Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Answers are here at home

Friday, April 26, 2002 | 5:16 a.m.

THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS that the American Cardinals of the Catholic Church didn't have to visit Rome to solve their problems with some priests who have abused children. Most of the bishops of the church have already demonstrated their disgust and have implemented positive actions.

If they went to Rome for some encouragement and additional backbone they sure got it from Pope John Paul II. He told them, "The abuse which has caused this crisis is by every standard wrong and rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God. To the victims and their families, wherever they may be, I express my profound sense of solidarity and concern.

"It is true that a generalized lack of knowledge of the nature of the problem and also at times the advice of clinical experts led bishops to make decisions which subsequent events showed to be wrong. You are now working to establish more reliable criteria to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated ..."

The Pope's remarks tell them to go back home and take action. Recognizing that they have thousands of priests who protect the young, feed the poor and console the afflicted, a strong base for positive action is already here in America. Along with them I am one of millions of American Catholics who have never experienced an abusive priest, as a child or as an adult, but want strong and just action taken. Recently revealed problems have angered us and clear and concise solutions must be forthcoming during the meeting of the bishops of the United States scheduled for Dallas in June.

During that meeting Bishop Donald W. Wuerl of Pittsburgh should be heard. In 1988 he suspended a priest who was later reinstated by a Vatican tribunal. Bishop Wuerl refused to accept that decision and personally went to Rome with his proof and the tribunal backed off from its original position. Wuerl told reporter Sam Dillon of the New York Times that he had visited a home where two sons had been abused. "You cannot visit with someone who has been abused without coming away with deepened resolve that this should never happen again," he said.

Closer to home, Bishop Phillip E. Straling of Reno has talked to parents and civic groups about his concerns. Straling followed these meetings with a letter to the church members. "To help protect our children, priests and anyone who is working with children, are required according to Nevada State law to be fingerprinted. Likewise, we abide by the reporting law that if any sexual abuse of minors comes to our attention, it is reported not only to the Bishop, but also to proper civil authorities," the bishop wrote.

Later in the same letter the Reno bishop stressed, "When any accusation of sexual abuse, including those of minors, are reported to my office, a review committee will investigate the matter. Likewise, the necessary reporting to civil authorities will be made. If there has been misconduct, the perpetrator will receive the necessary treatment and assistance. As noted above, though, if the abuse has been against children, they will not be reassigned. I would also like to emphasize that we will reach out to any victim of sexual abuse, especially to minors and to their families. I wish to be most sensitive about what has happened and to do all we possibly can to correct and heal the evil and hurt of abuse ..."

I believe that the jolt received by the Catholic Church in our country will have positive results and possibly will set some standards for many other educational, social, correctional and religious organizations. Only the most naive and sheltered person would believe that many similar or greater problems aren't already challenges to these groups.

The cardinals going to Rome gave them strength but all that time the real answers were right here at home. The Dallas meeting should take advantage of what several strong bishops already know and have put into practice.