Coverage
Globe coverage of the scandal has been divided into nine categories:
The worst abusers preyed on dozens of children in many parishes around Boston.
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For years, the church moved priests and paid off victims to keep abuse cases quiet.
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Hundreds of people have come forward claiming they were abused by clergy.
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With hundreds of lawsuits pending, the church could be forced into bankruptcy.
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An energized lay movement helped force the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law.
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Church leaders have turned over priest files and adopted a new policy on sex abuse.
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Priests around Boston have struggled to comfort their shaken parishioners.
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Civil suits have been brought against the church; criminal charges may be next.
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Globe columnists and guest writers offer their perspectives on the abuse crisis.
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January 24, 1984 Bernard Law of Missouri named new Boston archbishop Bishop Law described as being a 'splendid human being' Protestant, Anglican, Jewish leaders applaud choice Text of statement by Bishop Law
January 25 In a chapel in Missouri, Law receives news of call Political, church leaders in Boston pleased with selection Those who know Law cite bishop's youth and his vigor News Analysis: What the Boston appointment may signal An autobiographical account of Bishop Law, written in 1978 Op-Ed: Advice for Boston's new archbishop
January 26-28: Globe special series on Law Law's early years: Much travel, a close-knit family Law a calming factor in tense Mississippi of the '60s In Missouri, bishop helped build bridges to other churches
January 27 Bishop Law greeted by city leaders on visit to Boston Op-Ed: A Christian voice in racist Mississippi
January 28 Crowds, city's leaders welcome Archbishop-designate Bishop Law sees a teaching mission in Boston
March 8 In Missouri, a love-in of a sendoff for Law
March 18-10: Globe special series on Law Bernard Francis Law: Boston's next Archbishop A Catholic emphasis in ecumenical teachings
March 22 Bishop Law arrives, declaring 'a sense of great hope'
March 23 Archbishop Law begins role as leader of area's Catholics At reception, archbishop tells clergy: Recruit your friends Priests respond warmly to Law's words For all, it was a day for reaching out
March 24 New bishop speaks out on abortion, other issues in homily Area Catholics respond with warmth, enthusiasm Challenge and change forseen under new leader Complete text of Law's homily
March 30 Archbishop is a magnetic public figure
April 1 Archbishop to work for racial solutions
April 4 Carroll: Boston's challenges, opportunities for archbishop
In January 1984, Bishop Bernard F. Law, the Harvard-educated head of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau diocese in Missouri, was named to replace the late Cardinal Humberto Medeiros as archbishop of Boston. Law arrived in March to begin his new assignment.
