Another point of view - the pedophilia scandal in Ireland:

[hedgehog]

"There is something in the human psyche that no amount of authoritarianism can snuff out: we will rise from any cowed depth to protect children. That was the Vatican's mistake; that was John Magee's mistake: neither the organisation nor the man comprehended that.

How could they? They are an institution dedicated to male celibacy and fear of women: their iconic image of complete womanhood as unworthy is an enduring one. Their belief is that only a virgin was worthy to give birth to the Christ. In faith, everything must be sacrificed to coldness and emptiness. The joy and beauty of children, and the glory of sex, leave them bewildered and fearful."

More at

http://clericalwhispers.blogspot.com/2009/03/children-must-be-protected-from-will-of.html

[Matilda]

1. I think the writer has nailed the problem with the clergy perfectly.

It's not only this case; it's Cardinal Law, it's the Brazilian case, and, I suspect, every other case of abuse in
the Church's history. The prime concern of the clergy, from the Vatican down, is to protect the reputation of the
Church. What has happened to "Feed my sheep?"

Yes, the Church has to display moral authority, but the question has to be asked: "On what is that authority to be
based?" Is it the power of the Church, or is it love?

When the most vulnerable are not only abused, but either ignored or villified when they dare to object to their
treatment, something is dreadfully skewed. What is most shocking is not simply that such abuse has happened, but
the complete lack of outrage from the hierarchy. One cannot escape the feeling that for the clergy it's a case of
"us against them", which is turning the concept of the Good Shepherd on its head.

You don't have to be a mother or a father to feel outrage at the abuse of a child; you just have to be a caring
human being who knows right from wrong. So why don't they get it?

[hedgehog]

2. Toss in the bunker mentality that says that we will cover up and accept

anything rather than air the dirty laundry in front of non-Catholics! That attitude evolves quickly into one that insists that there is nothing wrong because the Church is perfect! Of course, identification of "Church" with "clergy" is a given.