As a Protestant, I can say the whole Body of Christ grieves when a single part is laid low. I can also say this problem is not the problem of the Catholic Church alone.
The problem is much bigger than the Catholic Church in America. Christianity as a whole is under attack, not just Catholicism, and not just in this way. The hope of the enemy is to divide and conquer.
Interestingly, civilization itself, built upon Christian values, is under both external and internal attack at the same time. Both attacks were made possible by the turning away of our own peoples.
I see so few signs of repentance and reawakening that I suspect we are still on the downward portion of the path.
Personally, I am certain Mr. Novak is right in the end, but when that end comes I do not know. Nor do I know how high a price we, personally and collectively, must pay before it gets here.
Incidentally, many Catholics aren't even all that disturbed by what is happening with these sex abuse cases -- these Catholics wrote off their local bishops, priests, etc. years ago.
Amen, this man has been one of my heroes for many years.
One effort that I am most proud of was personally raising enough money from the business community to bring Mr. Novak to our local University for two addresses, one to adults and one to students.
That was back in the '80's and it was very well worth the effort and the money.
You said it. Amen!