IN THEORY:

Protesters last week tore up the Diocese of Orange’s written “pledge of transparency” to emphasize their contention that Bishop Tod Brown violated the pledge when he did not publicly disclose that 10 years ago a boy accused Brown of molesting him. Church officials, police and prosecutors did not find any credibility to the allegation. Brown’s critics say the suppression of the accusation, though, raises questions about his leadership and what else church leaders might be concealing. Do you think Brown should have acknowledged the allegation?

By speaking out about his experience, Bishop Brown could exemplify commitment to public investigation, reassure any falsely accused priests they would be exonerated and offer guidance.

The very nature of the problem is the leader’s assumption that they alone may decide how much others should know about an allegation, rather than making full disclosure so family, parish and prosecutors may participate.

Bishops who mismanaged or covered up the sexual abuse of children by priests should have resigned. That they make excuses and cling to their positions points to further flaws.

Rev. Deborah Barrett

Zen Center of Orange County

Costa Mesa

This is a very tender topic, especially considering the climate concerning sexual abuse within the Church. I don’t know enough about this situation, but believe accusations should be taken seriously.

If he was exonerated by church officials, prosecutors and police officers, the claim seems incredible.

Cardinal Roger Mahony was accused of sexual abuse. Though the charges were dropped, he included his name on the list of all Los Angeles-area priests ever accused.

For transparency, an effort for full disclosure should be made. Extra sensitivity to people’s fears must be accounted for, because the people of the Roman Catholic Church have felt betrayed.

Their trust needs to be regained, and it is up to the leaders of the church to make good on that trust.

Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

Costa Mesa

Bishop Tod Brown’s leadership of the Diocese of Orange is being questioned by some of his critics because of his non-disclosure of an abuse complaint against him. The first time anyone asked Brown about this event (the investigation of which predates his coming to Orange County) was during the deposition he gave in relation to a civil case involving a Mater Dei High School former student. He answered honestly.

Brown has said he was prepared to respond if asked about the complaint against him. Now he has been asked, he has denied it and has rightly stated that neither church officials, nor police, nor prosecutors found the allegation to have merit.

What Brown’s critics should recognize is his capable management of many issues confronting our diocese and his inspirational direction since he became our bishop. It is widely acknowledged Brown was personally responsible for bringing closure to past diocesan abuse cases. His actions were accompanied by an unprecedented personal apology to victims and all who were affected by those events.

Since taking office, Brown’s leadership has been repeatedly tested and proven worthy. To now attack him personally and attempt to diminish his achievements may give satisfaction to some; others recognize how heavy the mantle of leadership is and how fortunate we have been, and are, to have Brown bear its weight.

Rev. Cirilo Flores

Pastor

St. Anne’s Church, Santa Ana