The Catholic Church does not belong to the bishops. Jesus gave it to us. And we must take it back.

What happened in Pennsylvania, and probably many other states, was a crime — not just on the part of the priests who committed these hideous acts, but also on the bishops who conspired and colluded to conceal what they had done. I want justice, not just in the eyes of God, but in those of the law. The statute of limitations should be lifted, and the higher-ups in the church should also be held to account.

I also believe the Catholic Church should reconsider its position on celibacy, which contributes to an environment of secrecy, and its patriarchal culture, which denies women a meaningful role in its leadership. Those are things that have to be accomplished from the inside.

Let’s hope the bishops reset their own compasses. They have lost their way, and their moral authority.