Wow, that one pedophile sure got around. Rlmorel, do you have any insights for BillyBoy?
At the risk of becoming a football, so to speak, I can only reference my own situation.
Turns out the priest in my experience molested dozens of young boys, nobody knows the exact number. I only found out this year that one of my siblings had been molested as well.
But I do not damn the Catholic church, the Protestants, or any other clergy. I have known some fine men who are priests, they aren’t all child molesters as some like to say. That there is a problem is undeniable, but I think (as an ex-Roman Catholic) that the Catholic church has a more fundamental problem similar to the one Conservatives have...they are “going wobbly” on their beliefs, I believe the term is “Cafeteria Catholics”, and it could be just as well applied to “Cafeteria Conservatives”, but only in the sense that they cannot elucidate just what it is they stand for. At the risk of over-reaching on this, I am reminded of Ann Coulter’s remarks on conservatism, and I think it applies here as well (paraphrased)...If Conservatives don’t believe in smaller government, lower taxes, cutting spending, the right to life and strong national defense, well, what are they, just some group of people who encompass any variety of beliefs? I am sure someone could frame a group of questions regarding any religion, and that includes the Catholic church.
But I do not consider myself a Roman Catholic any more, and I will not presume to suggest to the Church or their followers how they should conduct their faith. That is their business, and if they believe it is the right way, I will not argue with them. If they believe, they will stay. If they don’t, they will leave.
As for pedophilia, I do not believe the Catholic church can sugar-coat the issue. I believe, based not just on my experience, that it is a serious issue. I cannot comment on homosexuality in the priesthood, but I do know that the majority of cases (mine included) do not include priests who molested little girls as well as little boys. It all seems to be directed towards the same sex.
This is just my opinion, and it has impacted and shaped many other opinions I hold in my life, particularly homosexuality. I do not admit to being open minded on that issue, as a result of my experience. I simply do not approve, and believe it is an abomination.
As a conservative, I believe that people (including homosexuals) can do whatever they like in the privacy of their homes, and it is none of my business or the government’s business. Once it is brought into the public and legal arenas, then it DOES become my business.