Time for diocese to end secrecy

Now that the recent $12 million settlement between the Chicago Archdiocese and some of its sexual abuse victims has had a chance to resonate, I'm waiting for our very own Rockford Diocese to take a cue from Chicago and dispense with the secrecy surrounding its recent $2 million settlement with the two victims of former St. Peters of Geneva priest, Mark Campobello.

The only deposition taken in the civil suit of Campobello was of the current pastor of St. Peters, Joseph Jarmoluk.

Within days of Jarmoluk's deposition, the Rockford Diocese opened its checkbook and settled the civil suit against Campobello, but requested that Jarmoluk's deposition remain sealed. The parishioners of St. Peters have been left to wonder what the Diocese is afraid to reveal by being open and transparent with regards to Jarmoluk's deposition.

We all have seen the sordid details from Cardinal Francis George's deposition and are left to speculate as to whether Jarmoluk's deposition would reveal similarly embarrassing details regarding the Diocese or parish's handling of Campobello.

It's painful to read George's deposition, but it's even more painful for any diocese to continue to maintain a veil of secrecy regarding its sexual abuse cases. It's time for the Rockford Diocese to step into the 21st century, lift the veil of secrecy and release the details surrounding its handling of the sexual abuse that occurred at St. Peters of Geneva, if for no other reason than to ensure that none of its students will fall victim to such a horrific crime again.

Parishioners shouldn't have to guess as to what mistakes the diocese and parish made regarding Campobello. The parishioners and students of St. Peters deserve at least that much.

Frank Bochte

Geneva