Facebook file/ April 2: Politician calls bishop 'a paedophile pimp'
Facebook has immense reach in today's society. Now an American posting has brought back into focus how the Catholic church dealt with its sex abuse scandals
Republican D.J. Bettencourt, the majority leader in the New Hampshire assembly, posted the attack after Bishop John McCormack spoke out against budget cuts saying they "neglected society's obligation to care for the poor and vulnerable."
On his Facebook page, Bettencourt attacked McCormack not for what he told a 5000-strong rally - but for his role in dealing with child sex abuse scandals in the Archdiocese of Boston in in the 90s.
As a key administrator for Cardinal Bernard Law in Boston, McCormack investigated sexual abuse complaints and complaints over the reassigning of accused priests. He became Bishop of Manchester in 1998.
Bettencourt's Facebook attack read, "Would the bishop like to discuss his history of protecting the 'vulnerable?' This man is a paedophile pimp who should have been led way from the State House in handcuffs with a raincoat over his head in disgrace. He has absolutely no moral authority to lecture anyone."
A spokesman for the local diocese of Manchester said Bettencourt's remarks were false and defamatory. State Republican Chairman Jack Kimball said of Bettencourt, " I am disappointed with his words, and I don't share his sentiments."
McCormack had told the rally, "I am deeply concerned about the budget that the House is in the process of passing because it does not meet our obligation as a state to care for our fellow citizens in need."
Bettencourt is not backing down. In a statement on his Facebook comments, he said, "As a practising Catholic it is truly disappointing that we would have a leader with a record of enabling such egregious and unacceptable behavior. "
He said it would be a great day for New Hampshire' s 290,000 Catholics when Bishop McCormack retired "and we can bring new leadership to the church that is untainted by the abuses of our current bishop."
Alderman Garth Corriveau, also a Catholic, called on Bettencourt to resign.
He said it was wrong of him to "savage the leader of our church and good works that our church does, particularly on behalf of the poor. It goes way beyond common decency. I was shocked."
Bettencourt said in his statement, "Yes, my language was colourful but I stand by the sentiment in describing a man who has in my opinion brought shame and dishonour on my church "