September 11, 2012
NCR is based in Kansas City, so I have been content to let me colleagues cover the story of Bishop Robert Finn, who was convicted of failing to report suspected child abuse last week. I was genuinely surprised when I got up Saturday morning, went to the Vatican website, clicked on "Rinunce e Nomine" and did not see Finn's name. After all, Finn not only violated civil law, he violated canon law, which requires bishops to comply with all civil laws in cases regarding child sex abuse.
I wish to associate myself entirely with the editorial NCR published yesterday afternoon. What credibility the U.S. bishops have left on the issue of child sex abuse is diminished every day Finn stays on the job.
