To the editor:
The recent re-emergence of Cardinal Law on national TV shows some insight into the inner dynamics of the clerical world. It also reflects the response of the institutional Catholic Church to the clergy abuse scandal. Law was loyal to the governmental structure, to the clerical aristocracy and to his own image. He was not loyal to the Catholic Church. Theologically the Catholic Church is the people, not clerics. He consistently refused to meet with any of the sex-abuse victims even though he met with every group on earth. Law was rewarded by receiving the title of chief priest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This gesture clearly told the U.S. Catholics and especially the victims of sex abuse that their pain and concerns meant nothing to the Catholic hierarchy.
Let’s draw a parallel with the Diocese of Rochester and the recent case of Father Michael Volino, who recently pleaded guilty to one count of possession of computer child pornography. Will he again be allowed to be a priest in another parish?
I don’t care how much support, verbally or written, this man should not be allowed to continue in the ministry. A federal crime has been committed and should be dealt with accordingly.
Catherine Holtz
Meadow Lane
Pine City
