re: "We Are Sorry" (Catholic Standard & Times, February 2011)

Matthew Gambino, Director & General Mgr
The Catholic Standard and Times
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Dear Mr. Gambino,

In addition to being titled "We Are Sorry," both the first sentence and the last of your recent editorial state: "We are sorry."

The sexual abuse abuse of minors is absolutely criminal; it is abhorent, disgusting, and vulgar. While it flies in the face of crime reports, a bizarre notion has taken hold that sexual abuse is the near exclusive specialty of Catholic priests.

In recent years, "throw under the bus" has become a popular phrase. When criminal charges are not involved, exactly how has the CS& T vetted allegations against priests, before publishing their names as removed from ministry amidst suspicion? In the movie version of "Doubt," there was an incredible image of feathers flying from an open pillow. Even if a priest is subsequently cleared of any wrong doing, how is he to possibly recapture his good name?

If the Archdiocese is guilty of covering up past abuse, this cannot be rectified by overreacting to current situations. Please consider adding a "P.S." to your editorial: "We are sorry to our dear priests with whom we failed to stay awake and whom we denied, during their own agonies and scourgings."

Sincerely,