Lots of Child Abuse by Priests in the Philippines

 

Arrogance and a sense of superiority is a most unattractive trait in Christianity. It is in Protestantism as well as Catholicism. In my view, however, it is not taught in all parts of the faith. Instead, some denominations drill into clergy that they are special people who know more than those in the pews and this gives clergy certain license.

This license shows up, to me, in the Catholic denomination but also in Protestant denominations closest to Catholics. I follow one Lutheran denomination, Missouri Synod, in which clergy repeat to each other their interpretation of the Bible in superior to all others. This sense of superiority has not resulted in child abuse but the denomination's numbers are falling rapidly.

Statements about the Catholic Church in the Philippines, however, paint a picture of clergy who have a sense of license and superiority. The child abuse there is not "old" and long forgotten history but has taken place since the world-wide disclosures of abuse began. Abuse allegations took place since the year 2000.

One comment reinforced my own bias that the denomination in Philippines is self-absorbed, self-centered and feels it reports to no one. It is this sense of importance and power that give abusers confidence to practice their crimes. If a person has an inflated sense of self importance the worst thing is to have a large organization confirm he is as important, or ever more important, than he thinks he is.

Watching preachers and priest on religious sites I see them often saying about themselves, "I, too, am a humble sinner." This ritualistic remark serves the purpose of projecting a humble persona. Yet, it instead lays the foundation for power plays. It is sort of, "Because I am so nice and humble I can use my authority to do whatever I want."

We can only repeat about those who run denominations, "When will they ever learn."