By Francis X. Rocca Religion News Service VATICAN CITY (RNS) A special commission sponsored by the Irish government criticized a bishop for failing to report...
By Francis X. Rocca Religion News Service VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican will use online education and other methods to help the world's Catholic bishops...
By David Gibson Religion News Service NEW YORK (RNS) Nearly a decade after revelations of widespread sexual abuse of minors rocked the Catholic Church in...
Monday, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a letter to Bishops worldwide with suggestions for dealing with cases of sex abuse....
By Peter Eisler USA Today VIENNA, Va. (RNS) When officials at Vienna Presbyterian Church decided to acknowledge the church's failures in handling reports of sexual...
By Ron Csillag Religion News Service TORONTO (RNS) A former Roman Catholic bishop in Nova Scotia has pleaded guilty to trying to import child pornography...
By Francis X. Rocca Religion News Service VATICAN CITY (RNS) Belgium's Catholic bishops declared themselves "extremely shocked" on Friday (Apr. 15) by a former bishop...
Recently, the Boston Archdiocese released a list of accused clergy. A good first step. A move in the right direction. But also mind-boggling is the number of Catholic clergy predators in one town.
The loudest voices were poised last week when researchers from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice finally released their much anticipated investigation examining the causes and context of clergy sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church .
If the Catholic Church is to erase this stain on its reputation, it will have to be based on a complete reversal of its callous shielding of abusers within its ranks. I and other victims are still waiting.
These kinds of gestures can sometimes speak to something deep within the Catholic soul, and I've long thought that such public acts were necessities in the wake of the sexual abuse crisis.
I applaud the fearlessness it must have taken for a bishop to turn over a 1997 letter from the Vatican to the Irish broadcasters, thinking he'd face eternal damnation and excommunication.
They say that God has a sense of humor. Some might be surprised, or even amused, by the idea that Sinéad O'Connor is now a powerful voice for renewal in the scandal-hit Catholic Church.
Let us explore for a moment the notion that the Catholic Church is a safe haven for criminals -- if not a criminal organization, then at least an organization whose leadership engages in criminality.
Justice delayed is justice denied, and certainly the church knows that. Healing is equally denied.
The article below speaks for itself, and from within the church by members who know. Hope springs eternal in the human heart, but if there is no evidence to support hope, one is in danger of falling into the abyss of a false faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. The end of the church comes individually
Only when that occurs can the truth be found. Until then, a person will live in pain and suffering seeking collective salvation where, and just as importantly, there is none, or freedom wouldn't exist.
Philadelphia isn't alone. If the District Attorney in other cities got off his duff, the paddy wagons would be filled to capacity every day with priests and prelates.
Hysterian68: Philadelphia isn't alone. If the District Attorney in other cities
According to the Attorney General in Delaware, on the last 77 million settlement 3 weeks ago, It is harder to deal with the Catholic church then the mob?
tjtoday: According to the Attorney General in Delaware, on the last
This was an interesting talk. I think people might not take advantage of this format here at HuffPo as there are few comments and even fewer relevant comments-- that is relevant in the sense that they indicate the person actually watched the video.
syntax_facit_saltum: This was an interesting talk. I think people might not
Okay. Did you watch it and if so what should be done with those who were "not as swift as they should have been in some of these cases"? What is a rational follow up?
And, not said, but certainly implied, what should happen to those in the hierarchy who knowingly subverted the law assisting in the coverup of the sexual abuse?
If priests who committed criminal behavior should "be in jail" what about those who by covering it up allowed some profound abuse to continue? What about those who purposely and knowingly subverted secular law? And what about statue of limitations, and what about the same thing that goes on in the secular arena?
Is what's good for the goose, not good for the gander? In other words there are a lot who have something to say regarding this issue in Catholicism but not about the same issue in secular education.
What about the sex slave industry that is flourishing around the world?
I agree with Rev. Martin that the guestures offered by the Cardinals is not sufficient, so what is?
What more could they do.
I think the first thing that should be done is to find out if the opinion of the laiety counts, because if it doesn't, it's not a subject even worth discussing.
What do the parishioners think? Do an annomymous poll. Convene an panel. Decide future policy.
In the meantime, should the guilty step aside for the good of the church?
de-meme-ing: Okay. Did you watch it and if so what should
don't forget the "wage slave" system in the United States, particularly in cities like New York. Young people and immigrants pouring into the city desperately looking for jobs, only to be hired as "interns", . LOL LOL LOL You talk about greedy blood-suckers. The South before the Civil War had nothing to compare with.
In Dixie before the Civil War there were thousands upon thousands of "interns" working there for plantation owners.
Hysterian68: don't forget the "wage slave" system in the United States,
"Punitive damages or exemplary damages are damages intended to reform or deter the defendant and others from engaging in conduct similar to that which formed the basis of the lawsuit. Although the purpose of punitive damages is not to compensate the plaintiff, the plaintiff will in fact receive all or some portion of the punitive damage award." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_damages
Punative damages are awarded when the conduct was "egregious". What should be appropriately awarded, given the now, indisputable evidence, that egregious conduct did in fact occur?
