Carol A. Kuhnert
Bishop Robert Finn had been found guilty in 2012 of failing to report suspected clergy sexual abuse, but many found his punishment quite disappointing when he only received two years’ probation for his scandalous crimes. Still, even with just that light slap on the wrist, clergy abuse survivors could find some gratification in knowing Bishop Finn was the highest-ranked church official in the US actually convicted of failing to respond to victims’ clergy abuse allegations.
Shockingly, the Catholic Church continued to cover for Bishop Finn by allowing him to simply resign his post, giving no reason as to why. Such shamelessness stands out like a sore thumb. He should have been outright fired with the Church loudly proclaiming the truthful reason why. The Church needs to assure its members that such behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Now Pope Francis has appointed Bishop James Johnston, Jr., currently the leader in Springfield-Cape Girardeau, to take over the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph in Missouri. His installation to the new post will occur November 4, 2015. Will he do business any differently? Time will tell if he proves to have the courage to remove known clergy molesters from active ministry once he is aware of them.
About the Author
Jim
March 27, 2019 at 7:15 pmCarol,
I was an altar boy at St. Peter’s Church in Kirkwood while your brother was assigned there. I remember several of us being uncomfortable around your brother, and recall an incident in the confessional that left a permanent mark in my memory. I was probably 13-14 years old, and was just discovering my sexuality, which at that age, was of course, included masturbation. I was thoroughly ashamed of the behavior, but was reluctant to admit it though I was sure it was a sin. I managed to screw up the courage to do so in confession at one point. The priest was your brother, Norman, who knew me as an altar boy.
I remember him asking a series of embarrassing, probing questions that seemed, even to me at the time, completely inappropriate: Which hand did I use? Was I on my back or my side? Was I looking at any photos? I was also thoroughly abashed when he called me by name—so much for the anonymity of a confessional.
Looking back on it now, I suspect he was masturbating in the confessional as I spoke. Though I quit seeing him in confession, I still was very uncomfortable around him and started going to a different parish (Queen of Peace) for Sunday Mass. I’ve since moved on, and no longer attend any formal religious services, in part because of the Vatican’s complete refusal to address this issue, insisting it’s a uniquely American problem.
You and I corresponded a couple of years ago about my youngest brother, Michael, who committed suicide at 23. I noted at the time that I believed he’d been molested, I suspect by Norman. You were very sympathetic, and I appreciated your understanding. I’ve since realized that my own experience has also left a scar, one that I’ve refused to address for years. I think my inability to maintain any long-term relationships might also be partially the result of my guilt about my brother’s death.
I’m very glad to see you’re still advocating for S.N.A.P., and are willing to step in to call the Church on its hypocrisy, and its refusal to admit that the problem extends to other countries as well. I’m also curious as to whether the Catholic Church’s financial responsibility is still an open question. I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s suffered this kind of fallout.
Jim
Carol A. Kuhnert
August 20, 2019 at 12:24 amHi Jim,
Thank you for writing me. I apologize for the delay. I was blocked from my website and have recently been able to get back on.
It hurts my heart to know that normal experiences in your early teen years were used to make you feel sinful when you turned to Fr. Norman Christian for guidance in the confessional. His repulsive manner of response was inexcusable – A glaring example of who Norman Christian was as a person. Most certainly, he did not belong in the priesthood. Yet there he was; free to abuse vulnerable children right from the start – even at his very first parish assignment!
You were wise in avoiding him after that frightening encounter. Back then, it was inconceivable that a priest would behave in such a way. Reports that were made usually led to the abused child being severely punished for saying such awful things about a priest. Even parents were more likely to take the word of the priest over their own child’s description of what happened. Thankfully, these disturbing accounts of clergy sexual abuse are finally being taken seriously, leading to more abuse victims coming forward to report their own abusers to the authorities.
I do remember you discussing your youngest brother’s suicide when he was only 23 and that you suspected Norman had molested him. I could feel your sadness in each word as you spoke.
Now that you realize your own experience with Norman has seriously disturbed your life, along with any guilt you may feel about Michael’s death, would you consider speaking with a trustworthy professional to talk through it all?(If not now, then perhaps keep it tucked away for the future). My daughter swears by counseling. It does not have to be a forever/ongoing thing. She says it is a “go for as long as you need it, for whatever it is at the time that is holding you back”. She has come a long way over the past few decades, despite the abuses she suffered in her life.
Jim, I truly wish you success in finding peace in your heart and discovering the happiness you deserve in life.
Take care,
Carol Kuhnert