The Catholic Hierarchy is Looking More and More Like the Trump Administration
Accusers who are guilty of what they accuse others of is a sign things are falling apart.
Recently, a high ranking clergy who has been a critic of Pope Francis claimed Francis had lowered a barrier so an accused Bishop could be appointed to a big position. Now, however, there is what seems to be credible evidence the accuser did the same thing. The saga goes on and on.
Many who commented publicly about the Pope's recent visit to Ireland complained he did not go far enough in ridding the church of criminal molesters and of practicing homosexuals. It is understandable that rumors of all kinds must circulated within the circles of Cardinals about practicing homosexuals and about non celibate heterosexuals. Perhaps rumors are planted about Cardinals other Cardinals disagree with or do not like. If there as, say, 100 such rumors can a Pope or his staff chase down every single one of them?
Think of all the priest residences where several priests live together. The church cannot have monitors in each to see that the priests are not visiting forbidden bedrooms.
The problem comes in the church's Mid Evil definition of sin. There are too many sins and they take place where there is not supervision. Demanding the Pope stop the all non celibate priests from their own little sins is impossible.
It even is starting to look like maintaining the church itself is impossible.
Traffic to your blog has nearly halted. No more lively discussions and flame-throwing. I almost felt sorry for you but then realized not too many people care what you have say.
ReplyDeleteI'll comment today because I want to see if anyone is looking over here to flame-throw.
No doubt the Church's hierarchy needs reform in many places. Where it doesn't need reform is what it has taught as infallible. I had to laugh at your suggestion that priests living with other priests was a bad idea. I suppose you prefer that women and children live at the rectories. Try to think through your arguments from time to time.
The issue of sexual abuse, especially in today's age of the Internet and easily accessible pornography is a massive issue. It affects people from all walks of life, not just the priests and atheists. Not just the politicians or Hollywood producers. Not just athletes and school teachers.
I believe there are Catholics and others who are gunning for Pope Francis. He may step down as Pope Benedict did a few years ago. Removing a Pope is an undertaking more formidable than impeaching and trying a sitting US President, US Justice or US Judge. Reference http://canonlawmadeeasy.com/2013/01/31/pope-removed-from-office/
Don't equate error with sin or malice. Restoring Cardinal Archbishop McCarrick's priestly faculties did not stamp approval on any of his past, current or future actions. It was probably imprudent on the part of Pope Francis but then so are the actions of many in authority.
Regardless, the issue is not the protection of priests, bishops and the Pope. The issue is the protection of those affected by the immoral and criminal actions of Church officials. School teachers, politicians, athletes and others are tried and convicted. The same civil authorities can and should prosecute the religious with no more and no less fervor than they prosecute anyone else. Catholics and other Christians being slaughtered for no other reason than hatred by the secular society has happened dozens and dozens of time in history. It is happening today in many parts of the world.
A couple of priest friends commented recently that there are priests who have left the Church and rightly so. Priests, Bishops and Cardinals who sexually abuse in a criminal sense ought to be put to trial and probably jail. Penance and forgiveness can be found in a jail cell.
I look forward to the next blog on the rapidly increasing number of cases of sexual abuse by school teachers, politicians and hollywood producers. Really, it's anyone preying on a person with less power.
Thanks for commenting, Matt. Yes, the blog is quieter. It is because there are fewer readers according to the stats page and I'm quite sure most readers freethinkers and/or atheists who do not find my ideas controversial. There are more likes and acknowledgements on the Freethinkers Face Book page than here on Blogspot. I correspond with another Forum blogger who is also waiting to see what the Forum rolls out in their new software. I'm sure there are debates about money and the value or lack of it in blogs. I think you will see a blog of mine soon again on the editorial page.
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DeleteI do miss your blog on Inforum but have bookmarked it and read it a couple of times a week. I am always interested in the things you write about. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic schools for 8 years. It never meant much to me and stopped being a Catholic many many years ago. I have tried many churches with the same results. I finally have decided that if there is a god, he's certainly not interested in us and the heaven and hell things that are preached are a fairy tale. I could go on and on about the problems with the Catholic church but I won't. Thank you for your blogs. I shall continue to read even if I don't comment much. Keep blogging.
DeleteLooks like the chief A$$hole is back to taunting again....sounds like an 8 year old bully.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making my point that if I didn't show up to post a comment, no one would. Without the Marcils and the Forum, Jon has lost a substantial portion of his audience. Thank God.
DeleteMatt--I read Bishop Folda's response this morning to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. You might study it yourself to improve you debate skills. The Bishop did not use your ridiculous argument that abuse happens in other professions like among teachers. He knows teachers do not take vows of celibacy nor present themselves as able to resolve "sin". Clergy assign to themselves a "holiness" that teachers do not.
ReplyDeleteI read Bishop Folda's letter to the Forum's editors. It was very good as I would expect from most any Bishop. I believe he is a holy man, a good teacher and a devout, sincere Catholic who loves the Trinity, His Church and his role in the Church. I do not argue that abuse happens in other professions like teachers. It is an alarming fact to which you seem unconcerned and unaffected. Bringing up celibacy is a deflection of the argument and a trap I will not set off. So, too, is the deflection of "sin" and the issue of "holiness".
ReplyDeleteAs you seek to destroy the Church and drag others to Hell, I seek the opposite, including your soul.
Recently, a female West Fargo teacher plead guilty to multiple counts involving sex with underage male students. While she had ample outlets for her sexual activity with adult males, she chose to prey on children. These sorts of stories are daily occurrences in America. It shows a lack of moral fortitude in most cases. There is no known link to celibacy being the issue as plenty of married and unmarried people are guilty of sexual crimes in greater numbers than those who vow celibacy.
As a married father of seven, I practice celibacy. That might baffle you but I would expect that from someone who does not understand or study subjects with much carefulness. Perhaps if you google "Catholic celibacy", the topic will present itself to you.
On another matter, I think what Pope Francis did in terms of being lenient with certain clergy is going to possibly be his undoing. "You are forgiven, go and sin no more." is great for the confessional and one's soul but it does not replace punishment for a crime.