Some in US question Vatican's strong hand

The Boston Globe ^ | 11/29/2002 | Charles M. Sennott

[GeneD]

VATICAN CITY - The sense of impenetrability begins at the Vatican gate just beyond St. Peter's Square.

Swiss Guards wearing the colors of the Medici flank the portals of the thick, cappuccino-colored walls and lift their pikes to allow passage only after receiving orders. Farther inside, a gatekeeper checks his list before giving a reluctant nod for a visitor to enter a 12-foot door reinforced with steel and iron spikes to repel invaders. It swings open to allow a visitor into the inner courtyard of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

[Saltmeat]

It is worthy to contrast the manner in which the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic church have handled the matter of homosexualty. The Boy Scouts have said none, nil, zilch, no to a homosexual in a leadership capacity. The Catholic church has taken and continues to take the opposite position concerning homosexuals in the priesthood. Now, which organization is more likely to protect its youth? Which organization has adopted the saner policy, especially when the leaders have access to the youth in very private situations? It appears that the Boy Scouts of America are the wiser and more responsible of the two institutions. Someone needs to convince the United Way which withdrew donations to the Boy Scouts. What a shame and what cowards the United Way leaders are.

[Lib=Liar]

I would not be too sure of other churches falling into a holier than thou category. For example,

Baptist pastor resigns after abuse allegations

By Associated Press (11/09/2002)

WINCHESTER, Mass. - A Baptist pastor accused of abusing three boys between 1960 and 1982 has resigned.
The Rev. Lawrence French has been found guilty by a church panel more than a month ago, but had initially stayed on after receiving support from leaders of his church, First Baptist of Winchester.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/11092002/south_of/33678.htm
(No one strike and your out with the Baptists! He kept working after they knew!!!)

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Web posted Friday, June 28, 2002

Southern Baptist missionary who admitted abuse is working at Raleigh church

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- A Southern Baptist missionary who was fired for abusing children in Indonesia is working at a Raleigh church where the minister knew of his past.
Harper said his agreement with McElrath has now been formalized and he won't be allowed to work with youths.
http://peninsulaclarion.com/stories/062802/rel_062802rel00590001.shtml
(Say What??? So there is no One Strike and your out with Baptists!!! )

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I would not though too many stones at the Catholic Church.

lib=liar

[bimbo]

Until I read the ruling by the Congregation of the Doctrine from Rome, I will assume that the the American Bishops are "liberalizing" their Dallas decisions on their own, and blaming Rome for the liberalization.

The problem of homosexual priests molesting teen boys will not go away. I am waiting for an American Bishop or Cardinal - just one - to have a little moral courage and moral conviction and publically state: "Homosexuals are not compatible with the Priesthood."

Speak the truth, and this evil will begin to crumble.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

The Catholic church has taken and continues to take the opposite position concerning homosexuals in the priesthood.

The Catholic Church banned the ordination of homosexuals to the priesthood in February 1961, long before the Boy Scouts went public with their position. The problem occurred when seminaries and bishops thumbed their noses at Rome and in turn Rome didn't do enough, some might say anything, to insure obedience.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

I am waiting for an American Bishop or Cardinal - just one - to have a little moral courage and moral conviction and publically state: "Homosexuals are not compatible with the Priesthood."

Bevilacqua

[wideawake]

The Catholic church has taken and continues to take the opposite position concerning homosexuals in the priesthood.

You are a liar.

[bimbo]

I am waiting for an American Bishop or Cardinal - just one - to have a little moral courage and moral conviction and publically state: "Homosexuals are not compatible with the Priesthood." Bevilacqua

Thanks for the link, SMEDLEYBUTLER ... I certainly agree with Cardinal Bevilacqua. I am dismayed that he does not receive much support and that his ideas do not receive the national attention they deserve.