The Catholic Church in Crisis?

Being a former Catholic, I sit and watch as the Church begins to crumble. Yet another abuse scandal, more victims and more preditors. Most of the cases we hear about happened long ago. I recently had the oppurtunity to attand a small gathering of Catholics, who are struggling with the latest news and how it leaves them feeling about the Catholic church and thier faith. My original intent was not to write about the meeting, but to be a supporter. After hearing a few speak, it became clear how in the dark some are. The crowd was small and mostly over 60 years of age. I had been invited at the request of a friend, who is also a victim and also a woman. Something we don't hear too much, girls being abused by clergy. She had hoped the night would bring her some comfort, but left feeling there should be more discussions on this and people need to be more educated on the subject.

The difference between a homosexual and a pedophile: It amazed me at how many of this older generation get the two confused. One woman thought if the priesthood did away with celibacy, that would stop the abuse on children? Then another brought it up again... It challenges my faith to see so many niave people. How can we begin to fix a problem as this, when some don't even understand the act of abuse or the difference between someone's sexual orientation and a pedophile? Then came the victim shaming. "Why didn't the victim report it when it happened? "Why did they choose to go through social media or the news instead of reporting it"? I think before the Church worries so much about loosing its parishoners, maybe they should educate them of a few basic things. As far as loosing faith in the Catholic Church, I lost that years ago and for reasons other then abuse.

What DO we do when certain professions just seem to attracked preditors? Psychological testing for starters. Any profession that has adults constantly around kids and working with them, I think every single applicant should be subject to screenings. Sure, some will be able to get around it, but at least it is an effort and if it prevents one child from being a Victim, then well worth it!!

How did my friend feel about being in a room with people who just cannot grasp the concept of abuse? "We are living in denial, trying to rationalize these new findings with the clergy abuse. People are trying to rationalize this new information, to find clarity in the situation. they are not understnding the underline trama abuse can cause. Then add in the abuser is someone we are supposed to trust and turn to in times of religious and personal conflicts, it's impossible to comprehend how this abuse has effected not only the survivor's, but their families as well" she then added " to sit and hear people ask why the survivor waited so long to come forward is disheartening. Victim blaming doesnt help the survivor, they have been manipulated and blamed enough"

In all fairness, the Priest holding the event I attended did try to keep it on track and about the way people felt. Most there didn't want to talk about how it made them feel in regards to their faith, they wanted to talk about their opinions on the abuse and how it was handled or not handled. In the end, a door was opened with this meeting and in my opnion, it'sa start to acknowledging, educating and hopefully stopping any future abuse.

This article is my opinion and does not necessarily reflect the veiws of the Patch, its contributors or advertiser's.