February 16, 2019

Kurt Martens, professor, canon law was interviewed by The New York Times and quoted in the Washington Post and Newser on Pope Francis’ decision to defrock former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Martens was also quoted in the Northwest Democratic Arkansas Democrat-Gazette about the decision to defrock former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick.  He was mentioned in DS De Standaard about his years of following up on the abuse files and his findings of former Cardinal McCarrick. And he was quoted in VRT NWS about his thoughts on how the church has dealt with the crisis. 

..."While the Vatican has defrocked hundreds of priests for sexual abuse of minors, few of the church’s leaders have faced severe discipline. The decision to laicize, or defrock, Mr. McCarrick is “almost revolutionary,”...

Continue reading on The New York Times

..."If we kick this person out, [and] he’s no longer on our books, what are we doing then? Are we just protecting the liability of the institution or are we doing justice?”...

Continue reading on The Washington Post

..."Bishops and former cardinals are no longer immune to punishment,"...

Continue reading on Newser