I am happy to read this post--I missed it the first time around. It is a difficult process to work through. My simplistic understanding is there are many layers within the Church from the Preliminary Review at the Diocese level to determine I believe the phrase "a semblance of truth". If so it goes to an investigation and based on this the Bishop provides his decision and it is referred to CDF who has the final decision as to canonical reprimand to the accused. The CDF has four possible actions it can take--1. Refer it back to the Bishop for a tribunal in the diocese, 2. Tribunal to be held by the CDF, 3. refer back to Diocese for some type of administrative action and I think 4. is dismissal of the investigation. I have never, nor do some very involved, know how many cases fall into each action.
Ig3 I was not aware that one could circumvent all the steps by going directly to the CDF. I hope you get the response you so deserve. It is a grueling process for a survivor to endure. Even the final outcomes are not always what is wished. Priests can remain priest, some suspended and others due to illness, infirmities or old age are allowed to ride it out. I guess the only saving grace here, is they are unable to work or be with children--at least future children are protected.
With the confidentiality agreements most times the priests name is not disclosed. Interestingly some have broken their confidentiality agreement without being sued by the Church to recover the funds. The Church would be stupid to go after those that do, but most survivors honor their agreements if they believe the accused can no longer harm a child. Question in my mind is safety of the community. A dying priest, infirm, bedridden can do no harm, an active, free to move around one can. I heard arguments to dismiss, laicization of an physical able priest allows the priest to roam and be a burden to society where as suspension keeps the priest under the eyes of the Church. I am not quite sure I agree how well monitored and controlled the suspended priest will be. Sadly many cannot be locked up because of SOL.
There is the new tribunal at the Vatican that hears complaints against Bishops who covered up or failed to report CSA. For many, at least me, that Bishop is long dead.
I still question the overall effectiveness of the process and for many a surprise discovery opens the doors, but for others cases so old only leaves opportunity for the Diocese to dismiss the cases. There is strength in numbers, multiple survivors by the same priest. Some are lucky and it happens and others are not so fortunate. We need to get to a place where all survivors feel safe to come forward and it is only then when the vast numbers who are visible to the public for their deeds will be exposed.
Ig3 I am thinking of you and sending positive thoughts that your letters will be answered. I also hope it brings resolution, an answer and vindication or validation to what you lived. It is important because it helps to remove guilt.
Kevin