Treasures
As you read these accounts, you may notice patterns, similarities, and reoccurring themes. The stories are heart-wrenching and difficult to read but if we refuse to read their stories we are turing our backs on the truth and their pain, which is wrong. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Mathew 25:21-22, and the 2nd Commandment, Jesus made it our moral duty not only to care enough to read these stories, but to then take action by offering real assistance to the wounded, far beyond prayer alone. Some of the greatest advocates for healing and child-protection are survivors and we consider any survivor or loved one who has come forward a courageous advocate for children and the truth.
In Remembrance
Not all survived. Five of the boys "Fr." Larson sexually assaulted are gone from this earth. Other boys died in car wrecks caused by the drunken priest who had just raped them. Several were killed instantly when the plane they were in - piloted by their sex-predator priest - slammed into the ground. Dan O'Connell and James Ellison were brutally murdered by a parish priest - a sex predator - as a way to silence O'Connell in whom the priest's victims confided. We remember these individuals and recognize the great value of their lives, however brief. They may have been ignored or dismissed by the Catholic hierarchy, but they will never be forgotten by Companions in Hope. By their lives - and their deaths - they have become inspirations in the movement to protect children and foster healing for those already suffering.
Survivors of Backlash
Though clergy child sexual abuse is by far the most grievous of all abuses by clergy, there are many individuals who have also been victimized by their priest, bishop, or fellow parishioners. Physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and financial abuses are a common practice in the Catholic Church today. Family members of victims often suffer retaliation from paid representatives of the church. Elected legislators who have supported the elimination of revised statute of limitations laws have been called out publicly from the altar by their own pastors. In this section, you will be able to read some of the stories behind clerical abuses that are not sexual in nature.
Advocates
Many clergy abuse survivors and their family members have become outspoken advocates for the healing of those who were abused, the protection of future generations, and the reform of Church policies and civil laws and practices that have contributed to the centuries-long scandal. These advocates - as well as others who may not have been directly effected by abuse but cared nevertheless - have challenged the Church, the government, the Catholic laity, the media, and the general public to put an end to child sexual abuse and the ignorant shaming of its victims. Through books, blogs, activism, letters to newspaper editors, attending court proceedings, rallies and vigils, these advocates model the protagonist in the Parable of the Good Samaritan by going above and beyond prayer and a simple kind gesture. They have generously allowed their lives to be interrupted in order that they might fight for the rights of child abuse victims and for the protection of future generations. Many have suffered painful consequences for their courageous involvement in an effort so despised by the powerful Catholic hierarchy. We are grateful for each of them and all of their tireless efforts.
Past Reformers
Corruption and injustice in the Catholic Church and society at large has been going on since Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. Looking back at history, it seems to be during the darkest times of human interaction that brave and courageous individuals stand out in their effort to bring peace, justice, and civility about. These are examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Though they are now at rest, we recognize them and are thankful for the great examples they set for the rest of us and our children and grandchildren. We also appreciate that many of them passed on before the fruits of their labor were realized, but have faith in the hope that we will be judged not by our accomplishments, but by our efforts.
The Weed Patch
It is said that the Catholic Pope is "Christ on Earth" and that ordained priests are "alter cristas". In that sense, any person with the least amount of reason and inkling of the Holy Gospels who expect the pope and the rest of the Catholic clergy to place the safety and welfare of children in their charge above, say, money, power, or public image. We recognize there are some very fine and morally upstanding priests, religious, deacons, seminarians, and even bishops who are humble, pray with action, and do their very best to follow the example of Jesus Christ. In fact, we appreciate how difficult it must be to exist in such a culture as certain Catholic rectories, seminaries, monasteries, and diocesan offices worldwide.
In this section, however, we focus on the bad apples. The blind leaders who put themselves and their own self-interests above all else. The ones who raped and tortured children. The ones who let them and even facilitated their crimes. The ones who poured salt into the wounds of the innocents. The ones who - still today - defend the predators and attack those preyed upon, all in the name of God. This is the blind leaders leading the blind followers straight off the cliff. In the final judgement - unless they turn a new leaf between now and then (and we pray they do) - these will be the goats who did not respond to the needs of the 'least' of their brothers and sisters.
If you would like to see someone featured on these pages, please send your report to:
Companions in Hope
P.O. Box 638
Geneva, Illinois 60134
mail@companionsinhope.com
Thank you for your interest and participation.