"The first time the Rev. Charles Murphy was cleared of accusations that he improperly touched a minor, a girl 25 years earlier, everyone who ever met him said they had never doubted his innocence.
It was 2006 and priests were all over the news for every awful reason, most of them deservedly so. But Father Murphy swore his innocence, the archdiocese ruled the allegations lacked substance, and the woman dropped her suit on the eve of trial."
Bridget Mary's Reflection:
It is important that the process for handling complaints is transparent and just.
The testimony of Fr. Murphy's parish speaks volumes for the supportive role that the Catholic parish can and should play in the healing process for a priest who is innocent and suffered so much.
Justice for victim and accused is essential in the process. That is one reason why a review board is necessary.
Fr. Murphy died on June 11. 2011:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wickedlocal-weymouth/obituary.aspx?n=charles-j-murphy&pid=151906259
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wickedlocal-weymouth/obituary.aspx?n=charles-j-murphy&pid=151906259
The bishop should not control the process or be the one who decides which allegations to report to civil authorities. The Vatican is misguided here too when they insist that the bishop is the one responsible for reporting credible allegations to civil authorities. (Fox guarding hen house snydrome)
The U.S. bishops coverup and Vatican mishandling of the global sexual abuse crisis is the debacle that has inflicted so much damage on the Catholic Church and broken the hearts of thousands of innocent victims. It also has destroyed the credibility of the institutional church. And the people now must take action and hold the Vatican and bishops accountable. Just when will we ever learn?
Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
www.associationofromancatholicwomenpriests.org
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