My Response: The Bishops opted to follow the Vatican policy approved by Pope Francis not to mandate lay boards or individuals review allegations of sexual abuse by bishops. This policy reflects a failure in trust that the people of God could help to restore credibility to the Church. In my view, the underlying issue is hierarchical power and control. This US bishops policy enables the Metropolitan to control the process- which could continue to lead to more of the same- defensive, patriarchal cover-ups that have plagued the Church for far too long. As the old adage states "the fox cannot guard the hen house!." If they let go of their fear, a more open, accountable, transparent Church could emerge. The following words reflect the outrage of Catholics. "We, the bishops of the U.S., have heard the anger expressed by so many within and outside the church over these failures,” the statement reads. “The anger is justified.”Amen, it is time to do more in creating structures of accountability for bishops in the Roman Catholic Church! Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP
The metropolitans, or archbishops, of each major jurisdiction are “strongly encouraged” – but not required — to involve lay boards or individuals in reviewing sex abuse allegations against bishops.
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