‘Silence Stops Now’ Rally: James

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BALTIMORE (ChurchMilitant.com) - A victim of serial sexual predator Theodore McCarrick is reminding Catholics of the damage clerical sex abuse inflicts.

James, who wishes to keep his last name private, told his story — publicly, for the first time — to Silence Stops Now attendees Tuesday afternoon.

After suffering in silence for decades, in summer 2018, James revealed his years of abuse at McCarrick's hands. His testimony was the initial spark for the U.S. bishops' "Summer of Shame." It helped unearth a mountain of homosexual predation among clergy, including the hierarchy, and launched a purging of the Church that continues to unfold.

He recounted that he was abused for 18 years, beginning at age 11.

"My whole body is shaking," he said, in recalling it.

"It has taken too long for victims to come forward because there is no place for them to be heard," he said. "One-third of the bishops still living are accused of failing to report clerical sex abuse claims."

"Every morning, I get down on my knees and turn my life and will over to Jesus Christ," he added. "I have tremendous faith in Jesus Christ, and I will ... for the remainder of my life."

"I do this today so that others may have the strength to come forward," James explained. "This movement must continue to gain strength. Our bishops must know that the jig is up."

"Jesus' law is much higher than pontifical secrets. It's not Francis' Church — it's Jesus Christ's Church," James said, drawing cheers from his audience. "Exposing McCarrick was only the first step toward cleansing the Church. We have come upon a great historical, holy gift: a chance to punish, to finally rid Jesus' Church of a great evil."

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