Letter: Church must banish priests who did wrong

Tuesday, May 7, 2002 | 8:45 a.m.

It's amazing how many priests were not burdened by guilt, shame or by the fear of God they preach about. Neither was the hierarchy so burdened when they looked the other way and allowed priests to moonlight as serial rapists and child molesters.

By keeping silent, bishops and cardinals condoned illegal and immoral criminal acts. They showed no concern for the victims; only concern for the protection, image and stature of the church. Their self-serving cover-up is not only responsible for ruining the lives of the innocent, unsuspecting children who trusted them, it has created other victims as well.

These victims are the devoted, dedicated priests who have served the church well by their good works and good deeds. Their reputations and the trust usually bestowed on them is now suspect. They, and the church itself, have been tarnished by association thanks to predatory priests and those who enabled them.

I wonder what's worse -- the cover-up or the hypocrisy of so-called men of God preaching morality to the world who, in reality, had no morals and who belonged in prison with their fellow sex offenders. They hid behind their collars assuming they could get away with abusing children and, with the help of the hierarchy, they did.

The church must rid itself of corruption so it can minister to the needs of the faithful who depend on it for moral and spiritual guidance. Bad-apple priests and those who overlooked their crimes must be removed from the priesthood.

If they are not, the church will never regain the trust and respect of its members.

JOYCE SEGAL