I want to share with you a letter I sent today to the Bishop of Pensacola Tallahassee in Florida:
Most Rev. John H. Ricard SSJ
Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Monsignor James Amos Pastoral Center
11 North B St.
Pensacola, FL 32501
Your Excellency:
I am writing you this day to urge you to repudiate the Motion to Dismiss which was sent to me by the lawyers for your Diocese. As you know, I represent a victim of Monsignor Richard Bowles, a priest of your Diocese whom you removed from the ministry a few years ago after you had deemed other abuse accusations as credible.
In legal terms, the Motion to Dismiss is an affirmative defense available to you and your lawyers in civil cases brought against the church in Pensacola-Tallahassee. In the civil realm, it is within your rights to counter with such a defense.
However, as a bishop you have been charged with the care of souls, not the least of whom is my client Paul Tugwell, a victim of Monsignor Bowles and brother of one of your priests. He needs you to step in and do the right thing. He was abused as a young teenager by a priest whom he admired and trusted. As a result, Paul’s faith has been shattered. Perhaps a man of the Gospel could help restore that faith by doing what is right at this time.
You are very well aware that the prevailing law of the moment does not ensure justice and equality in all circumstances. One need only remember the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1954, Brown v. Board of Education. Before that ruling, African-Americans were subjected to an inferior education because of their color. It took a Supreme Court ruling to correct the inequity. However, that decision only addressed education. It would be another long 10 years before African Americans would win another important decision in their quest for justice. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made racial discrimination in public places, such as theaters, restaurants and hotels, illegal. It also required employers to provide equal employment opportunities.
Sexual abuse of minors in the Catholic Church is also a civil rights issue. The children who’ve suffered abuse have been denied their civil rights. Their quest for justice is often stymied by antiquated or restrictive statute of limitations laws. That is why I appeal you personally to intercede for one of your own flock.
You have the power to do the right thing. Let Paul Tugwell continue his quest for justice. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Joseph H. Saunders