Federal Government Tells Catholic Bishops Not to Destroy Sex Abuse Documents - Emma Hancock

Federal Government Tells Catholic Bishops Not to Destroy Sex Abuse Documents
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/us/catholic-bishops-sex-abuse.html

This article states that the Justice Department in the Federal Government has opened the child sexual abuse investigation within the Roman Catholic church . The department has decided to send a request to all eight dioceses in Pennsylvania to not destroy reports or evidence of child sexual abuse, this includes archives, and records of priests moving as well. The request was included in a seven-page letter as well as instructions to transmit copies sent to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. to Marci A. Hamilton, a law professor and founder of CHILD USA states that this investigation is most likely going to spread more and more, every diocese should assume they are under investigation. Many people are feeling relieved that the case of child sex abuse within the church is no longer being ignored by the government. Although a broader investigation is not guaranteed, many victims are hopeful that abusive catholic priests will finally be held accountable for their actions by the Federal Government.

I think this article depicts a big step in the direction of holding abusers accountable, even if they are in powerful positions. This topic has not been in the concerns of many as much as it should be in the 21st century, and it is a great thing that these victims are getting their stories investigated and getting a chance at justice. This event is similar to the Gilbert Gauthe scandal where he was accused and admitted to abusing 37 boys, it was the first nationally recognized sex abuse in the Roman Catholic church, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison and released after 10. These events are similar in that the government is not ignoring these happenings anymore and finally acknowledging and making an effort for justice for the victims.