Where the Rubber Hits the Road

If the Vatican has been paying for Public and Media Relations services, it should sue for breach of contract! I can hardly remember a time when one organization has been so resolutely fixed in the cross-hairs of such critical media coverage for such an extended period of time. We've reached the point where it is evident that ripping this bandage off the Church 'bit by bit' is having horrendous consequences that have warped any attempted strategy into the media version of Chinese Water torture. Would it be any worse if the Church were to open itself to a complete audit and disclosure of all reports of alleged offenses and offenders currently known by any Bishop or Diocesan administration? This need not be a 'public' event. Organizations such as the Children's Aid Societies have effectively investigated all claims of any form of child abuse for many decades and are eminently qualified to confidentially determine the truth in a manner that protect...

Rotterdam Bishop Ad van Luyn has called for an independent investigation into the sexual exploitation of children by priests, after 200 alleged victims contacted help services. His call follows the publication of the Dublin Inquiry into the Irish Church scandals, and the revelation of allegations of misconduct in Germany and even within the ranks of the Vatican itself. Catholics in North America are all too familiar with these scandals. Repeated media reports that clerics have violated their religious obligation to celibacy and chastity have sorely tested the belief of many. Even the Bishops have not withstood the scrutiny of inquiry for they have been found culpable in the victimization of the Church’s most precious gifts - the trust of its members and the welfare of its members; actions which have brought untold suffering and confusion into the hearts and minds of many. The United States Bishops have taken one crucial step that, to date, has not been implemente...

A column from Charles Lewis of the National Post . Mr. Lewis has been a fairly impartial if perhaps even supportive of the RC Church. His voice should not be ignored. He has earned the benefit of the doubt as to his intentions. I have called for very much of the same thing on this blog: I have shared it as well with virtually every friend I have within the RC Church in my attempt to sell the idea. To date, I have been seen as being an 'alarmist'; a 'chicken little' running around claiming the sky was falling. " We've dealt with the issue effectively here in Canada " I was told. " We don't need to follow the American model - it's too extreme for us " was the consensus opinion of those who reviewed my suggestion. I was even cautioned that to propose such a structure publicly would result in my possible suspension by my Bishop, should he decide to take offense at my 'overstepping' my position as priest. Well I posted it on my blog a...