US President Barack Obama’s recent speech about the tragic shooting spree in Arizona served to calm the nation and initiate a healing process that may extend well beyond the damage caused by one deranged gunman. His speech was so well received that it may well earn a place in history beside the famous speeches of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Dr Martin Luther King, and other great leaders.

But, in our violence-plagued society, it is fair to ask whether President Obama and other leaders − indeed, whether all of us − can do more to prevent the need for such speeches in the future.

In the area of clergy sex abuse crimes and cover-ups, for example, it is clear that much more could be done.

When will any nationally elected official − Republican or Democrat − step forward and urge the Catholic Church hierarchy to do the right thing? When will parishioners and community leaders demand that local churches protect the children and prosecute the criminals in these cases? When will a great orator convey the urgency of this issue and tell us it is time to stop shuffling accused priests to retreat centres and jobs in other parishes − that we should instead post the names of credibly accused sex abusers, require documentation with the proper authorities and make the truth known so that others might not be harmed?

Stronger, more proactive measures can reduce the number of clergy sex abuse victims − and spare many families the suicides, alcoholism, drug addiction, homelessness and hopelessness that often befalls such victims.

It’s time for the silence to cease. President Obama’s Arizona speech was uplifting and much needed. But thousands and thousands of clergy abuse victims worldwide are waiting for the speeches and actions that will recognise their suffering, encourage their healing process − and prevent today’s children from becoming victims.

Mike Ference

Pennsylvania

USA