Voice of the Faithful is appalled to learn that Bishop Malone has decided to reinstate Fr. Paul Coughlin, a priest who protected a convicted perpetrator of sexual abuse against minors. Fr. Coughlin also broke church policy when he failed to report allegations against this same perpetrator. Bishop Malone’s previous decision to ask Fr. Coughlin to resign as pastor because of these failures was a wise one. The bishop’s decision to allow Fr. Coughlin to resume some duties was an unwise one. That such a decision was taken in secret is truly dismaying.
“This recent decision just demonstrates how pervasive the problems which caused the clergy sexual abuse scandal remain within the Catholic Church”, said Bob McAteer, a leader of the Voice of the Faithful affiliate in Ellsworth Maine. “Catholics in Maine and around the world need to stand up and demand that all those who protected perpetrators, whether Bishops or priests, are punished for those actions.”