AP reports that less than two weeks after priest personnel files were released in a settlement of a clergy sexual abuse lawsuit (see
prior posting), retired Archbishop Roger Mahony and one of his top aides were sanctioned by Mahony's successor, Archbishop Jose Gomez. In a statement (
full text) posted on the Archdiocese website, Gomez announced the unprecedented steps:
I cannot undo the failings of the past that we find in these pages. Reading these files, reflecting on the wounds that were caused, has been the saddest experience I’ve had since becoming your Archbishop in 2011.
My predecessor, retired Cardinal Roger Mahony, has expressed his sorrow for his failure to fully protect young people entrusted to his care. Effective immediately, I have informed Cardinal Mahony that he will no longer have any administrative or public duties. Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry has also publicly apologized for his decisions while serving as Vicar for Clergy. I have accepted his request to be relieved of his responsibility as the Regional Bishop of Santa Barbara.
The released files show various actions by Mahony and Curry transferring accused pedophile priests and shielding them from law enforcement authorities. (See
prior posting).
