No CrossRef data available.
Article contents
It's Déjà vu all over again
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 January 2024
Abstract
The latest sex abuse scandal in the American Catholic Church involving Cardinal McCarrick is compared with that of 2002 in the archdiocese of Boston, and that of 2012 involving Cardinal O'Brien of St Andrews and Edinburgh. Attention is given to aspects of the latter in part because of the privileged perspective of the author. Thereafter, sociological and other reasons are proposed as to why the Catholic priesthood has been afflicted with cases of sexual abuse and sexual impropriety. The issue is considered of the genesis of homosexuality, and apriori assumptions are rejected taking it instead to be an empirical question. There is analysis of the common distinction between (homosexual) orientation and activity, and of its relevance to the issue of admission to seminary formation. Noting that Vatican documents and statements do not refer to ‘orientation’ but to ‘deep-seated homosexual tendencies’ (tendenze omosessuali profondamente) these notions are related to those of disposition and activity, and it is argued that the important distinction is between orientation and the rest. Finally, it is noted that both traditional and progressive Catholics are often given to idolatry about the Church and to Pelagianism about their faith and practice.
- Type
- Original Article
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2018 Provincial Council of the English Province of the Order of Preachers
Footnotes
1
Based on the text of the opening lecture of a conference on the theme ‘The Future of the Catholic Church After the Scandals of 2018’ organized by the Thomistic Institute and First Things and held at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC on September 8, 2018. I am grateful to the organisers for the invitation to speak and to President John Garvey of Catholic University of America for his response.
References
2 ‘Interview with Cardinal McCarrick’, USA Today 20 May 2002, https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/05/20/transcript.htm.
3 L. Goldstein, ‘Bishop Quits as Others Prepare to Meet on Abuse Scandal’, New York Times 12 June 2002, https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/12/us/bishop-quits-as-others-prepare-to-meet-on-abuse-scandal.html.
4 Following a scandal in which it was later revealed that Enron was ‘sustained by institutionalized, systematic, and creatively planned fraud’ the corporation's stock value collapsed and it filed for bankruptcy on December 2, 2001. Since then, fifteen US Catholic dioceses and three religious orders have petitioned for bankruptcy protection due to the clergy sexual abuse crisis, for details see http://www.bishop-accountability.org/bankruptcy.htm.
5 The issue of seminarians is usually cited but in his letter of reply addressed to Bishop McElroy and dated 28 July 2016 Richard Sipe writes “Cardinal McCarick has been reported by numerous seminarians and priests of sexual advances and activity. A settlement with one priest was effected by Stephen Rubino, Esq. In that record the operation of McCarrick in sexual activity with three priests is described.” See http://www.awrsipe.com/Correspondence/McElroy-2016-07-28-rev.pdf.
6 Subsequent to the revelations of his sexual improprieties a member of the University led a campaign to have the honorary degree revoked. The Senate Business Committee considered the issue and chose not to revoke it stating that “After discussion, Committee members agreed there was no case to recommend to Senate that the degree be revoked, and that it considered the matter closed. SBC recognises that universities award honorary degrees in good faith on the basis of evidence available to them at a point in time, that revocation cannot change or ameliorate the wrongs of the past and that, notwithstanding the very real hurt and loss caused by the actions of the honorand, it would be no more than an empty gesture.” To date, of the nine US colleges and universities that awarded Archbishop McCarrick honorary degrees three have revoked them: Portland, Fordham and CUA, the last of which was his alma mater where he earned MA and PhD and served as chaplain, dean of students, director of development, chancellor and trustee.
7 ‘Scotland fails homosexual people’, Scottish Catholic Observer 16 December 2011, http://www.sconews.co.uk/latest-edition/14858/scotland-fails-homosexual-people/.
8 Keith O'Brien, ‘We cannot afford to indulge this madness’, Sunday Telegraph 4 March 2012 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/9121424/We-cannot-afford-to-indulge-this-madness.html.
9 M. Holehouse, ‘Gay couples are just lifelong friends, says Catholic leader’, Daily Telegraph, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9147559/Gay-couples-are-just-lifelong-friends-says-Catholic-leader.html.
10 J. Fahey, ‘Archbishop of Westminster attacks gay marriage plan’ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/archbishop-of-westminster-attacks-gay-marriage-plan-8430997.html.
11 ‘Still Waiting’ The Tablet, 19 October 2012.
12 On the last see Salvatore Cernuzio, ‘’If there is any doubt about homosexuality, better not let them enter the seminary’, La Stampa, 24 May 2018 http://www.lastampa.it/2018/05/24/vaticaninsider/if-there-is-any-doubt-about-homosexuality-it-is-better-not-to-let-them-enter-the-seminary-Rl1b1wdJOWXcOD9Nn2tZmO/pagina.html.