More Than 300 Predator Priests In Pennsylvania Protected By Catholic Church

[BG45]

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this story is 20 to 30 years old, most of the priest (listed) are dead, the remaining are well beyond the statue of limitations.  

Could it be that this story has been resurrected to disparage and degrade Catholics and Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court who is a devout Catholic who allegedly holds antiabortion believes.  

Why else would this old news be brought up at this time?

Do you see any negative coverage of the Church as an attempt to influence politics?  Do you think that perhaps the victims themselves, many of whom are still around, or their families, might care about their victimization by men they should have been able to trust with both their lives and their immortal souls?  How many years ago should the cutoff be for caring about the rape of children, of impregnation and fraudulent marriages followed by swift divorce, by men forcing children to make child pornography and distributing it?

You're in a thread on a Catholic forum, no one is arguing against you about believing in the Holy Catholic Church as you underlined in another reply.  However, the Church is not perfect, it is made up of fallible human beings who fail to live up to the standards of Christ all the time.  Saint John Chrysostom once made a comment that variations float around the internet of, about how the road to Hell is paved with the skulls of priests (something that got him in trouble with Empress Eudoxia and the Bishop Theophilus), not because he thought the Church was evil, but because sometimes its leaders fail and lead people down a dark path.  It was of these sorts of people, Christ said in Matthew 18:6 (and the other Synoptic Gospels), "If anyone causes one of these little ones--those who believe in me--to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

I went to grad school in one of the dioceses in the report.  I looked at the section on it.  The diocesan retreat center I went to is named after Bishop Connare, who the report contains notes from, like, "we must guard this carefully with the utmost secrecy" about a child raping priest he was shuffling around, and shuffled to my home parish in another state decades before I was born.  The Bishop from the time I went to grad school there, has his name redacted due to ongoing litigation, meaning he probably covered something up during his time while he and I were both there.  

Living now in an archdiocese known for sexual abuse scandals prior to my arrival, it's very evident the archdiocese is still in cover up mode.  In the required thing about reporting suspected sexual abuse, in the bulletin, that appears in every Catholic Church in the United States now, this is the only one where I've seen Church authorities listed first, and state authorities second; for instance my home parish will give local law enforcement's number, local child protective service's number, and then say "if you would like to contact the diocese" last; here though, it's the opposite, archdiocese and its contact number first and then passing nod to the secular authorities with no local phone numbers for them.  

Does that mean I think the archdiocese is still covering up sexual abuse?  I'd hope not, though honestly, part of me wouldn't be surprised.  But I do think the cover up mentality became ingrained here, just as it seems it was ingrained in Pennsylvania.  Just as it was ingrained in Ireland, where we discovered sexual abuse was widespread and child mass graves.  Just as it was ingrained in Baltimore.  Just as it was ingrained in Boston.  Just as it was ingrained in Chicago, where there are still allegations that Francis Pellegrini was murdered due to his affair with a priest.  Just as it was ingrained apparently at the highest levels of the USCCB with McCarrick being an abuser.  Just as it was arguably ingrained at the Vatican, with the likes of Cardinal Pell being shielded.
Reports such as these are a reckoning.  They shed light on the actions of those who were entrusted with power and gravely abused it.  They shed light on the darkness that lurked within the heart of something that was supposed to shepherd people along.   Maybe you're right, maybe someone is doing it because they have an axe to grind, but even if that is the case, the victims deserve to have this brought out into the light of day.  The people of the Church deserve to have this brought to light.  

We're told in the book of the prophet Micah in the Old Testament that all that is required of us is to love justice, love kindness (or mercy, depending on translation) and to walk humbly with our God; it is not justice to hide the evil of others.  It is not merciful to do so, nor kind.  Nor do I personally find it in any way humble.  I converted around the time of the sexual abuse scandals first breaking in America, and something a seminarian told me is still with me today, "the Church is strongest when she is on her knees".  When we realize we are filled with arroagance and pride, and are forced to return to prayer and penance for the darkness that has been abetted by those charged with leading, protecting, and serving.
 

