Honest talk from the archbishop of Dublin on sex abuse:
Why am I discouraged? The most obvious reason is the drip-by-drip never-ending revelation about child sexual abuse and the disastrous way it was handled. There are still strong forces which would prefer that the truth did not emerge. The truth will make us free, even when that truth is uncomfortable. There are signs of subconscious denial on the part of many about the extent of the abuse which occurred within the Church of Jesus Christ in Ireland and how it was covered up. There are other signs of rejection of a sense of responsibility for what had happened. There are worrying signs that despite solid regulations and norms these are not being followed with the rigour required.
Read his talk "The Future of the Catholic Church in Ireland" here.
Also, Pope Benedict's words today en route to Fatima (see Kevin Clarke's post below) about the "terrifying" abuse scandal and the need for the church to look within (rather than blame its "persecutors," as some in the Curia have suggested) are bracing. And needed. Truth, transparency, honesty, forgiveness, justice, purification, and penance is the way ahead. All of that and hope in Christ.
The Missouri Jesuit provincial who found me credible and removed the perp Jesuit from teaching and ministry said ''the truth will set us free''.
The current Missouri Jesuit provincial who failed to address any of the problems after the perp Jesuit returned to ministry and teaching despite prohibitions also said ''the truth will set us free'' - and continues to lie about it.
I think it's time the Vatican investigated the Jesuits, since the Jesuits don't do anything about their own lies and sins. I have proof in letters to Fr. Nicolas that he ignored. Twice in the past month, Jesuits have been outted for allowing perp Jesuits back into ministry. There's a big problem.