We’ve seen protests of all kinds in the last few years: Black Lives Matter, MeToo, immigration. To be honest, I’m astounded that there aren’t daily protests in the streets over the global scandal of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. In truth, it’s a crime against humanity. Those responsible should be brought to the Hague before the International Court of Justice.
The MeToo movement, in particular, started a seismic shift in the world. I’d like to propose another idea: EtTu. A rallying cry for the survivors and families of these horrific acts, perpetrated by priests and buried by bishops. The cover-up is still happening, even now. Catholic bishops at a recent conference were told by the Vatican to “delay voting on measures to hold bishops accountable for failing to protect children from sexual abuse.”
Retired Catholic University Professor Stephen Schenk believes that the bishops “can’t be trusted to police themselves. I think the ultimate solution, especially here in the U.S., is going to require an active, permanent role for the laity, because of the problem of oversight.”
These issues are difficult to discuss, but when I saw this victims’ statement video, their toxic effects became clear. An 84-year-old man described his experience from 1947. If even one bishop had spoken up instead of covering it up, it could have saved all the subsequent children from becoming victims. One survivor said, “It’s very lonely. Especially when it’s your word against God’s.” But as our Lori wisely said in her post, “They are men of God. But they are not God. The Church would do well to remember the humility of its founder.”
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November 26, 2018 at 4:01 pm
Visionariekind
Powerful and sad, yes same winding circle. I do believe we have a- ways to go-to kill fear and these kinds of violent acts. We look to the church to led, and yet the church is not perfect and is in need of accountability.
November 26, 2018 at 5:12 pm
rhcwilliams
That’s the truth, Krissy. I’m not Catholic, so I don’t know if the local churches are addressing this issue with congregations themselves, but the silence from the Vatican is deafening. It’s a moral failure from a moral leader. I wonder if they’d get to work on fixing this if the government took away their tax exempt status? If they’re not acting as religious institutions that guide parishioners, serve the community and do good in the world, then they’re just another big business.
November 26, 2018 at 8:04 pm
Visionariekind
neither am I but I have to acknowledge what you’ve said ” moral failure from a moral leader” that’s it.. How something holy has been turned on its very head, not that I am perfect, however I do know church is big business and I’ve been on that side of church before and quickly ran back to just be a lay member because of the ugliness of church and business. I can only imagine this level of offense in the community and yet nothing is done to stop the cycles… 💕
November 27, 2018 at 2:41 am
rhcwilliams
You’re right, Krissy, church is big business and, this time, it’s the little people being run over. Something’s really got to give soon!
November 27, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Visionariekind
indeed you are right and I believe collectively our voices are making a difference