Edited August 16, 2018 by BG45
Tried to un-screw up my quote tag, was unable.

[Seven77]

17 hours ago, dUSt said:

I didn't believe this actually came from the USCCB website, so I went there... This is actually real. How can we get these wolves out of the flock?

We have to insist on it.

17 hours ago, dUSt said:

14 hours ago, KnightofChrist said:

The Pope should bring back a modern form of Inquisitors. Imprison those that cover up the crimes against nature, imprison and even put to death those that commit these crimes against nature.

But the Vatican at a press conference would not even answer questions or make any statement about the PA abuse report. What secular institution on Earth could get away with such a BS dodge?!  Why does Pope Francis show such a complete lack of leadership in this crisis? Why has he been so friendly with the Cardinals accused of hiding this vile behavior? What the blank is wrong with him? I'm sorry but what the blank is wrong with him? Where is his leadership? Is he going to just sit back and hope it blows over? Is he just going to sit back and "accept" resignations instead of forcefully kicking these jackholes out of leadership and the Church?

 

Sad to say, a few weeks ago, I was thinking about publicly executing these offenders – – and I am against the death penalty.  But I definitely think that they should be imprisoned for life, and those who blatantly cover up these crimes should be in prison for a time.

 As for McCarrick he should be forcibly laicized ASAP.

[Ash Wednesday]

22 hours ago, Josh said:

Catholics don't have a monopoly on Jesus. He's in other Trinitarian Churches as well.

He is not present in Protestant and Evangelical churches in the Eucharist -- body blood, soul and divinity. You will not find what you are looking for outside of the Catholic church.

 

Quote

I'm going to have to block you. 

You both should do the rest of the board a favor and mute each other because the constant bickering between you both is not benefitting anyone, including yourselves.

[Seven77]

22 hours ago, Josh said:

Catholics like you severely tempt me from leaving Catholicism. With this bs and your racist comments and Trump worshiping croutons. Coupling that with a Church that systematically protects pedophiles it's too much. Where two or more are gathered in Jesus name there he is in the midst of them. Catholics don't have a monopoly on Jesus. He's in other Trinitarian Churches as well.

Leaving because of Catholics who commit these atrocities, because of those who facilitate them, cover for them, or even downplay them is not the answer. Leaving is not the answer. The answer is in doing the exact opposite. The answer is in becoming holy for all it's worth. Be a better Catholic. Be the best Catholic you can be. Leaving is a way of not pursuing radical holiness. We can't make excuses anymore. As for me, I'm fed up of being mediocre, of being held back by sin. I'm not even entertaining the thought of leaving, because where the heck am I going to go? I'm in it to win it, even more now because of all this trash. I encourage you to do the same, strive to be a Saint because that's what you were made for. Don't let the devil have the upper hand, not now, not ever.

[Ash Wednesday]

I've been thinking about this quote a lot, especially this week. It's disturbing, but at the same time, it's a possibility I can't help but wonder and pray about. On the other hand, given that St. John Chrysostom lived circa 400 AD it goes to show that the Church has always had and always will have scandal.

Nobody is above criticism, but we also have to pray for all of the clergy and pray that seminaries can screen and produce good, holy priests. 

[Guest]

25 minutes ago, Ash Wednesday said:

 

The Priest's who did these things are horrible. But whats even more messed up is the cover-up up of it. Protecting these men to try to present some image so the Church could appear perfect to everyone and tell people how awful they are. And it goes all the way up to Cardinals and Popes. McCarrick being in charge of the sexual abuse stuff when hes an abuser himself. And people high up knowing including the Vatican and nothing was done and he was promoted and put in charge of keeping kids and teens safe. The Vatican won't even release a comment. This is not okay. At some point enough is enough. It's too extreme. There are tons of non Catholics who love God and Jesus and go to Church ect Catholics think they are so much better than there "seperated brethren" and everyone is so deprived who isn't Catholic. Look at what the Vatican spoke person just recently said about how the Pope doesn't have to follow the tradition or the Bible. It's crazy. http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/08/14/vatican-advisor-pope-breaks-catholic-traditions-whenever-he-wants/  My faith is in God and Jesus. Where I decide to go to Church and worship is up to me. Right now it's at a Catholic Church but if next week it isn't then that will be a choice I decide to make.

