Posted by Alan on November 6, 2009, 12:43 pm, in reply to "Alan, you are wrong and you are victim"
What a shame that you allow your prejudices to control you. It is no wonder that you hate Catholica -- a place where discussion does not require the imprimatur of the anonymous ober-board-bishop would probably be terrifying to you. You are wrong about Brian, as you are wrong about so much else. He and I have disagreed mightily over the years yet I post there. I think you find it a sort of perverse badge of honor to be unable (or unworthy) to post on Catholica. Somewhat similar, perhaps, to how John George seems to consider it a good thing that he is banned from so many venues.
Perhaps it is for the best. You have at least had the opportunity to know that not every Christian bows before the mythical image of JPII. I wonder if he is made a Saint that will make it more difficult for him on judgment day when Christ sifts him.
: There are Lutheran and
: Anglicans converting everyday around the
: world.
True. By the same token there are Catholics converting everyday to the Lutherans, Anglicans, and other Christian faiths. If you are trying to make some sort of a point here I cannot see it.
No changes? You think THAT is what brings Protestant Christians to Catholicism? You have no idea how wrong you are. There will always be a few who for whatever misguided reasons want someone else to do their thinking for them. Yes, some of these will be attracted to to the pomp and circumstance of Catholicism. I know some high-church Anglicans who are there because they like the bells and smells. By no stretch of imagination, however, would they give up their pope-free Catholic faith for that of Rome.
: What else do you want , blood?
I'd be satisfied if the church that claims to be the one Jesus Himself founded would clean up its act regarding clerical abuse of children. So far there have been a few token gestures nowhere near sufficient to 'cleanse the temple'. Those who are guilty need to be removed from whatever level they serve. Their victims must be cared for and compensated for their suffering, without being forced to sue in the courts to attain justice. Is Christ not about justice, or do you think it OK to persecute the downtrodden?
In my diocese it is written into canon law that any person accused of sexual or other abuse (of children or adults) is immediately removed from all duties and an impartial investigation begun. That means clergy, the church secretary or janitor, choir director, anyone. If the investigation reveals the slightest chance the accusations are true, then all information must be turned over to the civil authorities. If they decide to prosecute then we will cooperate fully. If convicted, all official relationship with the church is terminated. [That does not include membership, of course.] The bishop is not exempt from the requirements. In fact, any attempt by the bishop to hinder the process is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Those are the sort of rules I feel the Catholic Church should adopt to deal with the 'scandal' - which still continues today. Absolute openness, absolute honesty, absolute cooperation with the authorities. This is not rocket science. If a small group of us conservative Anglicans can do it then surely the mighty Catholic Church should have no trouble. [There might be a sudden increase in the shortage of clergy and other ordinands which should more than correct itself over time as vocations are seen as more honorable.]
Anyway, it was nice trying to talk with you. A conversation requires two-way communication, unfortunately, and there seems no way to get past the stone wall you have erected to keep your cherished beliefs safe. To bad.
Alan
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