Madam, - It is scandalous that the former archbishop of Boston, Bernard Law, was asked to celebrate Mass in St Peter's Basilica on Monday for the late Pope John Paul II. It is also scandalous that he accepted the invitation (The Irish Times, April 12th).
Cardinal Law has apologised for his gross mishandling of clerical abuse in Boston during his tenure. But no number of apologies can repair the immense harm and long-term consequences inflicted on the young by sexual abuse.
In July 2003, the Attorney General for Massachusetts concluded that Bernard Law bore "ultimate responsibility" for the appalling damage done to the lives of nearly one thousand children. He should keep a low profile, using his time to reflect quietly and do penance, on account of the outcome of his behaviour. Instead, at this sensitive time of mourning for the late Pope, he is flaunted before Catholics throughout the world, many of whom have been truly scandalised by the appalling lack of Christian leadership shown by men of his ilk.
Our much-loved Pope John Paul II was truly great in so many ways and close to the Lord. However, many survivors of child abuse, myself included, waited in vain for him to address an issue which is the cause of such sorrow and pain throughout the entire Church. For some unknown reason, Pope John Paul didn't or couldn't deal with this problem.
It is of crucial importance that the next Pope speak - fully and extensively - on this manifestation of evil that has blighted the lives of so many within the family of the Church. Any further silence will compound the great harm already inflicted on the credibility and effectiveness of the Church's mission in the world.
As a priest who is also a survivor of child abuse, I find it painful in the extreme belonging to and trying to love a Church in which predators were allowed to run amok among "the lambs of the Lord's flock", and where men like Bernard Law actually facilitated the forays of such "ravenous wolves", as well as covering up their crimes.
His prominence at this week's Mass of mourning is is yet another display of cynical arrogance, careless cruelty and callous indifference by the institutional Church towards all those whose lives have been so deeply scarred by clerical abuse.
Sadly, such a complete lack of empathy and sensitivity has been the hallmark of much of the clerical institution's attitude towards abuse victims and survivors. Jesus Christ has been betrayed.
- Yours, etc.
Fr PATRICK McCAFFERTY,
Glen Road,
Belfast 11.