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SURVIVORS OF SEX ABUSE, THEIR FAMILIES AND SUPPORTERS:We, the Undersigned, endorse the following petition:
Petition for the Removal of Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles.
During the time of his tenure as Bishop of Stockton and Archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahony has participated in the full-scale cover-up of possibly hundreds of crimes of sexual abuse against children.
Sworn depositions, court documents and witness testimony have shown that Cardinal Roger Mahony:
- Knew that men in his employ were sexual offenders and were inclined to continue molesting children,
- Transferred these men to unknowing communities where they may have re-offended numerous times,
- Did not report known or suspected accounts of molestation to the police,
- Did little or nothing to protect the thousands of children and families in the care of the Catholic Church,
- Impeded law enforcement by allowing offenders to flee the country,
- Has given conflicting statements under sworn deposition about how he handled men who sexually abused children,
- Has continually appealed court decisions to turn over secret personnel files containing details that can help keep children safe from abuse,
- Has created a public safety risk in Los Angeles, California, and across the United States by fostering an environment where the cover-up of the sexual abuse of children is "business as usual"
While Cardinal Mahony may or may not be prosecuted under the laws of the United States, we believe that he has betrayed the values, laws and beliefs upon which Catholicism was founded. He has also violated the laws of human dignity and decency.
Because of Cardinal Mahony's actions and disregard for the safety of children and families in the United States, we ask that he:
- Be immediately removed from his office as Cardinal,
- Reprimanded for his continued disregard for the safety of children, and
- Make public all documents in Los Angeles, Stockton and Rome pertaining to his role in sexual abuse.
Please sign the petition at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/374527132
