He explains how the misplaced loyalties of those in leadership positions created the current crisis. Donald Cozzens looks at various challenges and the scandal gripping the Church and offers an historical overview of our church leadership. Catholic bishops listen to the stories of abuse victims and then pass a "one strike and you're out policy" against any priest who has abused a child. Sacred Silence is a book about failed leadership in the Catholic Church. The Bush White House tries to keep its distance, as Franklin Graham says Islam is an "evil and wicked religion" and Southern Baptist leader Jerry Vines calls Muhammad a "demon-possessed pedophile." (3) Controversy erupts as some evangelicals openly criticize Islamic doctrine, often quoting the testimonies of Muslims who have converted to Christianity. Sexual scandals claim several other bishops, including the liberal Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland. Reports increase that the Boston archdiocese is considering bankruptcy, as the number of lawsuits climbs over 400. (2) Cardinal Law resigns after rising protests by clergy and laity over his handling of abusive priests.
Some bishops apparently have approved secret settlements to avoid disclosure. At the heart of this scandal are new revelations that many bishops have moved priests alleged to have abused minors from parish to parish without warning legal authorities and the faithful. (1) For the third time in two decades, clergy sexual abuse shakes Catholicism.
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