http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/us/in-kansas-city-sermons-avoid-mention-of-abuse-scandal.html?_r=2&hp
I find it interesting that while the church members keep their faith in God, they aren't able to vocalize their anger, frustration and distrust in the church and its leaders. Is the reason because they fear god or the church? Or do they feel that if they ignore it then it will either go away or maybe if they ignore it then it doesn't really exist. does the philosophical question, if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there does it make a sound, apply here?
The ending line by the priest "I wish I could make it all go away"----yes I bet he would.
Just thought I would share the NY Times perspective. Just trying to stimulate conversation. Thoughts anyone?
Getting physical
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Training sessions have been going really well these past few weeks. I
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4 comments:
Since the case is pending, the priests probably cannot address the issue directly. And the hurt and betrayal they feel may not easily be put in words. Soon, hopefully, the bishop will be gone. The priests will have to clean up his mess. The bishop, if he had any moral sense, should resign. Apparently, he has learned nothing during the last 10 years of litigation. The bishop should also plead guilty and go to jail. That would send a message to other church leaders, and perhaps bring about the revolution the parishoners pray for. As someone who loves the Catholic Church, I feel hurt, betrayed, angry and humiliated. I know the innocent priests are not to blame though. The blame goes to the ones in power; the ones who do everything in secret behind closed doors. Pope John said,"Open the windows and let in fresh air." Yes, we all deserve to hear the truth. And we deserve a reformation that sweeps the evil away and lays new ground for the Holy Spirit to bring revival.
I misread the post Margaret wrote about the Catholic Church. Right now church members are too shocked to give a definitive statement about what happened. But they need to take some time to get their act together. There are some things they could do as a group.
1. Demand that all clergy being considered for a job in the community be screened by a panel of church members.
2. Church members should create a list of expectations and a code of moral behavior for clergy. They should make it clear criminal behavior will be prosecuted in the courts.
3. Church members, especially those with money, should not contribute to the church financially until significant changes are made.
4. Make sure the press continues to follow the story. Make sure the press understands what changes parishoners expect from the leadership.
I am sure there is more than these few ideas that could be done. Someone with a lot of leadership skills will have to mobilize people and stir them to action. It will take someone who is not afraid of bishops, cardinals and popes; someone who is not afraid of being excommunicated, hate mail, etc. and can ride out the storm. If a lot of people rally together, the tasks ahead will be easier.
Excellent points Honor Louise. I think you would be an outstanding contributor to this eons long mess. The church needs to be open to suggestions from all members, but members need to speak up and not just "believe the church will handle it." because thousands of children have suffered from this dark secret that evidently continues to be perpetuated. Indeed they should feel free to pursue this without fear of repercussion of any kind, but that maybe too much to ask, as power and control are too great for some to relinquish, such as high ranking members of the church. I think the police officer who is on the church board and was originally contacted about "one photo" found on the computer is an example of a "what I don't know, I don't have to deal with it." philosophy. With the history of sexual child abuse in the Catholic church he was obligated to delve more deeply into the matter, as one person said, they don't usually have just "one photo" and even one photo should have prompted police action. Is it not a crime with one, but becomes a crime when there are hundreds? The Bishop and the priest deserve to serve time in jail/prison as a message that this will not be brushed under the rug "not just go away" It is a sad day when any organization abuses its power with children, women or the elderly, anyone for that matter. The innocent priests really need to band together and demonstrate somehow that they do not accept what has happened and are part of the solution. Who though can you trust in the church? Father Flynn with his camera was very trusted by the adults and children are paying the price either because the parents were naive, gullible or perhaps just flat out stupid. Personally if I had children I wouldn't let them near the catholic church. I wouldn't let them play in the road and right now the catholic church is a long and twisting road.
Thanks for sharing this story and conversation with us, Margaret and Honor.
I do not understand how someone can stand by when they have clear evidence that a trusted adult is harming children. The question parents, children, and all parishioners must be asking is who can you really trust?
It is a shame that the disgusting, selfish actions and lies of omission of a few can leave a black mark on the many others who are ethical, moral, and capable of doing their jobs well.
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