Tag Archives: sexual abuse

Did Benedict XVI Cover Up Clerical Sexual Abuse?

Q: Can you please explain why in Germany they are attacking the Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, claiming that he covered up child sexual abuse by priests when he was Archbishop of Munich?  Can this be true?  I cannot believe it … Continue reading

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Sex-Abuse Scandals, Transparency, and the Right to a Good Reputation

Q:  In a previous article, you stated that under canon law we all have the right to privacy and a good reputation.  I’m having a hard time reconciling these rights with the need for transparency in the Church regarding sexual … Continue reading

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Sex-Abuse Scandals and Papal Responsibility

Q:  What can we do, as lay faithful, to remove bad clergy from office?  My guess is probably nothing.  It’s hard to believe we are completely powerless under such extreme circumstances.  Theologically, I understand why.  But, doesn’t canon law ever … Continue reading

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Canon Law and False Abuse Allegations, Part II

(Part I of this article was posted on May 2, 2013, and can be read here.) In the first part of our discussion of false sexual-abuse accusations leveled against Catholic priests, we saw that canon law provides—and has always provided—a … Continue reading

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Canon Law and False Abuse Allegations, Part I

Q:  There are so many stories of priest-abusers shielded in past years by their superiors, who allowed it to continue.  But not all the accusations are true, right?  Do you know of any cases of priests accused of sexual abuse, … Continue reading

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