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PDF versionVatican asks victims to see church as ally in fighting abuse
by John L Allen Jr on Oct. 31, 2010
After roughly sixty victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in various nations held a vigil Sunday near St. Peter’s Square, a delegation of the victims met with Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesperson. Lombardi gave the victims a letter pledging to work towards “solidarity and consensus between us.”
“Of course, we must continue to do more. And your cry today is an encouragement to do more,” Lombardi wrote.
“But a large part of the church is already on the good path. The major part of the crimes belong to times bygone. Today’s reality and that of tomorrow are more beckoning. Let us help one another to journey together in the right direction.”
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Editor's Note: See our earlier story: Vatican denies squelching coverage of victims’ rally
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Lombardi asked the victims to see the Catholic church as an "ally" in the fight against abuse, wherever it occurs.
“This fight must be fought by us together, uniting our forces against the spread of this scourge,” he wrote.
Lombardi acknowledged that the church has learned about the reality of abuse in part because of what the victims of priestly abuse, including victims' groups, have taught it.
Lombardi provided the full text of his letter to the victims to NCR, which appears below.
The vigil, billed as “Reformation Day,” was organized by “Survivors Voice,” a group led by two Boston-area abuse victims from the United States, Gary Bergeron and Bernie McDaid. In April 2008, McDaid was one of five victims who met Pope Benedict XVI in Washington, D.C., the pontiff’s first encounter with victims of sexual abuse.
According to Italian news reports, Lombardi walked from his Vatican office to the area near Castel Sant’Angelo, roughly five minutes away, where the victims had gathered. They had been denied permission to assemble in St. Peter’s Square itself, though a few victims entered the square individually to deliver letters to the Vatican, where were received by a Swiss Guard.
ANSA, an Italian news agency, reported that when Lombardi approached the victims, a couple yelled “Shame!” Later, however, Lombardi met with a group of eight victims in his office at Vatican Radio for almost an hour.
In comments to the media, McDaid and Bergeron were critical of the church’s response to the sexual abuse crisis.
“No other institution would be permitted to protect its own management the way they do,” McDaid was quoted as saying.
Bergeron said “there’s no person, in any position or any institution, in any part of the world, whose importance ought to rank above defending children or the law.”
VATICAN LETTER TO SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS
On the occasion of “Reformation Day”, organised by “Survivor’s Voice”
By Fr. Lombardi
The windows of my office at Vatican Radio are just a few metres away, and therefore it seems fitting to me to listen, and to make a tangible sign of our attention, to your meeting.
This intervention of mine is not an official one, but because of my deep insertion and identification with the Catholic Church and the Holy See, I believe I can express the feelings shared by many regarding the object of your manifestation.
In this, I feel encouraged by the attitude of the Pope, made manifest many times, that is, to listen to the victims, and show the will to do everything necessary, so that the horrible crimes of sexual abuse may never happen again.
I must say that, even though I do not share all of your declarations and positions, I find in many of these the elements on which one can develop a pledge, that will bring solidarity and consensus between us.
It is true that the Church must be very attentive so that the children and the young, who are entrusted to her educational activities, may grow in a completely secure environment.
Yesterday morning, a hundred thousand young people were present in these places for a great celebration of their faith and of their youthfulness, and they are but a small part of the youths who take part with trust and enthusiasm in the life of the Church community. We must absolutely ensure that their growth be healthy and serene, finding all the protection which is rightfully theirs. We all have a great responsibility with regards to the future of the youth of the world.
It is true that the procedures of investigation and of intervention must be ever swifter and more effective, whether from the Church or from the civil authorities, and that there must be a good collaboration between these two, in conformity to the laws and situations of the countries concerned.
I know, you think that the Church should do more, and in a quicker way. From my point of view – even though one may and should always do more – I am convinced that the Church has done, and is doing a lot. Not only the Pope, with his words and example, but many Church communities in various parts of the world have done and are doing a lot, by way of listening to the victims as well as in the matter of prevention and formation.
Personally, I am in contact with many persons who work in this field in many countries, and I am convinced that they are doing a lot. Of course, we must continue to do more. And your cry today is an encouragement to do more. But a large part of the Church is already on the good path. The major part of the crimes belongs to times bygone. Today’s reality and that of tomorrow are more beckoning. Let us help one another to journey together in the right direction.
But the more important thing that I wanted to say to you is the following, and I feel encouraged to say it, because it seems to me that you also are aware of it.
