The bishop continues to perform his duties, including administrative items, saying mass, administering the sacraments and teaching. He has been tough on abusers and launched a web page that lists all priests credibly accused of abuse. He also instituted a policy that calls for priests to be temporarily removed from their duties if allegations are deemed plausible or have the semblance of truth. The diocese said the policy only applies to priests, not the bishop, “A bishop is only answerable to the Holy See.”

There is a crisis of morale among many of America’s priests, in part, because many fear that their bishop would throw them to the lions at the first hint of trouble. Many priests see themselves, therefore, as one complaint away from ignominy and disgrace, especially because often, priests are not allowed to speak on their own behalf, having been commanded to be silent by their bishops. So too, there is unlikely to be a proper respect for due process that would allow them to defend themselves.

Like everyone else, priests need to be liked, and sometimes that can get in the way of doing what needs to be done. That, too, is one of the reasons I pray. I don't like having to say no to someone, or having to say difficult things, or having someone angry at me because of what needed to be done. I don't suppose anyone likes that, but when such issues begin to pile up, that's what I wake up thinking about at 3 a.m.

The Diocese is partnering with an ethics consulting company to set up a telephone and online system to gather reports of ethics violations in its parishes, schools and cemeteries. "The diocese already has systems in place for people to confidentially report allegations of clergy sexual abuse, but it has become clear parishes also need a way for people to report theft, fraud and other financial problems."