Old case Joe? Well maybe. But tell that to the victims.

The most disconcerting about the whole affair to me is that once again the hierarchy failed their flock by letting the man at it. I have probably seen more news coverage on this at this stage and, based on more extensive coverage than the newspaper articles provide, there is no denying that the man was let go about his business while there was full knowledge what his business was.

Is that old hat? I am not so sure. Many of the priests that failed to act, indeed actively shielded the affair from the authorities, are still functioning within the hierarchy. Should they be held accountable? I think they should. Because if they don't I don't believe there can be any guarantee present and future abusers will not be shielded from justice again and again. Will that result in full proof safeguarding against abuse? I am afraid not but it just might go a bit towards avoiding letting these matters go on, and let the perpetrators of these crimes do what they do without any serious attempt at stopping them. Until then, we'll keep pointing the fingers of blame.