Judging Cardinal Mahony

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 — A documentary film featuring an extraordinarily candid interview with a former priest convicted of molesting children has heightened interest among law enforcement officials here in considering a criminal case against Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, says a prosecutor who has been investigating sexual abuse cases involving priests.

The question is whether or not Cardinal Mahony should be held responsible for allowing this activity for over 20 years...

From what I got from the reading it seems that the documentary makes a good case for a follow-up investigation. It does seem reasonable that if the man was moving Father O'Grady around from one church group to another that there had to be reason for it. Its hard to dismiss the fact that similar complaints kept arising where ever they sent this man.

On the otherhand, it wouldn't be the first time a human was too dense to see what was right in from of his/her face. I'm very glad that I am not the one who would have to do the leg work on this one.

So from a Christian perspective what is there to say about this case? Should Cardinal Mahony be put in prison for not reporting this abuse? Consider the following verses but remember to apply them to your own life before applying them to this situation. I think we often point a finger too quick and then realize too late that we ourselves hold the same sin.

2 Cor 13:5 (KJV) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves...

1 Cor 11:31 (KJV) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Eph 5:6 (NIV) Let no one deceive you with empty words...

1 Tim 1:6 (NIV) Some people have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk...

Luke 6:43-44 (NIV) "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit... Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"

My thoughts lean toward an internal church investigation first. I think we as a church should gather the evidence for and against the Cardinal and bring it to the authorities as a gesture of good faith. Above that if the Cardinal is guilty and is just too ashamed and proud to admit it I think he should come clean so that this isn't drawn out.

With that said I don't necessarily believe he is guilty of any misconduct. I don't have all the facts of the case. I refuse to pass judgement. I only want to show that as Christians we are bound to judge ourselves first before pointing fingers.

Anyone wish to add to this thought? Please comment.

Links
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Priest makes 'most honest confession' of his life
Deliver Us From Evil Stirs Prosecutor's Interest in Cardinal Mahoney
Film on Pedophile Priest Revives Focus on Cardinal