Forgiveness from sin, but not pardon for crime: redemption defense in sex abuse cases is defective.(Catholic Church)

From: National Catholic Reporter | Date: May 16, 2003| Author: | Copyright information

Various U.S. Catholic bishops have been excoriated during the past year, not only in the media but by their own laity, for having transferred sexually abusive priests from parish to parish without apparent regard for the safety of other potential victims.

When sued for their behavior, some bishops have resorted to a theological argument, namely, that central to the church's faith is its belief in the power of redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

In a deposition this past January, Cardinal Bernard Law, the resigned archbishop of Boston, invoked this very belief in "the ...

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