Chicago Archdiocese issues reports critical of its handling of abuse

Published: 2006-03-21

CHICAGO (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of Chicago released two reports highly critical of its handling of clerical sex abuse March 20. One report focuses on the handling of the cases of Father Daniel McCormack and Father Joseph Bennett, who were monitored but not immediately removed from ministry after abuse allegations arose against them. The second one examines the system of monitoring of priests who have substantiated allegations of sexual abuse against them. The reports were released an hour before Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George and his chancellor, Jimmy Lago, met with reporters. Lago, the point person overseeing all abuse allegations, reaffirmed the commitment of the cardinal, himself and the church of Chicago to protect children, but acknowledged that many have questioned that commitment in recent months. "You are going to have to judge us by our actions," Lago said, noting that the archdiocese intends to ask the auditors retained by the U.S. bishops' National Review Board to focus on the reports' recommendations.

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