Roman Catholicism has been one of the most enduring global brands. It survived everything from the reforms of Martin Luther to the imprisonment of its priests convicted of sexually abusing children. But it might not hold up in the newest threat. Now it's the brass - monsignors, bishops, and cardinals - who might be going to prison.
In a closely watched case in the archdiocese of Philadelphia, Monsignor William Lynn is on trial for two counts of endangering the welfare of children. For 12 years it was his job to investigate allegations of sexual abuse. If convicted, he faces the maximum of 12 years in prison. Jury selection is now going on.
CNN's Sarah Hoye quotes CNN legal expert Paul Callan who observes, "For the first time, the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church is possibly being implicated in this child abuse scandal in a very, very definitive way." U.S. prosecutors will be helped in building their cases by the Vatican's contention, when faced with its own U.S.-based leagal action, that the church was highly decentralized. Decision-making takes place on the parish level. Therefore, it was off the hook for what occurred, including alleged cover-ups, regarding possible abuse of children.
A nation of trials taking place with high ranking church officials as defendants is one in which Roman Catholicism doesn't have a chance. Its credo of forgiveness is too much to ask.
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