In the article entitled, “Vatican: Monsignors’ talk doesn’t change guidelines on abuse” in the Feb. 18 edition, Msgr. Anatrella clarified his remark that the obligation to report abuse falls first to victims and families, “not necessarily bishops.” His clarification says, “I said in this paragraph that the bishop or his representative will first encourage the minor-victim and his or her family to file a complaint with the police. If they do not, then it is up to the Church authority to make a report.”

Having the bishop or his representative discuss with the victim the pros and cons of filing a complaint is exactly why the Church is in such trouble. The obtuseness of Msgr. Anatrella is mind boggling. The bishop and Church should not delay in reporting abuse. It is up to the victim and the victim’s lawyer to determine what steps to take, independent of any discussion with any Church official. Having the bishop or his representative discuss the situation with the victim only provides an opportunity to delay and obfuscate and side-step the situation. This practice must end, and the focus must be on the victim and not the bishop, his representative or the Church.

Enough.

Floyd Grabiel
Christ the King, Minneapolis

Editor’s note: It is the policy of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis that anyone working or volunteering in a parish or Catholic school who knows or has reason to believe that a minor (a child under the age of 18) is being abused or neglected or has been abused or neglected must report the abuse or neglect to proper civil authorities within 24 hours of the abuse or neglect becoming known to him or her. Additionally, many people working or volunteering in a parish or Catholic school, including clergy, are mandated reporters under state law and must report abuse or neglect of a child to proper civil authorities within 24 hours or face criminal charges.

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