Then, again, there is the Tammany Hall factor. That political machine remained in power for so long in New York City because, besides its dishonesty, it also provided needed jobs and social services to countless immigrants. The good accompanied the bad. In these cases of clergy corruption, too, both the perpetrators and their victims find solace in the fact that, on balance, more good was done than bad. Political corruption abuses power.
Religious corruption is more insidious because it abuses sacred power.
The antidote to fallen clergy is to rearrange the priorities that we expect to occur on the pulpit. We must emphasize clerical competence over charisma and look more to the religious message than to the messenger. The downside may be more bland religious leaders. The upside will be a clearer faith message unmuddled by personality. Most importantly, with less attention and power, fewer clergy will be tempted to commit felonies.