Comments on: Random Thoughts on Crisis in the Church

By: Deacon Bob

Deacon Bob — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:52:15 +0000

Good to hear from you Gordon. The evilness of child sexual abuse is difficult to describe. What I find even more difficult to adequately describe is the psychological realities of the perpetrators of this abuse, and the psychological and spiritual consequences for victims.

I have been to more professional conferences than I can count about all of this. Perhaps the person I have heard speak most intelligibly about the psychological mindset of perpetrators is Anna Salter, Ph.D. from Madison, Wi. John Briere, Ph.D. from Los Angeles has written much on the realities for victims (as have many others).

There are many different kinds of perpetrators, requiring different responses.
All victims need to be heard. Perhaps the “truth telling” process you remind us of at the end of apartheid is a viable method.

By: Deacon Gordon Richard

Deacon Gordon Richard — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:37:49 +0000

I have many feelings, as most people do, about the clergy sexual abuse. It is a great sin and coming from within makes it even more evil. Not to mention the most innocent of victims. Much needs to be done and it is my hope that Benedict will do it. The most significant feeling is betrayal. And to be betrayed by the Church is most terrible.

One suggestion I have heard is to have a ‘truth telling’ much like they did in South Africa and I have seen to a lesser extent with Native Peoples. Healing is what is needed and that requires an openness the Church is not used to. I am hoping our pope can lead us through this and out of it to a healed or, at least, a healing Church,

By: Deacon Joe

Deacon Joe — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:15:44 +0000

Mary is right. Many people like to say that they found Jesus. But Jesus was never lost, they were.

A Blessed Easter to you all!

By: mary

mary — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:01:36 +0000

loosen up. It’s ok if you make a mistake and turn your back on Jesus. He is always seeking us.

By: Deacon Bob

Deacon Bob — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:51:35 +0000

Yes, Jesus will never abandon or hurt us!. Thank you for your comment.

What I was trying to say in that last sentence is that we run the risk of falling and hurting ourselves if we turn from the Truth who is Jesus. We will lose our way and get lost.

I think you are right in saying that if we trust Jesus, we are free to live in a variety of ways. There are many vocations and ways of life in the Church. Our faith relationship with Jesus frees us in so many ways.

Have a great day, Loretta!

By: Loretta

Loretta — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:32:22 +0000

Your last sentence leaves me wondering. It almost sounds like you think He will get you in the back. If you met Jesus, you should be able to turn any which way if you trust Him.
Don’r worry so much, you can’t get away from Jesus.