Scandal

Before turning the page, decide whether the grinding axe is coming from the left or right:

Reform cannot begin until the corruption is acknowledged. And since the American hierarchy apparently cannot or will not recognize the corruption with itself, other Catholics must call the bishops to account and demand the sort of responsible pastoral leadership that the American Church has not seen for years. Under these circumstances lay Catholics who criticize their bishops are not showing their disrespect for the bishop’s office. Quite the contrary. Those who revere the authority of a Catholic bishops should protect that authority — if necessary, even from the man who occupies the office.

Does it really matter?  The talking points are hardly distinguishable anymore.  If there is anything we have learned over the years, the sexual abuse crisis was never a crisis and it was never an epidemic.  It wasn’t unique to the Church.  It wasn’t unique to religious bodies.  The problem was pretty universal to all institutions that dealt with children.  Yet we are always asked to look to the ecclesial structure for the solution. 

Embezzlement happens.  It is pretty widespread in the Church actually for those unaware.  Maybe we need lay elected priests to address that issue.  Lord knows it is unheard of the private sector.  This book I’m sure will be a best seller in Catholic circles.  Aren’t they all?  If you aren’t going to get that $1 million check for getting mistreated by a priest®, then you might as well make a few dollars scandalizing the faithful by relishing in the scandal.  Of course some folks weren’t fortunate enough to be abused by a priest®, they just happened to get the abuse from a Big Brother, a teacher, or a family member.  No $1 million check for them.  There are no people eagerly anticipating books on how such people of such organizations are evil and should be disregarded.  Maybe there is just the recognition that there are bad people in the world and they can appear under any guise, and it is kind of stupid to try and destroy every organization that has had bad people, because by the time you are done you are left with the same people but no organizations.