Cardinal Mahony Should Name Abusers

Re “Mahony Won’t Name Abusers,” March 26: Since when did being a member of the clergy entitle you to diplomatic immunity? Correct me if I’m wrong, but when our founding fathers established a “separation of church and state” it was to prevent the church from interfering in the business of government. Never did they intend it to mean that clergymen were above the law of the land.

Today, if someone is guilty of sexual abuse involving children, his/her name, address and likeness is published for all to see in the interest of public safety. Am I to believe the public’s safety is not at risk because, in this case, these offenders were men of God? I know the Bible teaches “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” but by the church’s own admission, these men are guilty of sexually abusing children. Is it up to Cardinal Roger Mahony or the state of California to determine their punishment?

Ronald Hull

Chino Hills

*

So, Mahony thinks it’s all right to hide criminals. He knows of several “older” retired priests who allegedly abused children, but since it’s so long ago and they are now (in his opinion) no longer a threat to children, it’s all right to just forgive and forget.

I believe there is a term in the law for this action: abetting and harboring a criminal.

It’s time the district attorney’s office does its job. Mahony should either hand over the names of these men or suffer the consequences. A pedophile is a pedophile--whether a clergyman, truck driver, schoolteacher or judge. And no pedophile, or anyone who harbors him (or her--yes, women can be pedophiles) should be above the law.

Ken Constant

North Hollywood

*

I was deeply saddened by “Priest Fired as Head of School” (March 23), concerning the Rev. Dominic Savino and Crespi Carmelite High School. Most important, the name of a great institution of learning was tarnished. Having had two sons graduate from Crespi, I can attest to the fine college-prep education they received. They also developed strong moral ethics, a sense of fair play and a deep respect for their teachers.

The faculty of Crespi consists of committed men and women dedicated to the religious, social and educational development of their students. I credit this commitment for not only guiding my sons from boys to men but also making them the gentlemen and scholars they are today. I have every confidence that Crespi will carry on in this tradition, today and in the years to come.

Cathy Soule

Valley Village

*

Re “Sex Abuse by Clerics--a Crisis of Many Faiths,” March 25: Thank you for enlightening the public that child sexual abuse is not solely a phenomenon of the Catholic clergy but is found in all denominations. It happens among the married as well as the unmarried. The most pitiful victims are those who suffer this abuse on a regular basis in their own homes. Over 50% of all prosecuted cases are ones that take place in the home.

It is time for America to wake up to the fact that sexual abuse of children is rampant in our society.

Margaret Finley

Banning