By Sarah Schulte
ABC 7 [Chicago IL]
March 1, 2006
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=3951299
March 1, 2006 - It was another day in court for Father Daniel McCormack, the Chicago priest accused of sexually abusing three boys. Father McCormack entered a plea Wednesday on those charges.
That plea was not guilty. Father Dan McCormack's brief court appearance comes on Ash Wednesday. Two separate Catholic groups chose the day to call for more changes on how the archdiocese handles sex abuse cases. Meantime, several Catholics say they still have confidence in the cardinal's ability in handling any future cases.
As he has done in previous court appearances, Father Daniel McCormack was silent as he left the courthouse. The 37-year-old priest pleaded not guilty to charges that he molested three boys.
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| Father Daniel McCormack |
McCormack's case gained widespread attention after Francis Cardinal George failed to remove McCormack from his duties until months after allegations surfaced, even after the archdiocese review board informally recommended to the cardinal that McCormack should be removed. This has sparked action from Catholics in LaGrange.
"We are actually calling for someone to be appointed by the cardinal, maybe under the authority of the cardinal, but that they would have full authority to investigate the allegations and they would then make the final recommendation to Cardinal George," said Lisa Krepps.
Krepps is not only calling for a lay council, but she organized a prayer vigil for Wednesday night at St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange. Her hope is to make sure that Cardinal George continues to change the process on how her handles sex abuse cases.
"It seems like the reforms started under Cardinal Bernardin and still going through the bishop are wonderful, but we need to put that last week in place so into the future children are protected," Krepps said.
The call for continued change comes on Ash Wednesday. The cardinal made no mention of the sex scandal during his noon sermon at Holy Name.
Despite various calls that he step down, hundreds of Catholics continue to support him. Many are confident the cardinal is on the right track when it comes to changing the way the archdiocese deals with sex abuse cases.
"I think the policies are good, but they are not as strong or as stringent as they need to be. As long as they keep progressing with it, they will do fine," said Lorell Allen, parishioner.
"The Catholic church is kind of known for coming around slowly. I'm sure they're working towards something," said Joe Larson, parishioner.
The Chicago chapter of the group Voice of the Faithful wrote a letter to Cardinal George Wednesday. It questions his choice of chancellor Jimmy Lago as the main point person to handle sex abuse cases.
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