Recent allegations of sexual abuse have rippled across the Catholic Church worldwide — and they are starting to hit close to home.
According to the Lincoln Journal Star and the Catholic News Agency, a wave of four separate cases of sexual abuse in Nebraska have surfaced. Reports said late Monsignor Leonard Kalin made sexual advances toward seminarians among other inappropriate actions. The Diocese of Lincoln acknowledged these reports implicating Kalin.
In another case, Bishop James Conley temporarily replaced Rev. Patrick Barvick as pastor at St. Mary’s in Davey, Nebraska. Barvick worked at five Catholic high schools in the Lincoln area. According to the Diocesan Review Board, Barvick “could not be trusted with females.” This was the only reason given for Barvick’s replacement and review by the Diocesan Review Board.
Charles Townsend was removed from St. Peter’s for his “inappropriate but nonsexual relationship” with a 19-year-old, according to a statement by the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln.
Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha wrote a letter concerning the abuse, published in the Omaha World Herald on August 25. In the letter, Archbishop Lucas expressed his shame and sadness surrounding the victims and those in positions of responsibility.
“This hurt and shame are enduring because they took place where people should have been safe and respected,” Lucas said. “The priests have encouraged me in my commitment to insist with the other bishops of this country that there be structures put in place for judging allegations of misconduct on the part of bishops.”
According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, there is a charter in place to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors called the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
Peter Nguyen, S.J. and theology professor at Creighton, said that not every diocese is required to submit themselves to the charter, which creates confusion.
Fr. Nguyen believes too much has been covered up within the Catholic Church and that he wants answers.
“Let the investigation begin,” Nguyen said. “We need full transparency.”
Nguyen attributes this to the strong social media presence in today’s society, citing things like the #MeToo movement which encourages victims of abuse to step forward.
Nguyen wants to remind students and members of the Catholic Church that the clergy will never destroy the church.
“Our faith is not in priests or bishops; it is in Christ and the Eucharist,” Nguyen said. “The saints and martyrs are the ones who embody the Gospel best, and they are the antidote to what ails the church.”