Edited August 16, 2018 by Guest

[Ash Wednesday]

Josh I will include your intentions in my rosary tomorrow.

[Guest]

3 minutes ago, Ash Wednesday said:

Josh I will include your intentions in my rosary tomorrow.

Actually dont please. Thanks. God Bless.

[Ash Wednesday]

1 minute ago, Josh said:

Actually dont please. Thanks. God Bless.

Am I too rotten in your eyes to pray for you? I pray for everyone on here.

[Guest]

You're not rotten at all lol But I don't know how you're praying for me and how God will answer your prayers. And the Rosary is powerful. So it's kinda scary sometimes when people say they will "pray" for you. 

[Seven77]

15 minutes ago, Josh said:

The Priest's who did these things are horrible. But whats even more messed up is the cover-up up of it. Protecting these men to try to present some image so the Church could appear perfect to everyone and tell people how awful they are. And it goes all the way up to Cardinals and Popes. McCarrick being in charge of the sexual abuse stuff when hes an abuser himself. And people high up knowing including the Vatican and nothing was done and he was promoted and put in charge of keeping kids and teens safe. The Vatican won't even release a comment. This is not okay. At some point enough is enough. It's too extreme. There are tons of non Catholics who love God and Jesus and go to Church ect Catholics think they are so much better than there "seperated brethren" and everyone is so deprived who isn't Catholic. Look at what the Vaticam spoke person just said about the Pope doesn't have to follow the tradition or the Bible. It's crazy. My faith is in God and Jesus. Where I decide to go to Church and worship is up to me. Right now it's at a Catholic Church but if next week it isn't them that will be a choice I decide to make.

You are right to be upset. This scandal is extreme and it is definitely not ok. We all have the right to We all have the right to be upset and angry. But let's do something constructive with our anger. And, of course other Christians can be better Christians than a whole lot of Catholics. So follow their example. If they knew what we had as Catholics, they would be coming in droves. Why don't you be the light that helps them out?  Don't be afraid. I believe you. You have a good heart brother.

[Ash Wednesday]

10 minutes ago, Josh said:

You're not rotten at all lol But I don't know how you're praying for me and how God will answer your prayers. And the Rosary is powerful. So it's kinda scary sometimes when people say they will "pray" for you. 

Well, I don't know or at least understand how God answers my prayers most of the time so your guess would be as good as mine. Usually when I say "your intentions" it's just echoing whatever your prayers and concerns are between you and God.

Only reason I brought it up is because I'm doing a rosary novena right now related to the whole dumpster fire that's going on, so if anyone else has any requests just let me know.

Some people are responding with anger, and I don't blame them.

 

Mostly I just feel a very deep, abiding sadness. 

[Guest]

18 minutes ago, Seven77 said:

You are right to be upset. This scandal is extreme and it is definitely not ok. We all have the right to We all have the right to be upset and angry. But let's do something constructive with our anger. And, of course other Christians can be better Christians than a whole lot of Catholics. So follow their example. If they knew what we had as Catholics, they would be coming in droves. Why don't you be the light that helps them out?  Don't be afraid. I believe you. You have a good heart brother.

I'm not even that upset. I'm just in shock. It's not about Christians being better or whatever and following their example. I'm just saying they gather for worship and preaching and Jesus said with his own words he's in the midst of them. 

Something drastic has to change. Bishops need to go. Celibacy needs to maybe be lifted and allow married men or men free to marry in Seminaries to break up all this homosexual stuff going on. I'm not okay being associated with a Church that is going to continue covering and protecting pedophiles and sexual abusers. I don't want to stop being Catholic. I love Mass. But I'm not okay with this and just going along with it becuase "I have to." It's to extreme.

14 minutes ago, Ash Wednesday said:

Well, I don't know or at least understand how God answers my prayers most of the time so your guess would be as good as mine. Usually when I say "your intentions" it's just echoing whatever your prayers and concerns are between you and God.

