Forgiving, but not forgetting

	Related article ... • Diocesan review board named

Do we forgive? Yes. As Christians, we are told to forgive 70 times seven times.

Do we forget? When it comes to the abuse of children, we do not dare forget.

Some people are questioning the U.S. Bishops' zero tolerance policy for priests who have admitted to or been proven guilty of sexually abusing a minor -- even once.

Where, some ask, is our much-touted forgiveness?

It's a good question. We must not forget that, through Christ's Paschal Mystery, each person can be transformed and reconciled. By that grace, many people have reformed their lives.

However, forgiveness does not mean returning us to the same situation where we failed before. As guardians of our children, we must ensure that all "go and sin no more."

That's what the bishops believe zero tolerance will do -- ensure that no one has occasion to sin again, by removing them from positions of trust. This is not unique to the church. Society applies the same standard to teachers, counselors and scout leaders. If they abuse our trust -- even once -- they may not serve in similar positions again.

So do we abandon sinners? No, we are called to heal and care for them, and we must find adequate ways to do so. However, until we know far more about what leads people to sexually abuse anyone, our healing and care cannot permit them into any ministry that may include children.