The scourge of sexual abuses, especially against minors, but also in a general way, is one of the great scourges of today’s world. It involves and touches the Catholic Church, but we know very well that what has happened in the Church is but a small part of what has happened, and continues to happen in the world at large. The Church must first free herself of this evil, and give a good example in the fight against the abuses within her midst, but afterwards, we must all fight against this scourge, knowing that it is an immense one in today’s world, a scourge which increases the more easily when it remains hidden; and many are indeed very happy that all the attention is focussed on the Church, and not on them, for this allows them to carry on undisturbed.
This fight must be fought by us together, uniting our forces against the spread of this scourge, which uses new means and ways to reach out today, helped in this by internet and the new forms of communication, by the crisis hitting families, by sexual tourism and traffic which exploit the poverty of the people in various continents.
What the Church has learnt in these years – prompted also by you and by other groups – and the initiatives that she can take to purify herself and be a model of security for the young, must be of use to all. For this, I invite you to look at the Church ever more as a possible ally, or – according to me – as an ally already active today in the pursuit of the most noble goals of your endeavours.
That Fred Lombardi, what a
That Fred Lombardi, what a comedian!
Agreed! what absolute
Agreed! what absolute hogwash! the letter does not acknowledge that besides the horrific crimes (regardless of whether the rest of society commits the same), that the coverups by the Church hierarchy, the refusal to accept responsibility for these coverups, and the refusal to deal appropriately with the male hierarchy involved in the coverups, constitute terrible crimes too -- and are a great source of pain (to put it mildly).
I am surprised that the reporter, who I believe normally provides balanced coverage, did not speak to these glaring omissions.
Perhaps he left those bits
Perhaps he left those bits out because he is not as ideologically driven by his hatred of the Church as you are?
once again, M/M Anonymous,
once again, M/M Anonymous, blame the victim. You have no idea. None.
Education, by the way, does not give you the clue you need here.
Once again, a seemingly
Once again, a seemingly artful dodge by a Vatican official.
Is it just me, or are they only convincing themselves. More than anything, I detest the idea that they think we are so stupid!
Lombardi must have gone back to his offices and patted himself on the back for all the salient points he made and for his magnanimous gesture to partner with the riff raff. They must think they are so artful, that we will forget that the true evil here consists not only in the rape of children but in the systematic cover-up. If it weren't for the publicity surrounding this in these last 8 or 9 years, they would still be covering it up.
They must think that we are unaware that this "unofficial" communication was made without "official" consultation. What is it that the "official" Vatican is afraid of? Do they think they have made enough gestures to abuse victims and it is now time for us to take our cue and leave them alone? Can they finally get on the band wagon and realize that the horror and outrage persists because of their clueless attitude of superiority?
I, for one, am so sick of this Roman group. I do not know how they imagine they are the same Church Jesus established. I think it is high time that we get some little missionary sister, who has been working in a third world country laboring for the anawim, to come and lead the Church. Forget about these insulated, overfed, pompous clerics who imagine themselves to be above everyone else.
I wrote to my bishop ( a
I wrote to my bishop ( a courteous letter) about the church seeming to support the USA's eternal wars. I got an insulting reply. More of the same, arrogant bishops above reproach or responsibility. Poor Christ!
The problem is that everyone
The problem is that everyone who makes a claim of abuse is treated as a victim. All of these people are alleged victims. The Vatican should show some common sense here. Everyone who brings a claim within the statute of limitations should be polygraphed & interviewed by a psychologist to see if the claim has any merit.
Also, what about cases where a priest was involved with abuse of a minor in concert with a family member of the minor. We know next to nothing of the whole story of these cases of alleged abuse. How many of these alleged victims of abuse come clean about family abuse when they accuse a priest?
Paulte: When my late Dad, who
Paulte:
When my late Dad, who worked tirelessly for st. Vincent DePaul had idiots complaining that some recipients might not be deserving, he said, "If we help them and they don't need it, it's their problem; if they do need it and don't get it because of bureaucratic rules meant to deter cheats, it's my problem before God. I really don't care if half the alleged victims collect some money, as long as the real victims get the help and respect they need. Your attitude does not help in the least, but I do notice you have no unpublished opinions.
Mr. Larree you state, "I
Mr. Larree you state, "I really don't care if half the alleged victims collect some money, as long as the real victims get help..." So, by extension, do you not "care" if innocent priests are publicly humiliated and have their lives destroyed, so long as the real abusers are caught and stopped?
