Sometimes, earthly justice fails. In a devastating blow to survivors of clerical abuse, the legal justice system in Massachusetts has dismissed the criminal charges of sexual abuse against former cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Medical professionals agree that he is suffering from dementia and say he is no longer mentally competent to stand trial. Sadly, the victims in this case have been failed, and the justice due to McCarrick will not be served in this life.
For the victims in this case, this probably feels as if McCarrick is being shown mercy – mercy because his mind is failing. What about his victims? McCarrick no longer has to be held accountable for his crimes, and he escapes responsibility on this earth. Yet, the victims he left in his wake are the ones who suffer. They get a life sentence, having to live with the consequences of someone else’s actions.
How fortunate for the former cleric that he is perhaps able to forget! His victims will never forget.
My heart breaks for the survivors! How heartbreaking to come so far and fight so hard, only to be essentially told that their abuser’s well-being is more important than theirs. No amount of earthly punishment will make up for the sins of Theodore McCarrick. Laicization wasn’t enough. Nothing can take away the pain he has caused to, not only his victims, but to their loved ones and the entire church. Seeing him held accountable for his crimes would have certainly provided at least a sliver of peace. This newest development only brings further injustice and pain to the survivors. Sadly,
McCarrick might truly be mentally incompetent. Regardless, the dismissal of his case isn’t really a fair outcome, is it? We are undoubtedly angry. However, we have rules and laws protecting the rights of criminal defendants, and we live with a stark reality: for a number of reasons, justice is not always accomplished here on earth.
A Word to Survivors
Numerous victims have risked so much to come forward. They have bravely fought to expose the truth. James Grein (McCarrick’s victim who spoke out in Wisconsin) is one such example. As a fellow survivor of clerical abuse, I applaud all victims involved in this case for their hard work, for their courage, and for their perseverance.
Dear Survivors,
This isn’t the outcome you hoped for. You have been left to live with the betrayal, pain, anger, and everything else that goes along with being a survivor of sexual abuse. I am so sorry for your pain! Please know that you are seen, you are believed, and you are loved.
Reporting your perpetrator is one of the hardest things a survivor can do. By disclosing all that you have and by fighting to bring his crimes to light, you inspire others survivors to do the same.
I realize that this might come as little consolation in light of the huge disappointment of not seeing him convicted. However, I want you to know how much you inspire others. You are truly heroes! Thank you for your voice!
You will overcome this setback. It’s OK if you’re angry! Perpetrators should be held accountable but human systems can and do fail. Things beyond our control sometimes prevent justice from being carried out.
To the countless other victims of clerical abuse out there suffering in silence, to those of you who live in fear, to those of you who have never received justice: you matter! You are loved!
Rest in the knowledge that you know the truth and God knows the truth. Even when justice doesn’t prevail in this world, be assured that it will in the next.
Thank you to everyone who has fought so hard and so valiantly to bring the crimes of McCarrick to light.
A Word on Sin and Repentance
I have been pondering the spiritual side of the McCarrick situation since learning about the dropped charges. First of all, when someone knows they have done something wrong, they are not living in peace. As comfortable as McCarrick has seemed on the outside, none of us can know what internal conflict he has been living with. Although unrepentant and arrogant on the outside, he has been living with secrets. He knows perfectly well the difference between right and wrong. This man has needed people to constantly cover for him. Rest assured, my friends, there is a very strong possibility that he has not been living a peaceful, contented life.
I realize this still does not even come close to making up for what he did. It perhaps offers a tiny bit of consolation to realize that McCarrick has been tormented by his sins. If this monster has ignored any feelings of shame or guilt and still refuses to admit his guilt or repent, then things will be even worse for him in the next life. He has had ample time to repent.
Second, if McCarrick has indeed lost his faculties and doesn’t remember what he did, how can he repent of his sins? How can he ask for forgiveness? No one can judge the state of anyone’s immortal soul. Yet, he has publicly maintained his innocence, showing no remorse on his part. To think of Theodore McCarrick standing before God and of what could lie ahead for him is a very frightening thought indeed.
When Earthly Justice Fails
The court may have dismissed the charges. Sadly, in many ways we see justice fail every single day in this world. However, Christians know that justice will always be done in the next life. At the end of our lives, we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. McCarrick, too, will one day stand before God’s throne. He, too, will be held accountable for his sins.
The Church has experienced great wounds since the truth about McCarrick and countless other clerics came out. The effects of this abuse scandal will be long-lasting. The damage is catastrophic. As with anything in life, we can only trust in God’s mercy and judgment. Hard as it is to accept, some things are out of our control.
When justice fails as it has in the case of Theodore McCarrick, there is little else we can do except trust in God and stand by the survivors. We can support them, love them, and care for them. Each of us has a responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ to the best of our ability. May we all be sources of healing and hope for the wounded.
To the survivors, there is little anyone can say or do to take away your frustration and pain. Again, you are seen, and you are loved. Thank you for your courage and for your voices. We are here for you!
“Those who take but do not earn, must pay most dearly in their turn.”
J. K Rowling, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone
A paraphrase of what Jesus said “it is better that a millstone thrown around their neck, and be thrown into the sea”.