CHURCH ABUSE - ARCHBISHOP REMBERT WEAKLAND

Good Morning America | May 23, 2002 | ABC News

[pgkdan]

Paul VI spoke of the Church being fill with "the smoke of Satan thirty years ago.

Pope Leo XIII composed the Prayer to Saint Michaeel the Achangel in response to a personal revelation that the 20th Century would be given over to Satan. Any doubt that he roared about like a lion seeking whom he might devour all through the 20th century?

[remaininlight]

33 years old at the time and a victim of being fondled by a guy?

[RobbyS]

Get it all out in the open so we know exactly what we're dealing with. You have it! I am hoping for even more "outing" as the time of the bishops meeting approaches. And I probably will be out of town when it happens! Shucks!

[Alberta's Child]

"Sexual assault" isn't accurate, either. Any 33 year-old man who isn't in a wheelchair is capable of laying a thorough beating on an "assailant" who is 20 years older than him.

Especially if this "assailant" is a double-gaited freak like Weakland.

[Airborne Longhorn]

Today's "Good Morning America" described Weakland as a "leading thinker in the Catholic Church"

Yeah, let me tell y'all about the "leading thinker"...

This is the guy who, in 1984 (during Regan re-election campaign) chaired a committee which put out a Pastoral Letter about the US Economy. Here are its main points:

1. The Church should have a "Preferential Option for the Poor"

2. All Americans have a divine right to a minimum level of income

3. Just because you own something doesn't mean that society in general doesn't own it, too (the fundamental precept of Communism)

4...and other Socialist dogma.

Weakland then conned most diocesan leadership in the US to preach this from the pulpit and hold "discussion" (i.e., indoctrination) groups. At our parish, I and a couple of other businessmen faced off against ex-nuns and Catholic school teachers...we lacerated their bs with logic, and the whole idea went down in flames--locally, at least.

This didn't stop the DNC and Mondale from using the "Leading Thinker's" rhetoric to support their campaign to paint the evils of free enterprise.

So, how 'bout that "Leading Thinker?" Chickens coming home to roost!

[Slyfox]

Weakland has been one of the worst excuses for a member of the hierarchy for years, way before
articles were archived on the internet. This couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy.

[RobbyS]

because after all, a celibate priest knows nothing but what is in books You are overgeneralizing. I've known army chaplains who have heard EVERYTHING! Besides, most therapists know little more than what they have read in "books." and never let the facts of the case get in the way of their pet theory.

[Telit Likitis]

"Who is the priest molesting today's altar boys and why haven't we heard ANYTHING about him?"

Perhaps because, with today's sex education theories, it is easier to find willing and non-complaining partners.

- Telit

[petkus]

Didn't Weakland have problems with the people in Milwaukee with regard to the renovation of the Cathedral? I believe there was appeals to Rome.

[Mike Fieschko]

"Sexual assault" isn't accurate, either. Any 33 year-old man who isn't in a wheelchair is capable of laying a thorough beating on an "assailant" who is 20 years older than him.

Especially if this "assailant" is a double-gaited freak like Weakland.

I don't understand this. Are you saying that how we characterize what Abp Weakland did depends on his physical strength, on the reaction or response and the age, health and strength of to whom he's accused of doing it?

[beckett]

I shudder when I think of the crises of faith these revelations are undoubtedly causing among untold millions of Catholics. In my view, it is not an exaggeration to say that the Roman Catholic Church in America is teetering on the edge of collapse.

[CWW]

You cannot extrapolate your experience and apply it across the board. By that same logic, I could say there is no problem because I went through Cathlic grade school, high school, was an alter boy, am a member of the parish counsel and board member of the catholic school bard and have never seen a single allegation or an act of misconduct by a priest. Furthermore, there is absolutely no empirical evidence to back up your charge that 75% of priests are gay or are pedophiles. In fact, the studies show the opposite -- its in line with the general population.

With respect to your individual experience, I am sorry that you are the victim of abuse. That priest should be in jail. But you cannot plaster the entire Church with the acts of the few. I hope that you find forgiveness in your hear and the God heals your very deep wounds!

[RobbyS]

I don't buy that. Empathy is the key to success, and a married or sexually active single therapist may not have the "gift." My daughter went to several thrapists before she found someone who understand her. Wouldn't you know: the "right one" was not recognized by the insurance plan! I am known priests who could practically read your mind. I admit they are few.

[Kryptonite]

I'm happy this hypocrite is being exposed. He's been a thorn in the side of Wisconsin Catholics for decades.

[CWW]

If I placed my trust in men, rather than Christ I would agree with you. But the Catholic Church is more than priests and nuns. It embodies the faith given to us by Christ. No man can destroy that. As long as we have man, we will have sin and disappointment. As long as we have Christ at the center of our life and Church, we will have hope!

[Kryptonite]

You're right on both counts, but his weird plan won out. I don't think anyone will ever make the mistake of taking him seriously again.

[B Knotts]

Thanks for the bump.

Wow.

It would have been hard to come up with a more stereotypical conclusion to this scandal.