Putting the Children First : Church moves promptly in a disturbing molestation case

The American Catholic Church shows signs of meaning business in responding more forcefully and openly to sexual-molestation or other allegations against priests. That, sadly, has not always been the case. In various dioceses around the country, one way of avoiding the problem in the past was to apply what became known as a “geographic cure”--transferring a clergyman from one parish to another when questions arose.

The official church response this week to allegations that a prominent Orange County priest sexually molested five youths 10 to 30 years ago was consistent with the new approach.

The Diocese of Orange suspended Father Richard T. Coughlin, 68, and withdrew permission permanently for him to direct the 100-member All-American Boys Chorus, a nationally known group that Coughlin started in 1970. Although Father Coughlin has not been formally charged with any criminal offenses, the action was responsible, given the diocese’s own statement that there is a “reasonable belief” that the allegations may be true.

The bankruptcy of the old way became apparent in the case involving a former priest, Robert James Porter. Porter, now 57, was accused in recent years of having sexually abused dozens of children in three states when he was a young priest in the 1960s and early ‘70s. A lawsuit against the church ended in December when 68 men and women who said they were abused by Porter settled for an undisclosed amount.

It seems clear that the handling of the Coughlin matter is influenced by the Porter case. In fact, the nation’s bishops recently promised new efforts to guard against sexual abuse by the clergy.

It would be unfortunate if the Coughlin controversy tarnishes the prestigious All-American Boys Chorus. But the Diocese of Orange was wise to make clear that it is putting children first.