Shame on Cardinal for incomplete site

Cardinal George has issued a statement appearing in some church bulletins criticizing the Voice of the Faithful historical analysis of archdiocesan clergy who abused children. He calls the study “misleading and erroneous.” This is the second time the cardinal has publicly criticized the integrity of the study without specifics of what is incorrect. His reckless statements are without merit and must be confronted. If the cardinal provides specifics, the study will be corrected. If no specifics are forthcoming, we expect a public apology from the cardinal.

The church bulletin statement says the data are incomplete and inaccurate regarding 63 of 65 archdiocesan priests. Not even one specific inaccuracy is mentioned. In fact the cardinal does not mention that he includes only the archdiocesan abuser priests on the archdiocese website not order priests or deceased archdiocesan priests, who died before responding to allegations against them. Pedophile priests are pedophiles regardless of whether they are order priests or deceased or both.

The data the cardinal provides is incomplete and misleading. One of the main purposes of this study is to provide a history of all abuser priests who served in this archdiocese. This is done to enable abuse victims who haven't yet come forward to know they are not alone.

Shame on Cardinal George for maligning a study intended to help the healing of victims.

Sandra Stilling-Seehausen

President

Chicagoland Voice of the Faithful

Cary