We used our editorial page today to talk about justice.
That's not as easy as it seems, especially when it comes to the case of Monsignor William Lynn.
Lynn famously became the highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged in connection with the church's child abuse scandal.
But the state Supreme Court this week agreed with a lower court ruling that his prosecution was flawed. They tossed out his conviction and ordered a new trial.
Lynn continues to await word from the Philadelphia D.A. as to if they will in fact seek another trial.
In the meantime, Lynn is set to be released on bail in October, and could go free even earlier. His attorneys have requested he be granted immediate bail. A hearing is set next week.
In the meantime, justice in this case, and really as it pertains to the way the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has handled this entire saga, remains an elusive thing.
There are those who believe Lynn was little more than a fall guy for the church, following the policies that had been put in place by his superiors.
Then there are the victims. Where is the justice for them. The battle in Harrisburg over House Bill 1947, which would allow victims from decades ago to bring civil actions against their abusers and their employers - and which has been vociferously opposed by the archdiocese - shows how difficult an issue this is.
There is a part of me that remains abhorred by what Lynn did. There also is a part of me that believes who wonders what possible good it has done to jail this man for three years.
Like I said, justice has proven elusive in this case.
You can read the editorial here.
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