Where are the voices of all the Catholics on Huffpo, to discuss this issue, especially in that they are commanded to seek justice as part of the Judeo-Christian heritage?
de-meme-ing: "Punitive damages or exemplary damages are damages intended to reform
Noah took them onto the ark, two by two. Those left behind were intentionally drowned. They were evil it is said and God was sorry that "he had created them".
In contrast, Jesus, repented, sent them out into the world two by two with a mission to teach, witness, "share". If they were rejected by the villagers they were to "shake the dust" of the village from their feet, not regenocide/reinjure them.
That they shook the dust from their feet, didn't make their feet clean if the residue of the dirt clung to their feet. Jesus taught them to wash each others feet when they re-gathered; wash each others feet of the dirt that clung to their minds. Share what you have learned and debate it's authenticity it's source, good or evil, or the dirt will cling to your mind, or as Peter knew, it will spread. Jesus rejected that Peter was fully defiled, but knew that his feet were dirty from his travels.
Whereas the God of old demanded perfection and repented that he had ever made them, Jesus did the opposite. He sent them into the world looking for the lost sheep/truth, where they often encountered the wolf looking for them.
Modern day psychology has taught some terrible things. For example, the works of Freud, borrowed from religion and irrationally/unjustly reinforced ancient prejudices and denigration of women and children, defiling further the minds of mankind.
de-meme-ing: Noah took them onto the ark, two by two. Those
"Ain't no point in talking when there's nobody listening so we just ran away....." Rod Stewert, Young Turks. Where did they go?
Science has been a wonderful thing and has brought much good to mankind, and it has brought bad, no different then religion, and philosophies. People suffered, their experiences dismissed, "allegedly" for the good of the majority. The individual is crucified. Was it the intention of Jesus that we "crucifiy" others? If so, how was he any different then the God of the Old Testament?
When the Church refuses to acknowledge the laiety, listen, share, debate and discuss with them their experiences and wisdom, the church becomes more and more irrelevant, in a world that more and more needs the Church. The same is true in the secular world. The result is that extremism exists in both camps, secular and religious.
In their journey, the "victims of the church" were egregiously wounded, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Peter made a prophecy when he said, "Well then, wash my hands and my head". We were all wounded, defiled by what happened. Perhaps that is where Peter didn't want to go. He didn't want to know, but he did. He didn't want to see his church so defiled, but they were.
When Churchs become dictatorships, or the people become dictatorships, we all lose.
de-meme-ing: "Ain't no point in talking when there's nobody listening so
Jesuits are wonderful, so smart, and so Christian. Thank You Father Martin for the excellent service to the Lord. Obviously God has granted you His Wisdom, and you generously share it with sinners like me.
New_Yorker: Jesuits are wonderful, so smart, and so Christian. Thank You
Ireland. i read about the IRA and the British army. Both sides were christian, and many jokes have been made like: if youre an atheist and you go to Ireland, theyll ask you if youre a Catholic or Protestant Atheist. I have friends that are Irish, but not christian. I am pretty peeved over what missionaries did to other countries. "saint" patrick was very self serving for demolishing Norse Paganism for christianity.
ninetailedfox: Ireland. i read about the IRA and the British army.
It's called 'Trading Up' and Saint Patrick was a Great Blessing To The People of Ireland, and is Revered to this day for bringing the Irish Christ, and Salvation. Paganism = Ignorance
New_Yorker: It's called 'Trading Up' and Saint Patrick was a Great
Rev Martin, you ask what would be proper penance for anyone who knowingly moved a pedophile to keep that man from being exposed? Jail! Five years behind bars.
f0rTyLeGz: Rev Martin, you ask what would be proper penance for
Jesus promised us, " Blessed ar they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied." If you were a Christian you would know that is the eventual result for all sins and all sinners. It is why Catholics believe in the grea suffering of Purgatory, as it leads to both justice, and heaven, for the sinners we are.
New_Yorker: Jesus promised us, " Blessed ar they who hunger and
Hunh? Are you saying that lying on your belly and washing the feet of a few victims is enough "penance" for Catholic bureaucrats that hid pedophiles, because after they are dead, IF there is a god, then he will punish them? I sure hope not.
f0rTyLeGz: Hunh? Are you saying that lying on your belly and
"these gestures would be empty without any followup"
They would be empty if no one goes to jail, and by that I mean not just the pedophiles, but the enablers that so actively protected them.
That would be some good follow up, but I'll be honest, I don't think anyone at the vatican is willing to do that kind of repenting. They'd rather wash some feet and call it a day.
Uncle_Bob: "these gestures would be empty without any followup" They would
Ah...and therein lies the supreme roadblock. How to move forward while still shielding the guy who was at the top of the pyramid for decades? As the High Holy Grand Inquisitor, his job title before flying up to become Pope, this is where the decisions to not only tolerate but shield the criminals were made. When Benedict accepts responsibility for his role in ever single case of abuse, I will believe progress is being made.
