What do you think of the Pope's response to abusive priests?

[Athanasius]

Here is a link to the Pope's response to American Bishops regarding pedophilia priests:Pope's Response

I would draw special attention to this paragraph:

<< The abuse of the young is a grave symptom of a crisis affecting not only the church but society as a whole. It is a deep-seated crisis of sexual morality, even of human relationships, and its prime victims are the family and the young. In addressing the problem of abuse with clarity and determination, the church will help society to understand and deal with the crisis in its midst. >>



Now Anandtech has a history of Catholic bashing, so I am asking everyone to behave and respond thoughtfully. What do you think of the pope's response? How would you respond?

I am choosing to believe that ATOT can actually rise above flaming even in such a "flameable" issue. You guys get to prove whether or not my faith was in vain

 

[pyonir]

<< I am choosing to believe that ATOT can actually rise above flaming even in such a "flameable" issue. You guys get to prove whether or not my faith was in vain >>


i bet they will prove your faith was in vain.

 

[StageLeft]

It was in vain, but if I said anymore it would be too hot and flamy.

 

[Nightfall]

I would respond by putting in jail any of the higher level Catholic priests who would not cooperate with the authorities. If they refuse to give the names of those who are responsible, then put them in jail for obstructing justice.

 

[LoTecha]

<< I would respond by putting in jail any of the higher level Catholic priests who would not cooperate with the authorities. If they refuse to give the names of those who are responsible, then put them in jail for obstructing justice. >>

 

[royaldank]

<< I would respond by putting in jail any of the higher level Catholic priests who would not cooperate with the authorities. If they refuse to give the names of those who are responsible, then put them in jail for obstructing justice. >>



I agree with this. They should all be thrown behind bars so they can feel what it's like to be sexually abused.

 

[Netopia]

While I believe JohnPaul II to be a good man, I thought that the response smacked of political speaking. I would like to see some black and white statement as to WHAT will be done specifically to purge the denomination of those who abuse their position and what it will do to keep it from happening in the future.

I also have my doubts as to whether JP2 penned that or just signed off on something that someone else wrote.

Joe

 

[NFS4]

<< What do you think of the Pope's response to abusive priests? >>


IMHO, it's like putting on a condom AFTER you've finished nailing your girlfriend.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I was actually somewhat gratified by his statement, though it remains to be seen what, if anything, the church as a whole will do about the individual cases. I would like to have seen a more concrete commitment to turn in pedophile priests to the authorities. On balance, though, I appreciated his categorical denouncement of the behavior, and his characterization of it as criminal. I think it was a more reasoned response than any I have seen within the American Catholic church, which still seems inclined to whitewash the situation or blame it on the "immorality" of Americans outside the church.

 

[Athanasius]

Netopia Quote:

<< While I believe JohnPaul II to be a good man, I thought that the response smacked of political speaking. I would like to see some black and white statement as to WHAT will be done specifically to purge the denomination of those who abuse their position and what it will do to keep it from happening in the future.

I also have my doubts as to whether JP2 penned that or just signed off on something that someone else wrote. >>



Well, I doubt JP2 wrote it. Regardless, it is now "his" official response. I think it was well said but weak. In other words, I agree with what he said but do not feel like he said enough. Since RCC theology views the Pope as the vicar of Christ, perhaps Jesus' words about those who abuse children should have been part of his statement. Jesus was much more blunt. See Matthew 18:5-6:

<< Whoever receives one little child in my name receives me. But whoever scandalizes and desecrates the trust of one of these faith-filled little ones, it would be better for that perpetrator if a millstone was hung around his neck and he was drowned in the depth of the sea. (Athanasius's Modern Paraphrase of Matthew 18:5-6) >>



No priest who commits such an act should continue to wear the collar or be shielded from the legal consequences of his actions.

<< Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of such things that are being done in secret (Ephesians 5:11-12) >>

 

[jjones]

<< It is true that a generalized lack of knowledge of the nature of the problem and also at times the advice of clinical experts led bishops to make decisions which subsequent events showed to be wrong. You are now working to establish more reliable criteria to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated. At the same time, even while recognizing how indispensable these criteria are, we cannot forget the power of Christian conversion, that radical decision to turn away from sin and back to God, which reaches to the depths of a person's soul and can work extraordinary change. >>


Translation: We'll look at the situation more closely and if you are a priest and guilty of this sin, we will still protect you if you return to the fold.



<< It must be absolutely clear to the Catholic faithful, and to the wider community, that bishops and superiors are concerned, above all else, with the spiritual good of souls. People need to know that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young. They must know that bishops and priests are totally committed to the fullness of Catholic truth on matters of sexual morality, a truth as essential to the renewal of the priesthood and the episcopate as it is to the renewal of marriage and family life. >>


Translation: We're concerned and we don't want immorality amongst our priests. Please go on believing the truths we have always given you.

 

[AMDJunkie]

I'd like to see the priests be made responsible for their actions, with only legal defense from the diocese, without settlement, and the diocese not responsible for the actions of the invidual so that people can't just swoop in and take the funds of the church.

 

[ScottyB]

I don't see how they have people you are going to burn in hell-fire as priests there anyway. How can someone who is going to live with the devil for eternity forgive you of your sins?

 

[JellyBaby]

I'd like to see priests held accountable for their actions and not protected by their religious authority. Since they exist primarly to serve the people, how is keeping deviant, sexually perverse priests in the field helping the people? The needs of the few outweight those of the many? Ah, not where I come from.

That plus allowing them to get some action once in a while might help.