That’s what so many who criticize the Catholic Church seem to miss. Much is said about the fact that there were pedophiles but it seems that many tend to not recognize that pedophiles are everywhere.
The Catholic Church should not be criticized any more than any other church, or any other organization, because pedophiles have slipped in. However, I do believe that ANY church should be setting the example in dealing with them, so in that respect the Catholic Church, and any other Church, should be more accountable than any other organization for not dealing with it in light of Biblical teaching on immorality.
Indeed, this is part of the problem as to why a church has a more difficult time in coping with this issue, and why the solution often seems so convoluted.
No matter how repulsive the act is (and frankly, there are few things more repulsive than pedophilia) these priest's aren't just scum that can be thrown into the gutter. THEY TOO ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD - we can't forget that they are deserving of the dignity of their good names until they are proven guilty, and even when proven guilty, they are deserving of pastoral care from the Church, EVEN IF WE THINK THAT WHAT THEY DID IS UTTERLY EVIL.
I won't say that the Catholic Church (or any organization) has handled this problem well - but we must remember that churches are trying to do the difficult balancing act of caring for ALL of the people involved. God wills not the death of a sinner.
Your church sets itself up for this criticism, because in this case it acted first to protect itself. As I understand it there are some limitations created by your church's confessional system in reporting these crimes. However, moving priests around who were doing these things and not encouraging victims to report crimes immediately is very damning.
The Catholic Church should not be criticized any more than any other church, or any other organization, because pedophiles have slipped in.
I agree. It's what you do when you know there is a problem that a church, school, Boy Scout Troop, etc. should be judged by.
I do believe that ANY church should be setting the example in dealing with them, so in that respect the Catholic Church, and any other Church, should be more accountable than any other organization for not dealing with it in light of Biblical teaching on immorality.
Why do RC's seem so inclined to defend rather than force all the bums involved out?