Posted on: Sunday, March 24, 2002

EDITORIAL
Hawai'i not immune to sex abuse scandals

The Roman Catholic diocese of Hawai'i's committee on sexual abuse met Friday to re-examine past cases in light of the child-molestation scandal that has recently rocked the Boston diocese and others on the Mainland.

We're pleased to see they're not taking an isolationist view of this controversy, which has raised questions about cover-ups in the Catholic Church and the motives of many who enter the priesthood.

Honolulu diocese spokes-man Patrick Downes laments that the scandals also "cast a cloud of suspicion over many good priests who have been faithful to their vows and who are devoted and dedicated."

That's true. But Hawai'i's young parishioners are no less vulnerable to abuse than those in dioceses on the Mainland, and so we're glad there are policies firmly in place that require diocese members to promptly report suspicions of sexual abuse to church officials and — and this is important — to the police.

Moreover, the standing committee on sexual abuse, which formed a decade ago, also investigates credible complaints. Offenders are removed from office and, in some cases, sent for specialized counseling for clergy on the Mainland.

The panel includes lawyers, psychologists and clergymen. At this time, they're reviewing old cases to ensure that no stone has been left unturned. Besides, Honolulu Bishop Francis DiLorenzo wants to familiarize himself with the cases that predated his arrival in 1994.

Over the last 15 years, four priests in the Hawai'i diocese were removed from public ministry following allegations that they sexually abused minors, with the last occurring nine years ago. No current case is under investigation.

Even so, it's reassuring to know that if new allegations do surface, the diocese will be prepared.