Question / Issue:

Initial Message...

"What kind of people are you? 'Suffer the little children unto me' For abuse? Shame on you!! What will be you answer on Judgment Day? You give Christian people a bad name!"

Follow-Up...

"I understand you have not personally, or this organization has not participated this abuse.

What I cannot understand: 1. Abuse of children by people of God. 2. How these people of God 'covered-up' these mortal sins. Who was their confessor? How can you imagine people will take your views seriously when these events are exposed? The least I would expect is an apology from the Vatican, an admission of guilt for these terrible acts, including specifically who were/are the concerned abusers (if these people were laymen they would be in jail). To hide behind a collar or habit can only be viewed as an act of cowardice.

Since the expose of Cardinal Law in Boston & the terrible abuses in that diocese, condoned by the Church, I have been attending an <non-Catholic parish>, not perfect, but not administered, by liars & child molesters. I am so disappointed in the Roman Church!"

 Answer / Resources:

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Initial Message...

I am assuming you are referring to the abuse by certain members of the Church? If so, we understand your anger. And, yes, those accountable will have to answer on Judgment Day. We, however, have not participated in such abuse. Like you, we regret it and condemn it.

I hope this addresses your concerns. You may also be interested in the page here which addresses scandal in the Church.

God bless you.

Follow-Up...

I also cannot understand these things. These actions are obviously heinous and inexcusable. Those involved with them and with any cover up of them will be punished by God, we can be sure of that. Like you, we are also in favor of appropriate civil penalties. We would also like to see guilty persons defrocked and sentenced to appropriate penance.

Regarding apologies, those involved & those with responsibility for those involved should definitely offer sincere apologies. Since I am not sure specifically which incident(s) you are referring to, it is hard to elaborate more. There have already been a number of apologies for various acts which have occurred as well as admissions of guilt... but again, each is a case by case basis. Of course, I would agree with you that no mere words could ever be "enough" for the victims. Apologies are good, but only a start.

One point I disagree with you on is that abuse was "condoned by the Church". "The Church" would not condone such a thing. Individuals, however, may have acted in ways contrary to this, but they are not "the Church" – just sinners with some standing in the Church... sinners who will have to answer for their behavior. Just like Judas...

I understand your anger, pain, and frustration, believe me. I also do not want to argue with you. However, I do feel it necessary to point out that the <non-Catholic parish you reference> is a man-made "church" that does not even have a valid Eucharist. This is NOT Christ, but merely bread. And this "church" has no power to forgive sins, no keys to heaven... It cannot offer salvation (see here)... It is set up in opposition to Christ's one and only true Church.

Like I said, I do not wish to argue with you, nor does anyone else here. I would again like to point out that page that was referenced earlier (see here). I hope you will consider the items it contains.

I send this link in good faith as I believe some of the information it contains may be helpful to you. Please consider giving it a look.

Thank you for expressing your opinions. I really do understand your outrage and disappointment. Such actions are shocking, horrible, disgusting... There is no excuse for what has happened. However, your leaving the Church does not help her or you.

Please accept our sincere best wishes for God's blessings.

Reminder: We make no guarantee whatsoever regarding any item herein. Items herein may be the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. All applicable items may be subject to change at any time without notice. Utilize any link(s) appearing on this page at your own risk. For more terms information, see "Important Notice" below.

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