School, chancery still honor bishop who admitted abuse - Nation

National Catholic Reporter, Feb 6, 2004 by Dennis Coday

Vance said she hears people saying things like what O'Connell did "happened more than 30 years ago" or that it was "a consenting relationship" or that "it was an indiscretion" and "we all make mistakes."

These are not true, Vance said. She wants to make sure these facts are not glossed over. "O'Connell admitted he sexually abused minors," Vance said.

Just because no victims have stepped forward in the Knoxville diocese does not mean they are not there, she told NCR. She is convinced that if the diocese were more aggressive in seeking out victims, more would come forward. "But the diocese will do nothing," she said.

"The statute of limitations is going to run out and close the victims off from justice," Vance said. "That's why the diocese of Knoxville is willing to let this go on because it's to their advantage."

Last year the parishes in the diocese sent a "spiritual bouquet" (prayer intentions) to O'Connell "to honor him on his 40th anniversary as a priest. "You can't tell me that people understand the situation when they honor him in this way," Vance said.