tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post2163003727024155919..comments2024-01-25T09:28:56.610+00:00Comments on Confessions of a skeptic: Correspondence with the Diocese of WestminsterJonathan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00527063732905729010noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-20611526697958752412010-07-01T21:37:18.496+01:002010-07-01T21:37:18.496+01:00Well the Archbishop Nichols might like to reflect ...Well the Archbishop Nichols might like to reflect on the the part of the Pope's letter to the Irish addressed to Bishops:<br /><br />"It cannot be denied that some of you and your predecessors failed, at times grievously, to apply the long-established norms of canon law to the crime of child abuse. <br /><br />Serious mistakes were made in responding to allegations. I recognize how difficult it was to grasp the extent and complexity of the problem, to obtain reliable information and to make the right decisions in the light of conflicting expert advice. <br /><br />Nevertheless, it must be admitted that grave errors of judgement were made and failures of leadership occurred. All this has seriously undermined your credibility and effectiveness. I appreciate the efforts you have made to remedy past mistakes and to guarantee that they do not happen again. <br /><br />Besides fully implementing the norms of canon law in addressing cases of child abuse, continue to cooperate with the civil authorities in their area of competence. <br /><br />Clearly, religious superiors should do likewise.<br />They too have taken part in recent discussions here in Rome with a view to establishing a clear and consistent approach to these matters.<br /><br />It is imperative that the child safety norms of the Church in Ireland be continually revised and updated and that they be applied fully and impartially in conformity with canon law."<br /><br />http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/letters/2010/documents/hf_ben-xvi_let_20100319_church-ireland_en.html<br /><br />Now let the Abbot and Archbishop heed the Pope's words and get on with it. If the Abbot will not follow the directions of the Westminster Child Protection officials then the Archbishop may have to appoint an outsider as Parish Priest and remove the Monks of Ealing from all Parish responsibilities.Benetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-72438179144095758162010-07-01T01:57:10.716+01:002010-07-01T01:57:10.716+01:00The question of who does or does not have authorit...The question of who does or does not have authority over the Abbot of Ealing is indeed complex. But perhaps one point is being overlooked. Along with the monastery which is under the Abbot's jurisdiction and the school which is under that of the trustees there is also the third reality that is part of the complex reality that is Ealing Abbey. I refer to the parish of St. Benedict which is fairly and squarely - one would think - under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Westminster. If I am correct one would have hoped that he would show a little more engaged concern about the incidents that form the subject matter of this blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com