Dont't Tread on Us

The secular media make it seem like all Catholics are very angry at the Church over the misdeeds of a few (“Cardinal Law's Exit Might Bring Better Times,” Dec. 22-28). I believe that is a large part of the Church's problem. I am not angry at the Church, for it remains the same as always. I am very disappointed with the priests who caused this scandal and with the bishops who allowed it to continue for so long. The question is: What can Catholics do about it?

I do not believe we (all Catholics) should allow any archdiocese to be bankrupt. I propose that a central fund be created wherein Catholics can send in donations that, in turn, can be given to the archdioceses in financial trouble. We gave to 9/11 victims, so why not give to save our Church?

This in no way condones what was done by the few errant priests. It is to protect our Church and to put this problem to rest, once and for all. My heart bleeds for the victims. How grateful I am that it did not happen to my son, who was an altar boy for years. I do not believe that money, per se, will alleviate the pain; however, that is what seems to be the ongoing remedy.

I question the motives of those victims who remained silent for 10, 20, 30 or more years, are seemingly happy married and then say how devastated they are. There needs to be some sort of statute of limitations. Also, in the cases where the victims state they were abused for years, it is my opinion that they have to bear some responsibility, especially those who were of high school age or more.

We have to stop this bashing of our Church. The sooner the better.

ADELINO R. LORENZO

Tigard, Oregon

I was saddened to hear of Cardinal Bernard Law's resignation (“Cardinal Law's Exit Might Bring Better Times,” Dec. 22-28). Even though it seemed kind of inevitable in view of the impending bankruptcy, I don't know that it was really necessary for the Church in Boston. I think his fatal flaw was a poor management style and perhaps a tendency to err on the side of compassion with regard to problematic priests.

To some extent I think he is being made the fall guy for the many. After all, two-thirds of his brothers in the hierarchy were doing the same thing he did. He is a victim as well. A victim of a biased and agenda-driven jurist in Justice Constance Sweeny who has handed down unconstitutional rulings against the Church in Boston resulting in private documents being made available to the media. However, enough of the scandal!

On a more positive note, I'd like to make a personal comment on His Eminence. My mother and I will always be grateful to him, for he received my sister into the religious life. How rich beyond measure is the person called to the consecrated state and how lucky the family with such a person in it!

Cardinal Law always had a special place in his heart for the Daughters of St Paul. He has his detractors and enemies among “Voice of the (so-called) Faithful” and others in the Church but I think I can say without fear of contradiction that he will always have the love, respect and prayers of the sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Paul and their family members. Thank you Cardinal Law and Godspeed to you!

PAUL A. TROUVE

Montague, New Jersey