You see, unlike the St. Vincent de Paul, it is not a question of helping everyone, even those who may just be taking advantage. This is a question of people's lives and their reputations. As Blackstone famously said, "the law holds that it is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer".
From a rational point of
From a rational point of view, any system is imperfect, including one ferreting out clerical rappers of children and molestors of young people. Treating any person who has been interferred with as a rape or molestation victim from the first is wise if for no other reason that the incidents where the accusations are false seem to so rare that seining for a liar or cheat can not be a good use of resources, nor does it really deal with the heinous problem at hand.
By analogy, if 4 people come in with broken legs, the responsible medics begin treating all 4 for broken legs until in the process of treatment it becomes clear that one of the people has no broken legs, in which case that person is removed from treatment. In the meantime, the other 3 people get are treated in a timeley and reasonable fashion for their broken legs.
But I wonder if pointing out that a victim of clerical rape might also be rapped by another actually diminshes the outrage caused by the rape of a child or young person by a cleric. More than likely, it would not.
Though it is a good point to suggest that if the civil authorities are made aware of further crimes that they act on that knowledge and perhaps break apart a pedophile or prostitution ring.
That's the problem? Hardly.
That's the problem? Hardly. The problem is that the abuse went on for years unchecked and unchanged. Priests who were known to have committed abuse were relocated, and no one in the new parishes were advised about the history of these abusers. Many children who were abused were told not to say anything because they themselves would be found to be at fault for attracting the abuse. In my years researching abuse, I never found a child who "wanted" to be sexually violated. Mostly it caused them years of heartache and confusion.
Your logic is not only sickening, it's suspicious. It's the logic abusers use to defend themselves.
I don't agree... polygraphing
I don't agree... polygraphing them to see if what they are saying is true adds insult to injury.
The cases where a priest and a family member have abused only means that there were two abusers and two guilty parties. It makes the abuse by the priest no less abominable. Unfortunately many kids suffer abuse at the hands of multiple perpetrators, and grow up to suffer abuse from their spouses or predators. :((
Excellent point, Ana. It
Excellent point, Ana. It occurs to me that as an advocate for abuse survivors, I actually know of two men who were abused by more than one perpetrator--- and where the perpetrators were either acquainted with one another or served in the same institution. And where the second perpetrator was the same person.
In other words it is likely that these young men were "passed on" from one abuser to another.
Please tell us, Paulte--- which of these abusers' guilt is diminished by virtue of the existence of the other?
Paulte, you make me feel
Paulte, you make me feel young again.
For I haven't been confronted with such deep denial since before the year 2002. Truly, your ability to roll back time rivals the best cosmetics!
Normally I would respond to
Normally I would respond to you with words, but I for once, am speechless!
On what plant do you claim to be a Catholic? Your attitude speaks for itself.
Do you really believe Jesus would ask for a polygraph before he assisted anyone let alone those who have been abused? Do you not see how painful this would be to a true victim? As for the families of these victims, as you say if indeed they allowed this to happen with their knowledge then they were also committing the sins as well. To blame this on them thought, misses the point. It's happened and continues to happen.
May I respectfully suggest that you seek out a good Spiritual Director!
paulte, the damage done by
paulte, the damage done by the sexual abuse of clergy is so great--the scandal given so intrinsically evil--that any priest and religious accused should be polygraphed. Equally, every bishop and church official aught to be tested equally for aiding and abetting those criminals. Now that would have them all run for cover, wouldn't it?
THERE IS NO way that the
THERE IS NO way that the church can be seen as an ally of abuse victims. I will give you three reasons:
1) Nowhere in the church is there non-priestly oversight of priests. There are no lay people participating in certification for ordination, accreditation or assignment of priests. There is probably no professional lay person with oversight responsibilities in accepting men into any seminary. Priests/bishops are in charge every step of the way. It is the same clerical club responsible for the abuse scandal in the first place --- the proverbial fox guarding the henhouse.
2) There is no board that hears allegations or red-flag complaints. Some dioceses tout a Diocesan Review Board but it seldom meets, is never the first to be informed, does not hear complaints directly and independently, and has only advisory duties as requested by the local bishop. Usually, they are asked only to ratify what the bishop decides.
3) There is no transparency in any church handling of abuse or alleged abuse cases (or even in the settlement of cases). The church never reveals anything that the courts do not force. Therefore, Catholic faithful is kept in the dark on many circumstances of abuse, so they learn nothing from the incidences. When has anyone seen in recent years the details of an abuse reported in a diocesan newspaper? (It is NOT because they are no "new" cases.)
