By acting unilaterally to adequately compensate victims of sexual abuse, the Catholic church would send a powerful message …

“The Catholic church is but one of the institutions that failed to take adequate steps to prevent children from being molested and raped. The royal commission has exposed many others including the ultra-Orthodox Jewish institution, Yeshivah, the Anglican church and the Salvation Army. The case for distinguishing the Catholic church rests on at least three propositions.

“First, by virtue of its size, the scale of child sexual abuse within the Catholic church is extraordinary …

“(second) Decade after decade, the church shielded criminals within its ranks assiduously …

“Thirdly, the Catholic church ruthlessly protected its assets from victims seeking redress.”

By Josh Bornstein, Commentary in The Guardian — Click here to read the rest of this story.