Even for priests not involved in the sexual abuse scandal, it has been a difficult year in the Boston Archdiocese. Clergy faced the anger of parishioners, the shame of association with pedophile priests, and concern over false accusations. Morale plummeted as the scandal widened, though many priests were reluctant to openly criticize their archbishop, Cardinal Bernard F. Law, or the church hierarchy.
Some of the more than 20 priests removed from service over the course of the year complained that they were not given due process by the archdiocese. One priest, Monsignor Michael Smith Foster, was suspended twice before the church determined abuse allegations against him were unfounded. Upon his return, Smith expressed disappointment with church leaders. A group called the Boston Priests Forum representing about 250 of the archdiocese's 900 priests organized to fight for the rights of clergy.
After damaging new revelations of deviant behavior in the church surfaced in December 2002, 58 priests drafted a letter to Cardinal Law demanding the archbishop's resignation. This act of defiance against a leader to whom priests had sworn obedience resonated loudly.
With Law now gone, a saddened priesthood continues to tend to their wounded flock.
See the story list to the left for the latest coverage of priests' reactions to the crisis.
Monsignor Michael Smith Foster is interviewed following his reinstatement by the archdiocese. (Globe Staff Photo / George Rizer)
The Rev. Bernard McLaughlin of St. Gerard Majella Church in Canton has sought more power for the laity. (Globe Staff Photo / Suzanne Kreiter)
Accused priests are vindicated
Since the clergy abuse scandal broke in January 2002, three priests have been exonerated by the archdiocese after being suspended from duty over allegations of sexual abuse.
Globe Magazine
A gay priest tells his story
Christopher Schiavone, a former priest in the Boston Archdiocese, speaks out about secrecy, scandal, and coming to terms with his sexuality after 16 years in the church.
