hope for rehabilitation within the priesthood. This is a dangerous and irresponsible position to take.

Pedophilia is not something that will go away; it has nothing to do with celibacy, limited exposure to young children, or how much faith in God and religious resolve the offender may have. If they have sexually abused a young boy or girl, they don't need a second chance, a new parish or a slap on the wrist. What they need is a fair trial, therapy and a prison sentence, period.
-- Mich Sullivan, St. Petersburg

Why talk about science now?

Re: Vatican statement on pedophilia.

I was surprised to learn that the Roman Catholic leaders had cited an absence of scientific evidence of a link between celibacy and pedophilia. I thought they preferred to ignore science. By the same token, incidentally, there is no scientific support for the value of celibacy, or, indeed for the existence of a deity or the faith they profess. Unfortunately, most religious organizations have chosen to turn their backs on science and proceed dogmatically on unfounded suppositions.

More to regret is their condemnation of thinking and questioning, which are the only keys to scientific investigation and basic learning. After all, it took all of 3 1/2 centuries for Rome to acknowledge, only 10 years ago, that Copernicus and Galileo were correct after all, that in fact the Earth did revolve around the sun.
-- Seymour S. Bluestone, Clearwater

Protecting children is the priority

Re: Zero tolerance.

I have news for the Catholic clergy. There is no such thing as "short of zero tolerance," as there is no such thing as almost sin. If it's wrong and against God's teaching, it's a sin. And the worst sin of all is to sin against one of his little ones.

To refuse to remove and punish all who have abused or covered up for those who have abused is the same as saying, we want to protect some of our children but not all of them. To wait until June to make a final decision is to give the offender a bit more time to have his way with the children. They must make the protection of all children a top priority. You can't be a part-time worker for God. It's all or nothing.
-- Fran Glaros, Clearwater

From one extreme to the other

Re: Jesuit High teacher fired amid misconduct claim, April 24.

I preface this letter with the fact that I am not Catholic and have no connection with any of the institutions or people in this article, and I have been appalled by the way the Catholic Church has historically failed to deal with the issue of sexual abuse and misconduct within its organization.

However, this story is alarmingly parallel to the Salem witch hunts and seems to be an example of going from one extreme to the other. It would have made perfect sense for Jesuit High School to have put the Rev. Vincent Orlando on paid suspension while the allegations that have been made against him are investigated. It seems indefensible to fire someone because an unidentified person alleges that he committed sexual misconduct 17 years ago. The allegations should be thoroughly investigated and, if found to be plausible, then Orlando could be justifiably fired and prosecuted.

The way this was handled by the Rev. Joseph Doyle and the administration at Jesuit High School turns Orlando into a scapegoat for all the times senior officials in the church have turned a blind eye to sexual abuse committed by its priests, thus punishing an individual for crimes committed by an institution. Most people are justifiably outraged by the arrogance displayed by the Catholic Church in this matter, however turning this outrage against individuals who are accused without any sort of due process is missing the larger point and is not in accordance with our commitment to the notion of innocence until guilt is proven.

I am curious why the Catholic Church is not under criminal investigation for the ways in which it has harbored and protected priests that are known sexual offenders.
-- Andy Sturzen, Tampa

A scapegoat?

Re: Bay area priest accused, resigns, April 21.

Father Bob Schaeufele is one of the most loved and respected priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. He always taught the truth of the Catholic faith. I have a difficult time believing the so-called allegation that was brought against him recently.

I feel that Father Bob is a scapegoat for the Diocese of St. Petersburg's quick-fix solution to a growing problem in the church. I also feel that he was forced into resignation. I'm so disappointed that our diocese didn't do more to defend an innocent man.
-- Jackie Doucette, Largo

Even the good are suspect

Re: Catholic principal denies allegation, April 20.

Our daughter is a student at St. Petersburg Catholic High School. The recent allegations against the Rev. Louis Molinelli are an indication of what happens when every priest becomes suspect because of a few who have violated the law. While every report must be investigated, an anonymous extortionist has caused major disruption in Rev. Lou's life and in the operation of the school.

Rev. Lou has led SPCHS with great skill, fostering a sense of respect and responsibility in the students, faculty and parents. Thank God the diocese and the Salesian community had the good sense to allow him to continue to lead.
-- Carol and Daniel Madura, Seminole

Offensive caricature

Re: The pope and his American cardinals, by John L. Allen Jr., April 23.

I found this column reprinted from the New York Times to be very interesting and informative. However, the "artwork" gratuitously supplied by the St. Petersburg Times was grossly offensive. Depicting the pope with his head on backward and extending claw-like fingers was well beyond the bounds of the slanted editorializing in which the Times excels!

I wonder if a similar caricature would be approved by your editorial staff to accompany a story about any Jewish or black leader, or any liberal politician. An apology to all of your readers, Catholic or not, is in order.
-- Robert Schallerer, St. Petersburg

A chance to improve USF

Thank you for bringing the Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology issue to light in your recent editorial, Scare tactics won't fly, April 18. This issue is very timely and appropriate for the future of the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg.

MEMS technology embraces a broad spectrum of areas of expertise that include medical, communication, and especially oceanographic research. This research is fascinating and has great economic implications for the local area. Right now, machines are being built at USF's St. Petersburg campus that can monitor water supplies for toxins and pathogens in seconds as compared to the present capability which takes days or weeks. They are also building devices that sit on the bottom of the ocean and rise to the surface to relay programmed information to receivers in boats, buoys and on planes. They have machines that could read, by lasers, the bottom of boats coming in under the Skyway Bridge for illegal devices attached to the ships' hull.

As the City Council liaison to USF, it came to my attention early on that the MEMS technology needed a permanent home at the St. Petersburg campus. USF's marine science program is now on the forefront of MEM's oceanographic technology. Funding needs to be secure to build research facilities and to create the necessary incubators for local business. The St. Petersburg campus with the Center for Ocean Technology is a perfect fit for this research and its economic development potential for St. Petersburg.

Seeking homeland defense dollars is a logical approach for funding. Up to $3.5-billion is being sought by the president and Congress to research and build the machinery for the war on terrorism. The $1.8-million sought by this USF department was a nominal request for such a monumental pilot study. Protection of our coastline and ports is a top issue in Washington. Somebody is going to do this research and receive funding -- why not us?

The request to use the airport is only a small part of the package. No changes at Albert Whitted Airport are necessary to accommodate this research. The discoveries and knowledge gained will affect not only Tampa Bay, but ports worldwide. It is of great concern that the discussion of this issue has been stifled. I believe an open-minded approach to any issue is important. Given the proper information, the citizens of this community would embrace this proposal. I assure you that this is not a back-door plan to save an existing city facility. This is a chance to improve USF, improve the economic future of our city and participate in helping to secure our borders and ports locally, nationally and on an international level.
-- James S. Bennett, City Council member, District 5, St. Petersburg

A Ray of light

Re: No time for dancing, April 23.

My heart goes out to McArthur "Mac" Church and his family during their time of grief. For the past four seasons of Devil Rays baseball, Church has been the lone, positive Ray of light. His inspirational dancing at the games is motivating and entertaining for everyone in attendance. The anticipation of the "Mac Attacks" keeps fans in their seats a little longer, even through painful games.

I hope that the Devil Rays management values the strong character and widespread draw that local hero "Mac" Church brings into the stadium every night. Church's hardworking, "above and beyond" work ethic should be a model for us all. Thank you, "Mac," for exhibiting heart and hustle and Devil Ray pride consistently through every game each season.
-- Dan Krassner, Largo

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