Jesus referred to Himself as our Good Shepherd who watches after his flock. When Jesus turned the "Good News" message over to His Apostles, they, too, would gather and protect the flock. The Bishop or Cardinal, too, is a Shepherd who is expected by God and by all of His flock to be their protector and leader. When he’s doing his job responsibly, he does protect his flock (people of his diocese). Cardinal Law has not protected us (his flock, the little children in his diocese, or even the priests who committed sexual abuse upon these people and children). Some may leave the church and even God, as a result. Someday Cardinal Law will face God, not the Pope. God’s Holy Bible tells us, as does our Catechism, that God will hold Cardinal Law accountable for not protecting these little ones, or the sick or possibly evil priests who would do such things to a helpless minor. Priests needed to be immediately released if they needed medical attention for their disorder, or a retreat focusing on their call to ministry if their abusive behavior was out of lust. The bottom line is that Cardinal Law is and was responsible, and must not only resign immediately, but leave the priesthood for such delinquent and negligent work ethics on behalf of our most loving and merciful Savior. Stepping down doesn’t imply that he won’t be forgiven; but that he has not been able to fulfill his responsibilities to the diocese he’s been hired to protect.
Thank you and God bless,
Dee