Community Corner

Archbishop Addresses Priest Sex Scandal

Philadelphia's new Roman Catholic Archbishop offers a stark reality check.

Philadelphia's new Roman Catholic Archbishop warns members of his flock to brace for a tough year in 2012.

In a letter -- being read to congregations in the Archdiocese this weekend --  states he will move swiftly to resolve cases of Catholic clergymen put on administrative leave in March as part of a priest abuse sex scandal.

Chaput pulls no punches and tells his flock while the majority of priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese "have served our people with exceptional lives of sacrifice and character," he will also move swiftly to resolve cases involving suspended priests.

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He says priests who have served faithfully and well bear the burden of the church's public humiliation and Catholics' anger.

He admits the scandal will get worse before it gets better as some accused priests come to trial in the early part of 2012 with harsh media scrutiny.

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Chaput also says economics and responsible management will force several Archdiocese schools to be closed or combined with other parishes.

In a frank assessment of finances and sustainability of the Archdiocese schools, he warns "many" schools may be affected in the next 18 months.

Chaput's letter does not offer any specifics about which schools could be affected.


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