Cardinal Timothy Dolan took part in pedophile priest payoff to leave church

Some RCC Defenders claim that Pope Benedict greatly improved the way the Church deals with pedophile priests. But what, actually, did the pope do? Did he require that every church official who has evidence of abuse report it to law enforcement? No. The pope only revised canon law to make the process of removing pedophile priests from ministry faster than it was (lengthy church trial, summoning witnesses, filing appeals, etc.). Now I understand why he streamlined the process. It saves the Church money to be rid of them quickly! At $20,000 a pop, and so many pedophiles, the payments must have been putting a dent in the Peter's Pence.

LoneThinker.... We "all" know there are child molesters in all walks of life; the point you fail to see is that parents would never have thought the RC Church would put their interests before that of the molested children.That's the point we can't get past, and that's why there has been a silent stampede away from the church leadership who act more like corporate lawyers than men of God.

What utter camel dung is thrown at the Catholic Church regularly. $20 K as separation money, the bishop can get a priest dismissed by going through Church Courts, not "bribe" him -read the actual story. SNAP has the credibility of the Eden Snake. Dr MCHugh, say your prayers and let the police and the bishops work out the location of the perpetrators, that is SOP today Then check your State schools in Illinois and the Rabbis in New York. The New York Times puts them inside and catholic clergy on page 1. All the camel dung that's fit to print

@ Bulldog: the story simply states what Dolan did. The fact that it puts him "in a bad light" is because what he did was WRONG. Why would you seek to defend someone who abused and betrayed the trust put in him? The church and her people deserve better leadership than this, don't you think?

@ manhattan I couldn't agree with you more...the sins committed against children by priests are centuries old, not just the past few decades as they would have us believe. You mention birth control, and I can't help but think this is only the first of many stories soon to appear painting Tim Dolan in a bad light. We see countless times that politics has no bottom when it comes to smearing an enemy for a cause. There is so much more to come.

It's "unfortunate" children were molested, borefield? It's way more than that. It's amoral and criminal. These priests belonged in jail, not being protected by the Church and getting paid off with the donations of the faithful. And did you miss the part where Dolan bald faced lied about these payoffs? This is a man who believes he has the moral authority to preach how others should live? Seriously? I think not. The good priests are suffering because of the actions of the leadership of the church, NOT because of those who are exposing those actions. Jesus would never condone protecting and rewarding those who molest children...so why should we, his people, be expected to?

I can't help but get angry when I think of the power that bad priests had over us. I can imagine what sins those pedophile priests have committed against children throughout the centuries. I'm so sorry for all the children who suffered and could not tell anyone. Dolan is more concerned about birth control then the monsters he protected from going to jail.

@ borefield - Great observation. I think SNAP has removed themselves from the conversation because of their unbalanced approach and unrealistic "goals." They want to see the end of the Church, and that's not going to happen. While I condemn the scandals in the strongest terms, and want jail time for these offenders, priest or lay...I'm smart enough to realize the problem permeates society. The Catholic Church is being hammered for only one reason...they have money. Have you ever read about a poor pedophile being sued? Every hater of the Church jumps on the band wagon and pretty soon you have a mess...and sadly, it's such a mess people tune them out. I believe the message of reform is necessary and urgent for the Church, but groups like SNAP have unfortunately marginalized themselves into the darkness of space.

No matter what Cardinal Dolan did, didn't do, what he may do or say it will NEVER satisfy SNAP. I guess hanging him on the cross is all that is left. I don't even know if that would satisfy. Revenge is a terrible thing. Those that were molested will be forever maimed and that is so unfortunate. There are so many good decent priests out there. They do wonderful work and yet, they are all painted with the same brush. Has SNAP ever said exactly what it is they want as the final outcome. Obviously money is not the answer. I would really like to here from someone, with logic if possible, put the revenge and emotion aside for a moment.

Yet another SCANDAL in the scandal-laden unholy Roman Catholic “church” and yet more compelling evidence that the RC “church” has zero credibility and even less moral authority.! Hush money to make predator priests go away instead of turning them over to the appropriate civil authorities is in keeping with those who presume they are “above the law”! Such disclosures neither inspire trust nor instill confidence in their followers, and will insure that the massive exodus from their pews continues unabated. The preservation of the RC's imagined good image is once more in view and continues to this day to be their prime concern. The coverage the media has provided in these matters is invaluable enabling both Catholic and non-Catholic alike to form informed opinions as to their viability, legitimacy and credibility as a religious institution. Roman Catholics must ask themselves the question posed by the Old Testament prophet Amos: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) Many former Catholics like myself are unable to reconcile conduct, practices and activities that are unarguably inconsistent with those who lay claim to be the one true church of Jesus Christ. As Christ said . . . "Ye shall know them by their fruits." (Matt. 7:16) Many former Catholics like myself .who have given these matters thoughtful and prayerful consideration have renounced the religion of Rome in order to wholeheartedly embrace the religion of Christ without contradiction. It is my fervent hope and prayer that many more will both hear and heed the command of the Lord Jesus Christ as it is found in Rev. 18:4: “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Are these former pedophile priests, that the church has paid off to leave the priesthood, on any sexual predator lists, so that parents can protect their children from them? Have the leaders of the church acted responsibly, by protecting the predator priests from accountability in destroying the innocence of children? Where is the protection of the innocent by civil law in all of this? Why are church leaders not being made accountable for this continuing scandal and the soul-murder of so many? Charm can only get them so far. By their fruits, we are getting to know them better. The truth to me is that these celibate men do not reflect what Jesus would do. Protecting the innocence of children is more important than protecting the reputation of an institution that is losing its way. Sincerely, Dr Rosemary Eileen McHugh, Chicago

Why can't they just tell the truth. This makes sense...throw them a few dollars to get rid of them...its cheaper for the Church, rids the Church of pedophiles, etc. Yes, a bit distasteful to pay pedophiles, but if gets rid of them, and at a better price, so be it. The story here is not WHAT they did, but that they LIED about it, DENIED it, tried to COVER it up. When are they going to learn?

These are the types of men the Vatican has chosen to lead the church. They are not chosen for their moral compass they are chosen for their lack of it. These are ambitious, corporate minded, power brokers and the reason the church is in the state it is today.

braggart

"In what other occupation, especially one working with families and operating schools and youth programs, is an employee given a cash bonus for raping and sexually assaulting children?"