Your thoughts on Cardinal Law and the abuse scandal

Some have suggested that Cardinal Bernard Law should resign for his failure to remove former priest John Geoghan from contact with children years ago, when Law first learned of allegations that Geoghan was abusing boys. The cardinal has apologized for his inaction, but said he will not resign. We asked Boston.com users if they are satisfied with what Cardinal Law has said and done in the matter thus far, and if he should resign.

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I am a practicing Catholic that supports the Church in every respect. However I find the truth that is now coming to light very disturbing, particularly the Cardinal's handling of not only the original disgusting assaults upon little boys and his refusal to ban the priest from continued contact with young boys, but more so his begrudging agreement, finally, to report past similar acts. When these allegations first were made by these now young men, why was there not a through investigation by the Cardinal, and an immediate reporting to the authorities of the Churches findings> Why are these men's civil cases not settled immediately to prevent further mental harm to them. It seems to me the Cardinal is still not not willing to confront the issues that is embarrassing the Church. I forgive the Cardinal, as I must. But I strongly feel that he should resign his position as the head of the Archdioceses, and be reassigned elsewhere. We must restore the trust we have in our leaders. The heads of all major corporations plagued with scandal resign their positions. So should the Cardinal.
Michael, N. Reading

Cardinal Law should be charged as an accomplice to the sexual abuse crimes. It's disgusting that he could just wave away all of these sexual assaults over so many years. He should go to jail with Geoghan.
Jessica, Boston

In no way do I defend the action of John Geoghan. I have fully read each of the letters posted by the Globe on its website. Not one of which -in any way- implicates Cardinal Law, Cardinal Medeiros or the Boston Church. Cardinal Medeiros was not and Cardinal Law is not a medical doctor. The medical professionals treating Geoghan opined that he was fit to return to his duties without restriction. Each man relied upon the opinion of the medical professionals. Only after such opinions were rendered was Geoghan reassigned. These letters show that once Cardinal Law was made aware of the ongoing nature of Geoghan's problem - Cardinal Law removed Geoghan from parish assignments -with sick leave - leave of absence and removal from the priesthood.
Paul, Quincy

I was a student at St. Andrews in the 70s. I was fortunate enough to not be a victim. I did know some of the victims however. Cardinal Law should absolutely resign. He knowingly allowed a sexual predator to continue abusing children. He is lucky he isn't in jail. I am disgusted with the Archdiocese. They are just another political body.
John, Hyde Park

Cardinal Law is a disgrace. He has spent years condemning birth control and abortion, concerning himself with an unborn fetus... if only he cared more about the young children of God. Too many lives have been forever harmed for a mere apology by him to be sufficient. There are so many wonderful priests and religious - they shouldn't be tainted by these perverse pedophiles.
Brenda, Haverhill

As each day passes and new evidence comes to light, I feel that the Cardinal demonstrated his inability to understand the gravity of the situation. We are dealing with crimes here. The Church is not above the law yet he seems unable to except that fact. Lawyers for the Church still appear to be trying to keep incriminating documents from the public. He apologized for his "inaction" but that implies he took no action at all. The truth is that he did act...he acted to facilitate Father Geoghan's continued abuse of children by moving him from parish to parish knowing full well of Father Geoghan's "illness." What is especially disturbing is the Church's lack of concern for the victims. From what I've read, Father Geoghan was often the object of prayer and concern. Where were the prayers for the children? How am I to respect the Boston Archdiocese in light of what has emerged? "I am sorry" from Cardinal Law is only a start...Forgive my cynicism but is he sorry that this will cost the church so many millions of dollars, sorry for the ever larger scandal and the permanent damage done to his reputation or is this public apology an acknowledgment that crimes were covered up and that lives were destroyed? I am not convinced that the Cardinal realizes the damage that he has done. He should step down.
M.J., Boston