Abuse victims should reject any church outreach to them until the church enacts meaningful reforms that can prevent clerical abuse and swifly act when it does occur.
If their lips are moving,
If their lips are moving, they're usually lying! Words are cheap, and words coming out of the mouths of the Hierarchy usually prove to be worthless. How could they have lied to us for years, and denied the simple fact that documents like Crimen Solicitationes existed for the sole purpose of ensuring that victims would be effectively silenced and Pedophile Priests would be protected, so that SCANDAL wouldn't be brought to the door of the Church? How can we now believe that High-hatted Clerics have turned over a new leaf, that they have stopped practicing the "Art of Mental Reservation," (similar to the fine art of LYING), and that they have turned over a new leaf called, "Honesty?" It won't be until priests and members of the clergy clearly realize that the Church will speedily turn them over to the legal system and put an end to their careers in the ministry that men will simply not chance touching a child in an inappropriate way. The Church had no mercy for apostates and heretics during the Inquisitions. Why has She been so merciful towards pedophiles?
Vast generalizations without
Vast generalizations without foundation in fact.
What specifically was not
What specifically was not factual?
What generalizations are you
What generalizations are you talking about. Give us a clue.
Anon., do you come to this
Anon., do you come to this blog to incite riots, do you get a charge out of being so divisive and clearly out of touch with reality? Do you think that because you have some kind of degree, and consider yourself a faithful, practicing Catholic, you are right? My God, again, may I say, with all that is in me, you do not have a clue. It is you who are out of touch. Way, far, out in the furthest reaches of the galaxy, out of touch.
Be careful what you wish
Be careful what you wish for......you may get it.
If we learn anything from the OT, it is not to allow the State to lead us.
A funny story: in the Spring of 2007 I was asked, along with other smart money people, to develop a Parish Investment policy for our diocese. We "smart" guys suggested more brazen forms of investments such as futures, options, etc. The clergy aaid "No". They wanted to stick to CDs, etc. What a bunch of luddites we thought. Two years later they looked like financial geniuses!!
Agreed: that victims should
Agreed: that victims should demand meaningful reforms.
You missed the target, however, in your reasoning. The fact is that all three of your reasons are overstated. From my direct personal experience I can assure you that there is, in fact, "non-priestly oversight of priests" in some places; in some instances members of lay boards do deal directly with complaints and some boards are entrusted with genuine authority, they are not simply rubber stamps for the bishop, and do meet regularly; and, finally some dioceses have been thoroughly cooperative, according to judicial authorities.
When matters are handled well, or, as in instances where clerics are subject to "non-priestly" oversight, such things tend to not be interesting subjects for media reporting in the present climate. So you would have to be directly involved in some way to even know of it, because you won't be reading about it in the press. I dare say even the editors of NCR would have no idea that such stories are waiting to be told. It will likely be many generations or more before the full story is told. In the mean time, let's continue to pray and work for meaningful reforms in every corner of the church and society so that no victim will have ever suffered in vain and every child from this day forward will find protection and comfort in our parishes, schools and homes.
"Lombardi acknowledged that
"Lombardi acknowledged that the church has learned about the reality of abuse in part because of what the victims of priestly abuse, including victims' groups, have taught it."
Here I thought it was because the victims' lawyers kept cleaning them out in court.
How can the Vatican expect to
How can the Vatican expect to be seen as an ally to abuse victims when Cardinal Law hold a position of prestige and power in the Vatican--seemingly as a reward for his stewardship in Boston about which "nuff said."
Absolutely. The Vatican's
Absolutely.
The Vatican's position on this is, "Come on, Baby, give me one more chance. I'll treat you right this time."
Not that I think there's even a vague possibility of this, but Cardinal Law will likely be in the next conclave. He could be the next pope. Wouldn't that make, "You should see the church as an ally," look like a dirty joke.
Cardinal Law holds the
Cardinal Law holds the position of Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. It is largely a ceremonial post and certainly not a position of power. The Basilica is situated near Rome's Termini railway station some four miles from Vatican City. It is well removed from the centre of Church administration and power.
The former Archbishop of Boston will reach the age of 80 on 4 Nov 2011, God willing, and will no longer be a Cardinal Elector from that date.
What's that line from Matthew
What's that line from Matthew - judge not as you will be judged in the same measure?
Hooray! this responder seems to have his heart in the right place.
