Articulating the Church's story as legal defendant in abuse claims: Can the Magisterium help?

Abstract

Catholic entities are being sued for personal injury compensation arising from sexual abuse perpetrated by church personnel. In some jurisdictions, the situation has deteriorated because of changes to the statute of limitations, the naming of an entity to sue, the setting aside of previous settlements, and abuse compensation law firms. Oftentimes there are overstated, doubtful or apparently false claims, and disturbing decisions. There is a feeling of being cornered with minimal prospects for change. How and what does the Church communicate when its predicament is frequently not ‘right and just?’ This article scrutinizes such powerlessness using the Magisterium of the Catholic Church on the truth of social communications. The Church insists on a proper understanding of truth and its uses. Despite the new adverse realities, the Church’s responses should communicate the truth in love. The article begins an analysis of various factors and recent changes causing the Church to find itself in a no-win situation. Next, several significant yet alternative perspectives are presented. Finally, there is an investigation of the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church on the truth of social communications which offer a theological context to rethink the Church’s current circumstances.