The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” resonates deeply in the context of the Catholic Church’s handling of child sexual abuse cases, particularly in Baltimore. This adage speaks to the tendency of individuals and institutions to ignore or minimize issues that are not directly in their line of vision. However, when it comes to matters as grave and morally reprehensible as child sexual abuse, this mindset is not only unacceptable but also dangerous. In the case of the Catholic Church in Baltimore, the decision to close churches linked to cases of abuse is a stark manifestation of this mentality.
The Catholic Church has long grappled with allegations of child sexual abuse perpetrated by members of the clergy. These allegations, which span decades and continents, have rocked the Church to its core and shattered the trust of millions of faithful followers. In Baltimore, like in many other dioceses around the world, revelations of abuse have prompted a series of responses from Church authorities, including investigations, apologies, and financial settlements. However, the decision to close churches associated with these heinous acts represents a new chapter in the Church’s attempts to reckon with its past.
On the surface, closing churches linked to abuse may seem like a step in the right direction—a way to remove tainted institutions from the religious landscape and signal a commitment to accountability and reform. However, a closer examination reveals the inadequacy and moral ambiguity of this approach. By closing these churches, the Church effectively removes physical reminders of past wrongs, allowing itself and its members to distance themselves from the uncomfortable truths of abuse. It is a form of collective amnesia, a deliberate attempt to sweep the horrors of the past under the rug and move on without confronting the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to occur in the first place.
Moreover, the closure of these churches raises important questions about justice and restitution for the survivors of abuse. While the Church may see shutting down these institutions as a form of penance, it does little to address the needs of those who have suffered at the hands of predatory clergy. Survivors deserve more than symbolic gestures—they deserve acknowledgment, validation, and meaningful support in their journey towards healing and closure. Closing churches without adequately addressing the harm inflicted on survivors is not only disrespectful but also deeply unjust.
Furthermore, the closure of churches can have unintended consequences for the broader community. For many faithful Catholics, their parish church is not just a place of worship but also a center of community life—a place where they gather for fellowship, support, and service. The closure of these churches disrupts these social networks and leaves congregants feeling adrift and abandoned. It is a painful reminder of the collateral damage caused by the sins of a few and the inadequacy of institutional responses.
In addressing the issue of child sexual abuse, the Catholic Church must resist the temptation to prioritize optics over substance. Closing churches may offer a temporary reprieve from public scrutiny, but it does little to address the deeper issues of accountability, transparency, and safeguarding. True reform requires a commitment to uncovering the truth, holding perpetrators accountable, and implementing robust measures to prevent future abuse. It requires a willingness to listen to the voices of survivors, to acknowledge the harm done, and to make amends in meaningful ways.
Ultimately, the Catholic Church in Baltimore—and indeed, the Church as a whole—must confront the uncomfortable reality that child sexual abuse is not a problem of the past but a present-day crisis that demands urgent action. It cannot afford to hide behind closed doors or retreat into denial. The wounds inflicted by abuse run deep, and healing can only begin with a genuine commitment to truth, justice, and reconciliation. Out of sight, out of mind is not an option—it is time for the Church to confront its demons and chart a new path forward, one rooted in integrity, compassion, and a unwavering commitment to the well-being of all its members, especially the most vulnerable among them.