Clergy sex abuse victims finally have received a bit of justice. This is the first time ever that a high ranking Catholic church official has been found guilty of child endangerment. Philly priest, Msgr. Lynn, is in jail because brave victims spoke up and broke their silence.
It is time to start protecting children instead of protecting child predators. Keep in mind that the Philly Archdiocese is not unique in how they handle child sex crimes, all other dioceses have secret archives and many "bishops are still not removing credibly accused predators from their parishes". Prosecutors need to be investigating other diocese who are still protecting the predators. Children are still at risk of being sexually abused today.
A strong message has been sent to all church officials around the world that they can no longer get away with covering up sex crimes against innocent kids. And remember Cardinal Bevilacqua was the bishop of the Pittsburgh diocese before he went to Philadelphia.
Also, to all the victims of Penn State's, Jerry Sandusky: They are to be commended for their extreme courage. They had everything gong against them, but now they can know that they most likely have protected many, many children from being sexually abused by this prominent coach who is a serial child predator.
These brave victims are now survivors and their voices were heard, We hope they can feel some validation and relief. We hope that others who have been harmed by anyone in the church or other institutional settings will speak up, come forward, contact police, and get help.
There is a lot of hope now for all victims, a chance for healing, and therefore protecting kids today.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest associate director,
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
Marthasville, Mo.
