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March 25, 2019
Mary Salim
San Mateo
Cardinal William J. Levada’s article (“Pope Francis’ summit: A cardinal’s comment,” March 14) contained many encouraging facts about the U.S. church’s response since the founding of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002. It is heartening to read about positive steps and improving statistics. His words do not conceal many of the same old troubles, though. In light of Cardinal Daniel Di Nardo’s not removing a credibly accused priest with half-a- dozen accusers and civil authorities becoming involved, the issues of trust are still in play. This is the Cardinal DiNardo, head of the USCCB, spouting the same encouraging upward movement in the abuse crisis. The words about “zero tolerance” and the reality are still at odds. We can imagine the agony that bishops have in dealing with these issues and sometimes coming down on the side of the priests they know versus accusers. It happened to Pope Francis last summer in Chile. They have to realize that victims coming forward do so at tremendous personal pain and cost. They have to remember that priests left alone may go on to hurt more people. In San Diego recently, Bishop Robert McElroy, formerly of this diocese, removed three credibly accused priests who no longer have that chance. One of those priests abused a family member of mine and more victims after that. Zero tolerance should be just that and no less.Letters policy
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