Shanley verdict reaction

National Catholic Reporter, Feb 18, 2005 by Dennis Coday

BOSTON -- Victims of clergy sexual abuse and reform-minded Catholics said Feb. 7 that the guilty verdict against former priest Paul Shanley shows that sexual abuse allegations must be taken seriously and processed through the criminal justice system. Shanley, 74, was convicted of raping and fondling a boy, now 27, in churches outside Boston. Shanley could get life in prison when he is sentenced on Feb. 15.

Suzanne Morse, a spokeswoman for the reform group Voice of the Faithful, said the verdict shows that church leaders have an obligation to work with civil authorities in responding to abuse allegations.

"It's good that the court system worked in this way ... but it does not relieve the bishops of their responsibility to bring justice and healing to the survivors," Morse said.