After posting literally hundreds of articles about the sexual abuse at the hands of priests, I can understand that things can feel a little stale. How many ways are there to descripe the depravity of people who hold positions of power and authority over others, butressed by a set of beliefs that are not grounded in reality? I get that it’s exhausting. However, I can’t excuse the terrible attempt at journalism from ABC affiliate KMBCNews.

This enimic article provides so few details, it’s actually comical. Sure, we have the name of the man accused of sex crimes against a 13 year old child, and we also know that he worked at other parishes. That is, however, an unexceptable amount of digging into the past of a man accused of such crimes. Perhaps this explains why Americans seem so unable, or unwilling to properly go after child abusers. There simply isn’t enough curiosity or research going on in these so-called “news outlets”. It’s always on to the next fresh disaster. No time to really dig and find out if there is a blazing fire behind all that smoke.

For instance, what did the other parishes know? Why was he moved around? Had there been other credible accusations that were buried under the rug by these churches? We already know from the countless other examples of abuse that a victim coming forward usually means that there are those that have not. I have little doubt that other abuses occured. Mentally disturbed individuals like Ryan McCandless do not pop out of nowhere. Abused people often become abusers themselves as a way of coping with trauma. Churches, which are secretive by nature, are perfect breeding grounds for all sorts of horrors. I would very much like to know more. This being the Catholic Church, the hope of having any answers is practically nonexistant.

It should be noted that not all news outlets were completely lazy. Yahoo did also report on the arrest, though it was stonewalled by the church when they attempted to get more answers other than their public statement. They also pointed out that the Church has helped defeat a state bill that would have forced priests to report abuse, or face punishment. Given that the internal policy of the orginazation is to threaten excommunication to anyone that discloses abuse information outside of church authorities, it makes sense that they would do everything in their power to kill such a bill. They succeeded, although another rematch is scheduled sometime in 2027. I’m sure the Church with their near infinite resources will be ready for the fight.