Bernard F. Cardinal Law, which is the proper way to address him, has resigned his office as Archbishop of the archdiocese of Boston. He retains his seat in the College of Cardinals as that is an honor bestowed by the pope and it is for the balance of the recipient's life.
Now it is up to the citizens of the Archdiocese of Boston, both Catholic and others, to exact from Cardinal Law what they feel is recompense for his shortcomings. It is my idea that those citizens show some sign of the great gift of forgiveness. None of us can really know what depth of sorrow Cardinal Law feels. The cardinal sinned against the victims of the atrocity committed against them by the offenders. Indeed, the cardinal's sin may be one of omission rather than commission. But that is not for me to decide nor for any other human being including the citizens of the Archdiocese of Boston.
Now in this holiday season during which we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I call upon persons of all faiths to spend a few moments in silent prayer with your congregations that God show his mercy and forgive Cardinal Law. After all, it is His forgiveness and not ours to give.
Andy Badar
Audubon, Minn.
