The Catholic Clergy Sex Abuse Story Goes On and On


I agree with those who defend the clergy by saying the sex abuse was a tiny percentage of clergy. And I agree it is something present in other professions. Surely, however, even those defending the church have to admit clergy are presented and promoted as a source of goodness and morality. Other professions are not placed on this pedestal of morality. 

I think I am correct also in saying no other profession has a long history of secrecy and hypocrisy of shifting abusing priests (or employees) from one parish to another. This policy of opening the door of abuse so abusers can walk right in is unique and despicable.  

The story of sexual abuse of children will go on for at least a few more years. Attorneys General across the U.S. compiled a list of claims about sexual abuse. Most every state had hundreds. Now those who complained about abuse are being interviews and records made. This is uncovering even more stories and details, and these are appearing in the news. 

I'm sure the question is asked everyday many times, "When has the Catholic Church suffered enough?" Or, "After many dioceses have gone bankrupt and number of Catholic fallen and numbers of priests declined, haven't we paid all we have?"

In my mind, no, the Catholic Church has not paid what it owes victims or society. If it paid every cent it had it would still not be adequate. When a Pope or committee of Cardinals stands in front of the press and tells the truth, only then will the scale be balanced. What is the truth? A Pope and the Cardinals need to admit to the public they are not a source of morality or justice. They need to say they do not hear anymore from God than the average Joe walking the streets. After that, they need to back off from giving advice and trying to dictate what members believe or what the political part of society should do or how it should vote. Catholic clergy often say or imply they are humble servants of God. There may be such individual members but as a group they are the opposite of humble.

To his credit, Pope Francis has tried to alter the image of game cock strutting priests. Recently he defrocked the game cock, Frank Pavone, founder of Priests for Life. The bulk of the clergy, however, continues to preach anti gay marriage, anti abortion and anti birth control. Continuous stories of child sexual abuse tell the public the emperor, the moralistic church, has no clothes.

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