Reply to My Fellow Catholics Please Help Me To Understand

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[quote=Anonymous]OP,

First of all, studies have found that the prevalence of sexual abuse is not higher among Catholics or Catholic clergy than other organizations.

http://www.newsweek.com/priests-commit-no-more-abuse-other-males-70625

Since the Catholic Church is very centralized, however, it is easier to connect the cases, than say, Evangelicals, Baptists, or even Reformed Judaism, since within these faith traditions, each place of worship operates far more independently.

Also, everyone knows that pedophiles are attracted to jobs where they have contact with children. It is not their piety that brings them to the Catholic church as priests, but rather the opportunity to be near children. It is also why pedophiles become teachers, coaches, daycare workers, and even ministers in other denominations, etc. The Catholic Church's role in running schools/orphanages/etc, however, made it very attractive to pedophiles.

Next, while the way the abuse cases were handled was obviously horrible, but forty years ago many people did not know that pedophiles could not be redeemed. It was generally believed that with counseling and removing them from the environment, they would be ok. Now we know that was an awful, awful, decision.

As to why the Vatican official was recalled, I don't know. I do know that was most likely a political decision-- maybe Vatican officials believed that he would not receive a fair trial here given the strong associations between priests and abusers, I have no idea. Given the changes and procedures the Church now has in place to protect children, however, I am hopeful they will do the right thing, even if it is back in Italy.

None of this is to defend the church's actions, only to put them in context. Christ said that those who hinder the faith of the children, it would be better if a millstone were to be put around their neck and tossed into the water. I firmly believe that these priests will pay deeply, not only for the horrible, horrible sins they committed against the children, but also for the loss of faith that resulted in so many. I also believe that God has compassion on those who cannot remain faithful to the church in light of the scandals. I pray you do not lose your faith, but would encourage you to examine the faith of the other apostolic churches (Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Assyrian church of the east) where the sacraments still live and the faith is kept.

As to why I keep my faith: I trust in God. I believe His promise that the church will not be destroyed and the faith will remain true. Throughout the past 2,000 years there have been many horrible priests (and popes!) who committed other grievous sins, and still the faith presses on. I find writings of the saints, particularly Eastern Christians (like St. Seraphim of Sarov) or those influenced by Eastern beliefs, like St. John of the Cross, to be very edifying and helpful for deepening the faith.

Good luck and prayers for you.

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