In comments to the Boston Globe, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap, called the situation in Philadelphia, where 21 priests were removed from active ministry after investigations were reopened into charges of sex abuse last month, "very disturbing."
You can read the article here.
As well, in an article in the local newspaper in Trenton, Bishop David O'Connell called the situation in Philly "troubling."
These statements follow on one made earlier in the week by New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who said the situation in Philadelphia was "embarassing."
One can only hope that these public comments are evidence of the fact that bishops are now seeking to hold each other accountable. While the untrained ear might find such comments very mild, the fact that these bishops are willing to raise questions about a situation in another diocese is somewhat unprecedented.
It is an important first step, kind of like pulling the first few stones off of the Berlin Wall. But, I am still waiting for the Bishop of Rome to address the crisis in Philly by demanding the resignation of Cardinal Rigali.
(h/t to Rocco)
