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.