National Catholic Reporter

Zero-tolerance policies impose severe penalties for first-time offenses. According to the editors of the National Catholic Reporter in the following viewpoint, zero tolerance of priests who sexually abuse children may lead to further abuse because the important question—why priests were allowed to abuse children in the first place—will not be answered. The church will only find productive solutions if bishops are willing to allow outside examination, the authors maintain. Moreover, they claim, simplistic solutions based on unsupported claims may lead to dangerous policies that do not prevent child sexual abuse. The National Catholic Reporter is an independent Catholic newsweekly.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What do the authors believe pains Catholics more than dealing with the clergy abuse issue"
2. According...