THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SCANDAL
FROM A CATHOLIC TEENS VIEW
We have all heard about the recent church scandal revelations in the Catholic Church. The numbers of priests accused of sexual assault, molestation, and pedophilia is astounding. The Catholic community is in a state of shock and denial that such horrible acts have been committed within the church. Between 1950 and 2002, children have accused more than 4,000 priests of sexual abuse. The movie “Spotlight” reveals the story of how the Boston Globe revealed the crimes of Fr. John Geoghan, who is accused of abusing around 130 individuals, primarily school boys. His story is repeated all across the United States, and in almost every nation across the world. These horrible acts were committed by those instructed to lead Christ’s believers, and we are all in horror of these sinful acts. The unfaltering belief that priests are holy has blinded generations of people. We forgot that they too are only human, and fall victim to temptation. This disease slipped into the ranks of our priests, spreading like a cancer.
But the sins of our priests was not the greatest failure of the church. If officials had acted justly, and treated these men as sinful pedophiles abusing their power, then we would have no scandal today. But the leaders of our Holy Church did not sweep in to protect their flock, no, they too were wolves in sheeps clothing. They covered up for the sinful and tempted priests. Whether out of fear, embarrassment, or perhaps they too were guilty of these sins, I do not know. But they did not act as ministers of Christs word. It was through their lack of action that this cancer spread. They failed not just the Christians of the world, but the rest of the clergy as well. They have brought shame to our institution of love.
In order for the Church to start on the path of forgiveness they must first purge their ranks. The sinful priests must be removed from power and subjected to the justice of the law. The Bishops and other clergy leaders must be removed from their posts and punished. No man who has willingly committed such a heinous act while working as a minister of Jesus can any longer preach to his flock. His words stained in the tears and pain of his victims. Only through the cleansing of the clergy can the Catholic Church return to preaching a pure gospel.
But many will take this as a reason to hate the church, or to hate it more. As much as I am disgusted by these acts, it has done nothing but strengthen my faith. The church is not made up by the priests, or bishops, or even the Pope. No, it is the believers that make up this beautiful church. The shepherd is lost without a flock, and so we must remember that Christ came before the priest. I lean on the gospel and Christ first and foremost. These men are only that, men. Our trust is gone, but we must learn to trust and forgive. While many priests committed these shameful acts, they were still the minority. I admit that when I have children, I will be hesitant to leave them alone with any priest. But we must band together and try to work towards redemption.
To the non-catholics or non-christians reading this, understand that these men did not, and never defined our church. We are a forgiving and peaceful people, who do not seek to justify these acts. The church will slowly but surely move towards cleansing itself of this cancer, and it will again be a ministry of love and purity. I believe the Pope will do the right thing, and I pray that he receives the guidance of God through these times.
*As a Catholic I will offer a sincere apology on behalf of my clergy. We have failed the entire world, and our own God. Nothing can make up for the horrors that were experienced. I pray for those victims and their families, as well as the priests who fell from glory in their sinful acts. I pray that the victims receive the comfort, peace of mind, and help they need to heal.*
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/world/timeline-catholic-church-sexual-abuse-scandals/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/02/16/church.abuse/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_sex_abuse_cases_by_country
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_sexual_abuse_cases