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Monsignor William J. Lynn, former Secretary for the Clergy, in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 3-6 years in prison for child endangerment. A jury found Monsignor Lynn culpable in reassigning predator priests to unwary parishes.
Bill Lynn was my classmate. I have known him for forty years. He is a good man and a good priest. Unfortunately, he was also a good soldier who did what Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, his archbishop at the time, told him to do.
This essay is not designed to exonerate Monsignor Lynn. It is however an attempt to help people understand why he acted as he did. It is also a proposal to prevent such behavior from happening again.
Bill is part of a hierarchical church that imposes obedience to the diocesan bishop on Her priests. It encourages priests to be team players. And it forces priests to seek affirmation and support within a diocesan structure. This system does not encourage challenges. As the old seminary saying goes, “You keep the rules and the rules will keep you.”
From the moment of ordination a priest becomes intimately bound to his bishop and the presbyterate of his diocese. The bishop has complete control over a priest’s life, materially – for sure, and often times spiritually on account of the decisions he makes in the priest’s regard. Because of this priests look to their bishop as a father figure. They want to believe that his decisions are wise.
A great sign of success for a priest is to be invited to join the Diocesan Curia, the bishop’s circle of collaborators in the administration of the diocese. The position of Vicar for the Clergy, the post held by Lynn from1990 – 2002, is just such a sinecure.
In this elite environment there are few priests who are willing to oppose the bishop’s wishes for fear of falling out of favor.
Being a team player is important for any organization. It is a vital part of the clerical lifestyle. Camaraderie is strongly impressed upon priests.
Lynn is not innocent. He failed in his duty of care to children. His punishment is harsh, and I pray that it will be reduced. It serves, however, as a necessary message to bishops throughout the country that the system needs fixing. Continue reading
Image: Gloria TV
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