At the same time, the fact that there are serving priests willing to speak out at any level and upper management willing to take a public position of atonement should be acknowledged. Making progress within the Church, particularly considering the current College of Cardinals assembled by JP II is something worth celebrating. May not look like much movement when measured against progress as it occurs in the secular world, but it is significant.
socaldanielle: Ah...and therein lies the supreme roadblock. How to move forward
The article below speaks for itself, and from within the church by members who know. Hope springs eternal in the human heart, but if there is no evidence to support hope, one is in danger of falling into the abyss of a false faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. The end of the church comes individually
Only when that occurs can the truth be found. Until then, a person will live in pain and suffering seeking collective salvation where, and just as importantly, there is none, or freedom wouldn't exist.
The German Bishops' Conference made the announcement on Wednesday (March 2) as a special commission continues months of work on abuse prevention and reimbursement. Church officials said they could wait no longer.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/german-bishops-offer-cash_n_830979.html#comments
And, not said, but certainly implied, what should happen to those in the hierarchy who knowingly subverted the law assisting in the coverup of the sexual abuse?
If priests who committed criminal behavior should "be in jail" what about those who by covering it up allowed some profound abuse to continue? What about those who purposely and knowingly subverted secular law? And what about statue of limitations, and what about the same thing that goes on in the secular arena?
Is what's good for the goose, not good for the gander? In other words there are a lot who have something to say regarding this issue in Catholicism but not about the same issue in secular education.
What about the sex slave industry that is flourishing around the world?
I agree with Rev. Martin that the guestures offered by the Cardinals is not sufficient, so what is?
What more could they do.
I think the first thing that should be done is to find out if the opinion of the laiety counts, because if it doesn't, it's not a subject even worth discussing.
What do the parishioners think? Do an annomymous poll. Convene an panel. Decide future policy.
In the meantime, should the guilty step aside for the good of the church?
In Dixie before the Civil War there were thousands upon thousands of "interns" working there for plantation owners.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punitive_damages
Punative damages are awarded when the conduct was "egregious". What should be appropriately awarded, given the now, indisputable evidence, that egregious conduct did in fact occur?
Where are the voices of all the Catholics on Huffpo, to discuss this issue, especially in that they are commanded to seek justice as part of the Judeo-Christian heritage?
In contrast, Jesus, repented, sent them out into the world two by two with a mission to teach, witness, "share". If they were rejected by the villagers they were to "shake the dust" of the village from their feet, not regenocide/reinjure them.
That they shook the dust from their feet, didn't make their feet clean if the residue of the dirt clung to their feet. Jesus taught them to wash each others feet when they re-gathered; wash each others feet of the dirt that clung to their minds. Share what you have learned and debate it's authenticity it's source, good or evil, or the dirt will cling to your mind, or as Peter knew, it will spread. Jesus rejected that Peter was fully defiled, but knew that his feet were dirty from his travels.
Whereas the God of old demanded perfection and repented that he had ever made them, Jesus did the opposite. He sent them into the world looking for the lost sheep/truth, where they often encountered the wolf looking for them.
Modern day psychology has taught some terrible things. For example, the works of Freud, borrowed from religion and irrationally/unjustly reinforced ancient prejudices and denigration of women and children, defiling further the minds of mankind.
Science has been a wonderful thing and has brought much good to mankind, and it has brought bad, no different then religion, and philosophies. People suffered, their experiences dismissed, "allegedly" for the good of the majority. The individual is crucified. Was it the intention of Jesus that we "crucifiy" others? If so, how was he any different then the God of the Old Testament?
When the Church refuses to acknowledge the laiety, listen, share, debate and discuss with them their experiences and wisdom, the church becomes more and more irrelevant, in a world that more and more needs the Church. The same is true in the secular world. The result is that extremism exists in both camps, secular and religious.
In their journey, the "victims of the church" were egregiously wounded, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Peter made a prophecy when he said, "Well then, wash my hands and my head". We were all wounded, defiled by what happened. Perhaps that is where Peter didn't want to go. He didn't want to know, but he did. He didn't want to see his church so defiled, but they were.
When Churchs become dictatorships, or the people become dictatorships, we all lose.
Errrr... no, Dougal, if you imagine he'll be going to jail, you really don't understand how it works.
Read it and weep:
http://www.wbur.org/2010/02/10/irish-priests-followup
Were Peter and the other disciples "victims" of Jesus? Jesus victimized them?
They would be empty if no one goes to jail, and by that I mean not just the pedophiles, but the enablers that so actively protected them.
That would be some good follow up, but I'll be honest, I don't think anyone at the vatican is willing to do that kind of repenting. They'd rather wash some feet and call it a day.
At the same time, the fact that there are serving priests willing to speak out at any level and upper management willing to take a public position of atonement should be acknowledged. Making progress within the Church, particularly considering the current College of Cardinals assembled by JP II is something worth celebrating. May not look like much movement when measured against progress as it occurs in the secular world, but it is significant.