Lithuanian priests accused of prioritizing image over victims in abuse scandal

The article strongly criticizes Lithuanian priests and the church hierarchy, accusing them of failing to adequately address allegations of child sexual abuse. It suggests that church leaders, including Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, offer apologies and prayers that mask a deeper institutional failure to protect vulnerable individuals.

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Archbishop G. Grušas, prayers won't help here anymore.

"Archbishop G. Grušas, prayers won't help here anymore," the article states, questioning how minimal signals of abuse could have been missed over decades. It posits that the church leadership's priority appears to be protecting its facade rather than confronting the reality of abuse within its ranks, thereby sacrificing the spiritual safety of victims.

The piece recounts a disturbing quote from a priest's case file: "You are a special boy, God chose you for great things, and what happens between us is just our small and bright secret that others simply won't understand." This quote is used to illustrate the manipulative tactics allegedly employed by abusers within the church.

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You are a special boy, God chose you for great things, and what happens between us is just our small and bright secret that others simply won't understand.

Furthermore, the article raises serious concerns about the alleged transfer of an abusive priest between parishes over 23 years, during which time he reportedly preyed on vulnerable individuals, sometimes using alcohol. The author implies that the information that has reached prosecutors is likely only a fraction of the actual abuse that has occurred, asserting that "sexual offenders never stop."

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Sexual offenders never stop.