Whether a priest, teacher, father or any other adult, it is sick, evil and unacceptable for anyone to sexually abuse children.

The Roman Catholic Church has been the center of a molestation scandal that has swept across the world since January when it was revealed a former Boston priest was moved from parish to parish following accusations of sexual abuse.

That scandal hit Michigan this week when a Detroit priest agreed to step down while the archdiocese reviews complaints called into its sexual abuse telephone line.

That priest joins countless numbers of his colleagues across America who are either stepping down or being removed from their positions because of similar charges, which, in some cases, date back decades.

It is virtually unforgivable for the church to have covered up such abuse allegations, as in the case of the original Boston priest whose allegations started the domino effect. But it seems the organization is learning from this grave mistake.

The Boston Archdiocese has provided prosecutors with the names of almost 80 priests accused of sexually abusing children during the past 40 years. And many of the priests stepping down in other dioceses are doing so at the request of superiors until investigations can be completed.

Catholicism has a long history that has been tarnished by dark times, such as the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition. These recent events are another blackened chapter.

But it is important to keep things in perspective. Though the list of accused pedophile priests is growing, it does not mean all priest are molesters, nor are all Catholics. Many fathers, grandfathers and family friends have been put on trial for molesting children throughout history.

We can’t allow pedophiles to go unpunished for crimes against our children and humanity. The church must continue to work with authorities to seek justice for children who have been forever bruised.