Protecting the public

Protecting the public

EDITOR:

Congratulations to the victim who reported his abuse by Father Crum to authorities. It took great courage to do so. We owe our prayers and thanks to this person who came forward to protect other children from being victimized by this priest. Typically it takes a long time (sometimes longer than 30 years) for victims to come to grips with what has happened to them, to overcome the fears, the shame, the guilt inflicted by the perpetrator. Too often in the past victims have been vilified as though they had done something wrong, or are avaricious people only after money, or evil because they accused a beloved priest or embarrassed the church. We should view the victim as a hero.

The institutional church has now rid itself of a priest sex abuser and Bishop Murry is to be commended for removing him from ministry and making public Father Crum’s previous assignments to offer help if there are other victims. But a problem still exists: Is the priest now a danger to children as a layman? The abuse is so old that the statute of limitations protects him from prosecution. Unless there is criminal prosecution the perpetrator is not required to be registered as a sex offender. Advocate groups (some Catholic) have fought to extend the time of SOLs or eliminate them altogether. Unfortunately Catholic bishops, including the six bishops in Ohio, desirous of protecting Church image and assets, have vigorously opposed such legislation.

It is no surprise that additional victims are discovered in cases of clergy abuse. At a recent event in Toledo, Barbara Blaine, victims’ advocate, attorney, and founder of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) stated: “Research and experience teach us that most sexual predators molest children throughout their lives. While removing them from active ministry is a good first step, by itself this does not adequately protect children.” She then named 15 priests accused of sexually abusing children after they were removed from ministry for allegations of molestation.

Victims of clergy abuse courageously reveal their ordeal so that other children may not be victimized by their perpetrator. Is it enough just to expel a priest from ministry?

JOHN F. WIRTZ

North Jackson

Different poolside memories

EDITOR:

The more I read Monday’s letter concerning Borts Pool, the angrier I got. The writer used words that do not apply to all young people regardless of where they live or what their ethnicity is. The idea that these, as he put it, “gangstas,” “playas” and “drama queens” came from other sides of town is ridiculous. Name calling and finger pointing is an ugly thing. No wonder we see so many youths with low self esteem. Before making such accusations, perhaps he should take the blinders off and look around his own neighborhood and see what is going on. He might find some undesirables on his own street. Surprise, surprise.

On the other hand, he and his family are more than welcome to use the beautiful new North Side Pool. It is open to the public and has lots of amenities.

I might add one more thing. As a teenager I was not permitted to use either North Side Pool, or Borts Pool even though I worked at all of the city pools as a locker girl. Not because I was a “gangsta,” playa” or “drama queen.” I just happened to be an African American. I was good enough, reliable enough and trustworthy enough to handle people’s clothing and valuables while they swam, but not good enough to swim in “their” pools. Imagine that.

FRANCES L. SINGLETON

Youngstown