Simeon, From Wikipedia: After
Simeon,
From Wikipedia:
After his resignation, John Paul II appointed Law to a post in Rome, putting him in charge of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with the title of Archpriest.[7] He is also a member of the Congregations for the Oriental Churches, the Clergy, Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, Evangelisation of Peoples, Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Catholic Education, Bishops as well as the Pontifical Council for the Family.
He is also a member of the Curia, as you can see above. That last Council for the Family is particularly galling.
I agree. When are they going
I agree. When are they going to get it at the Vatican. They can talk all they want, but until they treat Cardinal Law like Benedict treated the founder of the Legionnaires no person from the US is going to think that the Vatican is serious about sexual abuse.
I predict that Cardinal Law
I predict that Cardinal Law will soon "retire," from his cushy Vatican position to make way for another criminal cardinal, who should be looking for a way to "Get out of Dodge," Cardinal Mahoney of L.A. We have yet to see how the Church is going to protect Cardinal Mahoney, as it seems that a 600 million dollar settlement to the victims didn't shut them up! No, they expected Mahoney to fulfill his pledge of releasing ALL of the documents pertaining to the way the archdiocese systematically covered up cases of abuse! If things get too hot for Mahoney, he'll need to be pulled out of the States and given a cushy position like Cardinal Law's or perhaps in the Vatican Bank, which is also known for covering up its questionable practices. Maybe Mahoney could fill the dead Cardinal Marcinkus' shoes. Remember Marcinkus? He was one of the kingpins in the Banco Ambrosiano Scandal of 1982, where the Vatican also lost billions! Now, that would be a good place for a dedicated cardinal like Mahoney and in the long-run an expensive curse to his protectors in the Vatican.
FYI Archbishop Paul Marcinkus
FYI Archbishop Paul Marcinkus was never elevated to the College of Cardinals. After retiring as head of the "Vatican Bank" he returned to the United States and eventually retired to Arizona where he spent his last years assisting at a local parish Church
Amen! He seems to be the
Amen! He seems to be the poster boy for unChristian behavoir and decision-making in the areasAVDGK of abuse both of children and of power. He is a disgrace and has made what was already horrible even more so by continuing in his official place and palace in Rome.
If this is what the the Pope and Curia deem as an example of someone who is so smart his intelligence is needed in various committees, God protect us from the folks in Rome.
They have lost credibility and this overflows onto other issues as well. Why should anyone listen to what they have to say about war and the poor, when they cannot protect and won't protect their own people, not even children, and prove this by maintaining someone like Law as a peer.
Whether they would not let him resign or whether he just will not resign - it does not matter - he still is a symbol of callousness beyond anything that someone "in persona Christi" should represent.
In a word - I don't believe this "ally" business. Words mean not much when actions seem so contradictory.
The penetrating and
The penetrating and deletorious effects of abuse on one's life is beyond anyone's imaginings unless you have been there yourself. The many lives which have been devasted by the arrogance and sinfulness of these pharasaical church men is a horrific tragedy. Only God can judge these weak human perpretrators but all of us need to compassionately care for those who have suffered at their hands. I don't see how anyone can talk about the sanctity of life when talking about abortion issues and then disregard these precious human lives which were spiritually and emotionally stunted like our catholic church does. I hope and pray that God will touch the hard hearts of our church leaders who ignore and dismiss this terrible happening in our midst. Settlement monies for therapy will never undo the suffering that so many of our brothers and sisters have experienced throughout their precious life.
Amen! You said all I wish I
Amen!
You said all I wish I could have said and more. It's the only true "Catholics" response.
Besides the money already
Besides the money already paid to the victims, the listening and measures of prvention now in place, something more is required. It is not all the 'structural reforms' many rightly ask for. What is needed is a public expression of the upper clergy carrying the Cross of Shame. This is not the same as all the 'toxic shame' the victims have carried. As long as the bishop and cardinals continue to display themselves in the robes of royalty, and not the sack cloth of penitents the ordinary 'lay' will not believe the 'goverment' of the Church 'Gets It'.
In each diocese the People of
In each diocese the People of God ought to establish a Society of Penitents composed of all sitting and retired: bishops assigned there, all rectors, all chancellors, all vicars, all seminary administrators, seminary professors, and any others involved in the scandal of episcopal secrecy about the rape of children and the molestation of young people. Essentially membership will be composed of anyone who directly or indirectly supported the institutional mechanism that allowed for this horror.
