This totally disgusts me. But what is even worse are the people who they went to for help that did nothing. Why are these people not held accountable for there actions? If you are told about a murder and do nothing are you not considered an acessory to murder? What is the difference here? And don't tell me because it's religion. Thats the biggest cop out there is. And if the people today choose to do nothing there is guilty as the rest. This kind of behavior needs to come to an end shown it's unacceptable, and it starts by not sweeping this under the rug. But you watch it will be. The Link
Absolutely. They should be charged at the very least with aiding and abetting. Conspiracy (to conceal a criminal act)? In trying to protect the good name of the church, they instead create even greater animosity and distrust once it becomes public that they concealed the activity, and allow it to permeate throughout the church. Last night on CNN someone said that back in the 80's, the Catholic Church in Ireland knew what was coming down the pike, and actually went and purchased an insurance policy to cover the liability for the acts once they became public. Disgusting.
Last night on CNN someone said that back in the 80's, the Catholic Church in Ireland knew what was coming down the pike, and actually went and purchased an insurance policy to cover the liability for the acts once they became public. You have got to be kidding me...
I've lost all respect for the Catholic church. By not punishing the abusers, the church effectively condoned the abuse. May all the church leaders rot in hell for what they've done.
I'm wondering where this will all end. I mean how much will the Vatican/Pope be affected, what will be the long-term world effect on Catholicism? I think the world is a better place when religious institutions occupy a place of moral leadership and authority. Of course, nobody is perfect, but the RCC sex scandals are much more than simple, honest mistakes. I don't think the RCC will do the right thing here, nor do I think they are even capable of doing the right thing. In days of yore the RCC would pretty much tell the flock to shut up, the church knows best, and the laity best not jeopardize their salvation (because, as the RCC even now claims, they hold the one true way to heaven). But that sort of thing just doesn't cut it anymore with most people.
Purchasing insurance on something you which has already happened but not yet been made public is insurance fraud. If the Catholic church purchased insurance because they knew of the transgressions and were attempting to cover their losses after those transgressions were made public, then not only would they not be covered but they'd be subject to litigation by the insurance company.
I don't approve of how this thread has been led off course! The way the Catholic Church has acted in so many ways makes me sick in my soul and heart. Why are they continuing to give authority to pedophiles, lying, killing doctors, contributing to the spread of STDs and starvation?? I wouldn't stand for the hypocrisy, but I am not Catholic. Nevertheless, the national and global leaders of my religion (and almost all other large, "mainstream" religions) are acting badly on other issues (openly same sex clergy and civil unions), imo, so I can't say much except that "we" are better than the Catholics on a whole. I wish that we all could be so much more.
wedgie, So far, I've seen no evidence that any Protestant denominations had orchestrated cover-ups that came straight from the top, whereas the Catholic church does. Having said that, anyone -- religious figure or not -- who molests a child should lose all freedoms and spend the rest of their life in jail. Sadly, that's impossible -- there aren't enough cells.
Don't notice the m(b)illions of people helped by the Church through it's schools, hospitals and charity work for the poor.
Don't notice the m(b)illions of people helped by the Church through it's schools, hospitals and charity work for the poor. Of course have to do something to ease your conscience.
No question -- perverts of all possible stripes exist. But few have had the same kind of institutional enabling that priests have.
Vatican released a PR today stating that all abuse cases must now be reported to local police authorities.
I believe that a great number of priests are pedophiles. It has to do with the selection process that includes a vow of celebacy, which I consider abnormal. Those drawn to such a calling are often choosing the vow to supress whatever bizarre feelings they want to supress. Imagine any other field where discovering you had pedophiles whould not promt their immediate removal and presecution. Fire away. My feeling is that the cover up was not just supressed to prevent the embarassment to the church, but because this is essentially considered somewhat normal in the priesthood. Those in charge now previously may have done similar things and "understand."
I think there's a good deal of truth in what khorn says. A great deal of truth. "It's OK -- we've all done it."
Vatican released a PR today stating that all abuse cases must now be reported to local police authorities. __________________________________________________ Well that only took 2000 years, maybe in another 2000 they will figure out a way to get rid of the bad priests.
50 years and thousands of violated children too late. The church now has spent 3 billion to pay off the abused. Think about that.
"The top aide to Pope Benedict sparked a furor Monday when he said that homosexuality and not the priestly vow of celibacy is the cause of widespread sex abuse of children by the Catholic clergy." The Link ********. That's disgusting. How low will "the church" sink?
It amazed me that anyone would ever leave their child with a priest. I would insist that my child have direct female supervision at all times.
The top aide to Pope Benedict sparked a furor Monday when he said that homosexuality and not the priestly vow of celibacy is the cause of widespread sex abuse of children by the Catholic clergy. __________________________________________________ well, at least it is isnt the work of the "devil" anymore.
Don't notice the m(b)illions of people helped by the Church through it's schools, hospitals and charity work for the poor. Yes back in the day the mob families used to do this as well.
