Allegations of sexual abuse committed by
priests are most appalling. Not only are victims and their
families devastated, but the faith of the church community as a
whole is tested.
Recently, a Sudbury man launched a $4 million
lawsuit against the Sault Diocese because a priest molested him
more than 20 years ago. The priest was found guilty and is
serving his sentence. While there is little doubt the priest is
in need of counselling, the victim also deserves the
community's sympathy and compassion. However, placing a dollar
value on a victim's suffering above and beyond the guilty
verdict is retribution, not justice.
In a Christian sense, justice involves
forgiveness. Retribuition, on the other hand, is best
exemplified by "an eye for an eye."
Since the priest has been imprisoned why
should the rest of the church be punished? Financial
settlements in these matters does not correct or erase the
past. It only undermines and humiliates the church and deprives
fellow parishioners of dignity while ultimately lining the
pockets of lawyers.
Clint A. J. Mac Neil
Sudbury