While it may be easy for Catholic parishioners in Aroostook County to forgive and forget their priests’ past transgressions, I doubt whether the victims in these cases will ever be able to do the same. Unfortunately, the passage of time has blinded many parishioners and church personnel, making it all too easy to ignore the seriousness of predatory crimes.

Pedophilia and molestation are serious crimes, regardless of whether or not the perpetrator wears a white collar. The Diocese of Portland, the Catholic Church and law enforcement officials must stop looking the other way and begin taking unflinching steps to prevent and punish further child sexual abuse.

Sebastian White

North Haven