This year marks 25 years since my repressed memories of sexual abuse by Fr. Robert E. Kelley surfaced. With the ongoing news of sexual abusive in many professions at all levels, it seems the awareness of these crimes is front and center. I am never shocked by the news because I know it is possible, and it is not about sex.
The years I spent in therapy, court, sitting across from Mr. Kelley and church lawyers in depositions served their purpose. My perpetrator was held accountable, my discovery led to his re-arrest and ultimate jail time for other brave women he had raped and, above all, I had my voice back, which had been taken from me at age 5.
Being there for hundreds of survivors in Maine and arranging listening sessions with the bishop was perhaps the most humbling experience of my life and I remain honored to have been on the journey of healing with the individuals who opened up to me, some for the first time in their lives. My advocacy included law changes, confronting a pedophile priest who was removed, and raising awareness. Many victims did so much more than me, for so much longer.
Of course, I had higher expectations for long-term change. I thought all Catholics would be as disgusted as I was and demand that change occur. I hoped after all the lies that were uncovered that clerics like Cardinal Theodore McCarrick would be defrocked immediately, like all molesting priests should be, without their pensions. I thought they would be arrested, not shipped off to a house to repent. I had hope in the new pope. I was wrong.
Awareness has given voice to many, yet in 25 years I haven’t see the action I hoped for. When, exactly, will the Roman Catholic Church not choose power over children?
Cyndi MacKenzie (formally Yerrick)
Naples
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