Complicit

What a flabbergasting response from Bishop Malone to this question from Jay Tokasz (full interview here).

We have to “find out” what being complicit means?! Dictionaries are such a great way to “find out” what words mean. The Oxford English Dictionary informs us that complicit means: “Involved with others in an activity that is unlawful or morally wrong.” I submit that it is morally wrong to cover up the abuse of young men by a pastor upon whom you heap adulation and refuse to remove from ministry. I would likewise posit that it is morally wrong to lie to a victim of said priest by telling the young man that he is the priest’s only victim when you know full well that is not true.

Is it not “grave matter” when a predatory priest sexually assaults a young man? What difference does it make if the young man is 14 or 24? Why is it that clerical abuse is no longer “grave” once the magic “Charter age” of 18 is surpassed?

What “clarity” and “specificity” could you possible need, Bishop Malone, regarding the abuse of young adults? Shouldn’t the abuse of ANY of God’s people be a grave matter? Was not Christ clear enough when He said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you?” Bishop Malone – what if you were 20 years old and went to a priest for spiritual counsel and he tried to get you drunk and assault you? Would that be a grave matter? Or would there not be enough “clarity” and “specificity” for such gravity to be determined?

And do not get me started on seminarians abused by a priest who was supposed to mentor and support them. I can be VERY clear and specific about those circumstances.

For now, let me be clear and specific as follows:

Bishop Malone – you were complicit. It is grave matter. Stop equivocating.