Last year, Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore and a dozen priests of the Archdiocese of Baltimore knelt before 100 parishioners at a Maryland church in a public act of atonement for what some of their fellow priests had done to young parishioners. Yet, in spite of this highly publicized confession, the Archdiocese of Baltimore is unyielding in actually providing real help to victims. In fact, the church’s response throughout the United States has been inconsistent at best and at times cold and calculating. The document the bishops approved “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” urges dioceses to reach out and “demonstrate a sincere commitment” to the spiritual and emotional well-being of all victims. However, the rhetoric has not been followed up with action. The Charter called for measures and standards to treat victims but glossed over the most important aspect that would promote healing, namely, components of empathy and compassion.