Only reason I brought it up is because I'm doing a rosary novena right now related to the whole dumpster fire that's going on, so if anyone else has any requests just let me know.

Some people are responding with anger, and I don't blame them.

 

Mostly I just feel a very deep, abiding sadness. 

Okay thank you. You can pray for my intentions. Yeah it is sad.

Edited August 16, 2018 by Guest

[Guest]

There is a why behind it all insofar as the perpetrators are concerned and those who covered up.  That is what needs to be accurately pinpointed and adddressed.    There is a cause or causes and more likely the latter.

As far as the victims are concerned, I think that The Church should be bankrupt and even that would not adequately address any justice for the victims.  How could money every set things straight! The victims must suffer for the rest of their lives having had their childhood stolen from them.  I know with myself that terrible images from the past (not abuse) re-occur at times along with the fear and pain experienced at the time.

I am shocked, sickened, and not at all ok with the scandals originating in truly warped human natures in the leadership of our Church, but I am Catholic because of Jesus and I could not abandon Jesus in The Blessed Eucharist for one.  I can never forget someone very holy I knew who endured a dreadful trauma on every level prior to his death - his words to me were "Jesus is in this somewhere".  And in the Doctrine of Divine Providence, indeed He was and is now.

[dominicansoul]

14 hours ago, Josh said:

Celibacy needs to maybe be lifted and allow married men or men free to marry in Seminaries to break up all this homosexual stuff going on. 

I always get so annoyed by this argument.  I'm a celibate.  Millions of single devout Catholics are celibate.  We're not raping kids everywhere.   In the majority of cases outside the priesthood, pedophiles are married.  

 

[little2add]

there has been very few cases of abuse have been identified since 2002, Burke said the grand jury’s findings are consistent with the conclusions of previous studies, which show “that Catholic Church reforms in the United States drastically reduced the incidence of clergy child abuse.”

“The Holy See encourages continued reform and vigilance at all levels of the Catholic Church, to help ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults from harm,” Burke said, and stressed the need to comply with the civil law, including requirements for the mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse.

Pope Francis is well aware of how profoundly these crimes can “shake the faith and the spirt of Believers,” he said, and said the pope reiterates his call “to make every effort to create a safe environment for minors and vulnerable adults in the Church and in all of society.”

source: https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2018/08/16/vatican-voices-shame-after-pennsylvania-report-says-pope-is-on-victims-side/

[Guest]

1 hour ago, dominicansoul said:

I always get so annoyed by this argument.  I'm a celibate.  Millions of single devout Catholics are celibate.  We're not raping kids everywhere.   In the majority of cases outside the priesthood, pedophiles are married.  

 

Most of the cases or a bunch are of gay men hooking up with teenagers. The Priesthood attracts gay men. Look at Cardinal McCarrick and all those like him. They're gay. They're hooking up with teenagers (plus adults) and some boys as well. You say millions of Catholics are celibate. I'm sure these single people fall and get up. Maybe there are a few perfect ones who never fall into sexual immortality but most do. And the ones who go to Confession keep trying to do a decent job. But there are probably very few celibate devout Catholics who never fall into sexual immortality.

Edited August 17, 2018 by Guest

[dominicansoul]

3 minutes ago, Josh said:

Most of the cases or a bunch are of gay men hooking up with teenagers. The Priesthood attracts gay men. Look at Cardinal McCarrick and all those like him. They're gay. They're hooking up with men and some boys as well. You say millions of Catholics are celibate. I'm sure these single people fall and get up. Maybe there are a few perfect ones who never fall into sexual immortality but most do. And the ones who go to Confession keep trying to do a decent job. But there are probably very few celibate devout Catholics who never fall into sexual immortality.

CELIBACY DOES NOT CAUSE PEDOPHILIA

 

That's the point I wanted to make.  

[Guest]

Right but a ton of the cases have been gay men abusing teenagers. That's a homosexual problem.

Edited August 17, 2018 by Guest

[Ash Wednesday]

That is true. According to the John-Jay-Report 80.9% of the alleged abuse victims in the United States were male. 8 of 10!