Diocese of Phx. Cracks Down on Child Molesters

In a surprising move from the Diocese of Phoenix, infamous for shuttling abusive priests from parish to parish, it's former Bishop and his hit and run car accident and the former Monsignor and founder of the world's largest Catholic youth group to stand trial for alleged misconduct with minors, the Diocese of Phoenix announced yesterday that they are getting tough on crime. If this is true, I salute them. If this is a public relations ploy from a Diocese whose former Monsignor goes to trial shortly, only time will tell.

The Diocese announced yesterday that they will perform criminal background checks on all volunteers and employees. In addition, the Diocese also said that they would begin comparing their members against the Sex Crimes Registry from Arizona. This unprecedented move could pose some battles within pews, but if this is not just more lipservice from a Diocese that has had more corruption than the average episode of the Sopranos, I applaud them.

Perhaps this is a case of the leadership admitting that they have had issues, that a public relations position of "don't ask, don't tell" simply is dangerous, irresponsible and contrary to the mission of the Church.