Let me state at the beginning that I am neither denying the allegations made against Cardinal O'Brien, nor am I defending his Eminence. I am surprised that so many, especially in the media and among some bloggers in the absence of evidence seem to assume the allegations have substance, To my mind the ring of truth seems absent.
Certain things raise questions in my mind and my nose is assailed by the smell of rotten fish.
"Why now?" is one question. The allegations refer to something over 30 years ago. The alleged "victims" were adults at the time, not children. Why were the allegations not reported then or even ten or five years ago?
"Is there a conspiracy?" is another question raised in my mind. Have the four alleged victims acted together in this matter. Did they know about the alleged experiences of each other, and if so how and for how long? Did others also know? If so I cannot believe that some of the media , and I include the Internet, would not have referred to a whiff of scandal before now.
I think it is possible that one person might have been fearful of making the accusations at the time, but that four who knew of each other were fearful is stretching my credulity.
So again I ask: Why now?
There is something rotten and it is not in the State of Denmark!
I suggest and hope that an ecclesiastical court be set up by the Cardinal's successor.
I am also convinced that the truth will out. And if it makes uncomfortable reading for the Church then so be it. We could be better for it.
ADDED on 27th
I see that Mulier Fortis is following the same line of thought...maybe even earlier than I did
ADDED on 27th
I see that Mulier Fortis is following the same line of thought...maybe even earlier than I did
I, too, can’t judge the veracity of the allegations Father, but also question the timing.
ReplyDeleteBut to your question of why this was not brought forward before (for example when Ab. O’Brien was being considered for the red hat…), I would refer you to the case of Fr. Maciel of the Legionaries of Christ. There, many remained silent as they feared not being believed. And they had good reason for their fear.
My outrage in that case was at the treatment of the four or five priests and former priests who had tried for something like 20 years to have their cases heard and it was repeatedly rejected by the highest levels in the Vatican – all the way to John Paul II.
I felt for those men, as I knew of the atmosphere they were dealing with - having lived through it myself. That may also be the case here. I don’t know. The truth is only known by them and the Cardinal.
So, I suspend judgment. But whichever way it turns out I will not be shocked, just saddened – again.
I totally concur with your remarks Father. Children might be disbelieved & therefore make allegations long after the supposed event but, as you rightly say, these people were adults at the time. It rather beggars belief that such terrible accusations can be made in anonymity. If these people (I avoid calling them 'priests' or even 'men') had any self respect & self belief they would stand bravely & make their accusations.
ReplyDeleteHaving met His Eminence on a number of occasions I always found him to be the height of WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) & I have the gravest reservations in contemplating any guilt against him.
May God confound his enemies & may his detractors prepare to face the justice of the Judge of us all