Excerpts from Father Joseph A. O'Hare, "Of Many Things"

America, Vol. 190 No. 12, April 5, 2004

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"The report of the National Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People on the scandal of sexual abuse of minors by members of the Catholic clergy represents a forthright call for change in the institutional culture of the church. In calling for greater transparency and accountability on the part of the hierarchy, strengthening the diocesan and pastoral councils that should be in place and providing a role for lay Catholics in the selection of bishops, the report does not question any Catholic doctrine. On the contrary, continuing reform and renewal of the church is grounded in a sound theology of the church. Today that renewal must include greater participation by lay Catholics in the governance of the church."

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Habits die slowly, however, and the clerical culture of secrecy and denial will not yield easily to a culture of transparency and accountability. But the National Review Board’s report is an extraordinary document that not only challenges the present but also provides hope for the future by demonstrating how the church can be enriched by the commitment and gifts of lay Catholics.