In a classic example of denial, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a report five years in the making that blames social and sexual turmoil of the '60s and '70s for rampant sexual abuse by priests. Dubbed the "blame Woodstock" defense, the report also rejects the "pedophile priest" label, claiming that only 5% of the victims were "prepubescent" -- which they conveniently define as age 10 and under. Making the report even more suspect, the preparers relied heavily on data from the Church's dioceses and religious orders. The report does state the obvious, that the problem of abuse intensified when the Church protected priests over their victims.
The Catholic Church has a long way to go to repair the damages caused by pedophile priests. For years, it simply shuffled them off to other parishes where they continued their abuse. In recent years, as victims have spoken out, the Church has been forced to acknowledge crimes by its priests and bishops, but only grudgingly and partially. This report does little to make amends.
(photo: "Nothing to see here, move along!")
