George's testimony shows insensitivity

The words of Francis Cardinal George in his Jan. 30 deposition posted on the Chicago Archdiocese Web site indicate insensitivity to the victims of clergy sexual abuse.

His testimony states he received a letter from a person who strongly supported Fr. Bennett.

In the cardinal's response letter to the Bennett supporter, the cardinal writes, "Rather than with me, I suggest you talk to his [Fr. Bennett] accusers."

Imagine the pain the victim has already endured, and yet the cardinal suggests the victim endure further agony by reliving the horrific abuse by answering the probing questions of the strident Bennett supporter.

The cardinal's compassion for the victim is totally absent.

In deposition testimony about convicted abuser Fr. Dan McCormack, attorney Jeff Andersen asks the cardinal:

"Did you ever ask Dan McCormack if he had abused a kid?"

Cardinal answers, No, I did not."

Attorney Anderson asks, "To this day, have you ever?"

Cardinal answers, "No. He confessed in court so I'm sure he did it."

In each of the above-mentioned situations, the cardinal's own testimony confounds logic, let alone compassion for the victim's pain.

In the Bennett matter, the cardinal expects a third party to extract facts, details and the truth by talking directly to the victim.

However, in the McCormack matter, the cardinal refuses to talk directly to the abuser (one of his own priests) to obtain facts, details and the truth.

Take a moment - Imagine the pain and suffering that would have been avoided if the cardinal had the guts to speak with McCormack face-to-face in the beginning.

Chicago Catholics should no longer be forced to endure such insensitive and amoral behavior from our so-called moral guide.

Cardinal George must resign as our bishop to restore our faith, and the moral authority of our Catholic Church.

Jack Sitterding

Hazel Crest