Readers React: The same, sad sex abuse story in the Catholic Church

To the editor: It’s so sad to read yet another account of how the Roman Catholic Church enabled its clergy’s sexual abuse of children over the last century. It’s the same old story: The church kept Edward Courtney’s suspected crimes concealed, enabling him to inflict unthinkable abuse on dozens of children across the country for more than three decades. (“After sexually abusing children for decades, Catholic brother lives under the radar in Hawaii,” Feb. 12)

Sure, the church has paid out millions for sex-abuse lawsuits filed by victims, leaving some congregations bankrupt. That’s a small price to pay for the sanctimonious arrogance of church hierarchy that devastated so many young lives.

Any church that feels divinely entitled to suppress credible allegations of its clergy’s crimes betrays serious theological shortcomings. How some of my friends can remain faithful Catholics escapes me.

Robin Groves, Pacific Palisades

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