Though our churches differ in many ways, we believe in the same God. As your brother in Christ, it pains me to see Catholics struggle with your response to recent allegations of sex abuse by priests. Since my denomination has also battled these demons, I want to share with you what I have learned as a bishop of the Episcopal Church.
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The thing victims most want to hear from the church, especially its leadership, is: "I am so sorry. This should never have happened to you, especially here. We are going to do everything in our power to see that nothing like this happens again." Victims live with their horrific experiences and know that their abuse can never be undone. And so they seek assurance that the church will change the system that allows abuse to go undetected and take action to hold perpetrators accountable. Child abusers do not deserve protection; they must be reported immediately to civil authorities and prosecuted.
Read the rest of the letter on what Bishop Gene and the Episcopal Church have learned about abusive behavior within the church and ways to reverse the culture in which abuse takes place.
Although Bishop Gene does not presume to offer advice to the pope, he writes the following cautionary words:
However, I believe it is misguided and wrong for gay men to be scapegoated in this scandal. As a gay man, I know the pain and the verbal and physical violence that can come from the thoroughly debunked myth connecting homosexuality and the abuse of children. In the media, representatives of and advocates for the Roman Catholic Church have laid blame for sexual abuse at the feet of gay priests. These people know, or should know, that every reputable scientific study shows that homosexuals are no more or less likely to be child abusers than heterosexuals. Psychologically healthy homosexual men are no more drawn to little boys than psychologically healthy heterosexual men are drawn to little girls.
Bishop Gene is quite right, and I'm pleased he wrote his letter and included the words about scapegoating gays.
I presume to give advice: Physician, heal thyself; cease all scapegoating; and take responsibility for your actions as the first and vital step forward to reverse the severe damage to your church.
Thanks to John for the link.
A dialogue of the deaf if ever there was one.
ReplyDeleteDP, no doubt, no doubt. But one must continue to try to get through to the powers in the Vatican.
ReplyDeleteI want to hear the POPE say he has done wrong...because, he has done wrong and wronged his people (and beyond) and he needs to get some humility and act like a human being instead of a irresponsible, and conniving despot in lily white who is terrorfied of REALITY. He has not named one of the major culpreta...and it´s a confession that is needed (and not to only to his chaplain who sings his praises like a courtjesture-goofball)...the WORLD needs to know that he has acted wrongly on SEVERAL FRONTS regarding human sexuality!
ReplyDeleteWell yes, Leo. Don't we all? We keep telling him, but he doesn't listen.
ReplyDeleteGood for Bishop Gene! What a good idea. Even if it does fall on deaf ears.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope the Pope listens to somebody because his current course hurts all of us.
ReplyDeleteI just had a thought. I should begin to pray for the pope. I haven't done much of that, and prayers are likely to be more effective than bitching and moaning.
ReplyDeleteThank you for praying for the Pope. I've been doing so since before making the decision to "swim the Tiber" to the Anglican communion, and have promised myself to continue, despite any further revelations.
ReplyDeleteI really hope he takes Bishop Gene's letter in the spirit in which it is meant, and implements it. I am glad that he has met with some survivors, but there are so many that he cannot meet. I think they need that apology from him, and as soon as possible. God give him the courage to do so!
Prayers are likely to be more effective than bitching and moaning.
ReplyDeleteTrue, but arguably less fun.
Also true, though, that I get a bitter taste in my mouth after too much bitching and moaning.
ReplyDelete