Marcial Maciel, the founder of the conservative religious order the Legion of Christ, has died of natural causes at 87. He had been disciplined by Pope Benedict following multiple accusations of sex abuse from early in his priesthood. He died in disgrace, with the Vatican directing him to retire and withdraw rather than face further investigation and prosecution.
Jason Berry writes about the Maciel case here, and in many other places. Additionally, here is the website of ReGain, an organization of ex-Legionaries and others now highly critical of Maciel and his work. One aspect of the accusations against Maciel that struck me is that his nine accusers were all professionally accomplished laymen at the time they went public. They did not ask for money, and they had a lot to lose by going public as victims of molestation -- especially accusing a very powerful religious leader. Clearly by the time Benedict became pope, the Vatican had been convinced that Maciel was guilty of something.
It's in God's hands now.
UPDATE: I know this is a very sensitive topic, and my views about the Catholic hierarchy and the cover-up of sexual abuse are strong and well-known. I want to underscore, however, that I invite people of all opinions on the matter of Fr. Maciel and the LCs to express themselves here. If you believe Fr. Maciel was treated unjustly, please feel free to say so. And those who disagree, likewise. Let's keep it civil, tho'...
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I suggest everybody read Jason Berry's article that Rod linked. It makes me admire Benedict all the more. It also reinforces my contempt for JPII and the bunker mentality that afflicts all-too-many Catholics on this issue. That bunker mentality reflects the fact that these same Catholics confuse the hierarchy with Christ, and give it the deference it doesn't deserve.
That's alright, Joe D'oH, most everyone here has plenty of contempt for guys who think we should nuke Muslim population centers as a matter of course.
Franklin, it's good to know that you're a cum laude graduate of the Mark Shea Corresponsdence School of Snark, with a doctorate in Using Personal Attacks To Deflect Attention From The Truth. Congratulations!
But what they didn't teach you, Franklin, is that such tactics (and your skillful use of them) just happen to reinforce my point better than I ever could!
BTW, Franklin, do you like ice with your Kool-Aid? ;P
How did this conversation STOP on February 2nd?
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