Each of these people, usually clerics and therefore men, would be required to attend all the Sunday Masses at each parish. Before each Mass the member of the Society of Penitents will scrub the paths, porches, and steps leading into the nave of the Church; plea for forgiveness from the faithful after each homily; and kneel by the main doors of the Church as the faithfull exit at the end of Mass.
These penitents, will have to visit each parish, chapel, oratory, anywhere in the diocese where Sunday Mass is celebrated until each penitent has visited each place of worship. During which time the penitent will not be allowed to leave the diocese for any reason, even for required visits to the curia in the Vatican.
During the time of penance, the penitents will be identified by a purple stole which is worn at all times.
For those penitents who were translated or transferred from one diocese to another, they will have to return to the former diocese to do the same.
Some time in this century,
Some time in this century, before there is an 'established' Society of Penitents will there be at least one cleric to follow Russel's Rule? Will John Allen tell us who and where?
I hope those 60 victims
I hope those 60 victims insist that lay people become on-going members of all Diocesan administrative committees, especially those that reassign priests. The Holy Spirit inspires all baptised faithful and our gifts of the Holy Spirit in our own sphere of influence in the world should be regularly used in the administration of the Church. That would not be encroaching on the sacramental sphere of priests. It would also provide the transparency needed to check any kind of coruption anywhere.
By "Church" I guess the
By "Church" I guess the Vatican might mean..... the people of God. In that case, yes, we are allies in fighting abuse.
Most likely, the Vatican, no big fan of Vaitcan 2 theologhy means the hierarchy, when they say church, and it that case, no, the hierarchy is no ally in the treatment of sexual abuse. The hierarchy is the main cause and until they get that and actually DO something about it (like, structural changes and actually taking responsibility for abuse)they have lost all their credibility. That moral credibility will be restored only after a long time of constructive change and the Vatican doesn't even see the need for it, and therefore haven't even started the process. How very sad these poor old men are.
If it weren't for Vatican 2 theology reminding us that we are the church, the failure of the hierarchy would have long ago caused me to leave.
Unforyunately, it is gettin more difficult to stay in an institution whose leadership is so morally corrupt.
I agree with Henry. As lomg
I agree with Henry. As lomg as Law - &other like him - hold positions of power and honor in the Church, it is difficult to take the Church's promises seriously. Now we find the the current - & probably the incoming President of the American bishops' conference have the same history. How can we see the Church hierarchy as our allies in the fight againsy child sexual abuse?
I agree with Henry. As lomg
I agree with Henry. As lomg as Law - &other like him - hold positions of power and honor in the Church, it is difficult to take the Church's promises seriously. Now we find the the current - & probably the incoming President of the American bishops' conference have the same history. How can we see the Church hierarchy as our allies in the fight againsy child sexual abuse?
The days when we prayed over
The days when we prayed over the table, men and women alike just seems so right. volumes of books dedicated to explain
Christs message perplexes me. I weep because we are children and the Church abuses us
There is no indcation that
There is no indcation that reform, renewal, regeneraton, revitalization, and respect will ever come to us from the top down. Hierarchical words have become meaningless to educated people today. Until principles found in the documents of VC2 are fully implemented, the Church will continue its downward spiral. The Vatican is a powerful example of "none so blind as those who will not see."
PAX. Aristophilos
The personal letter of
The personal letter of Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi continues the new tradition of fatuous responses to the Church's old tradition of priestly sex abuse.
No role of the hierarchy in facilitating, concealing, and protecting predatory priests is recognized. Today, Law, Sodano, Mahony, McCormack, and many others continue to sit in posts of high Church honor despite the well-known parts they have played.
As far as "what the Church has learnt in these years" goes, notable Catholics wrote with harsh clarity and understanding about the problem of priestly sexual abuse nearly 1000, 500, and 50 years ago - St. Peter Damian (Book of Gomorrah 1049), Pope Pius V (Horrendum 1568), and Father Fitzgerald (letters 1950s-60s). So much for devotion to history and the wisdom of the past.
The claim that "the major part of the crimes belongs to times bygone" is patently unsupportable as indicated, in part, by the evidence Lombardi was facing, live victims. Voluminous evidence shows that, for understandable reasons, victims are not inclined to report promptly when abused. Unless one assumes that, somehow, the human nature of deeply wounded victims has just changed in fundamental ways, most youngsters being abused today should not be expected to find the strength and courage to report the crime for many years.
If Lombardi's words "express the feelings shared by many", the Vatican's present problem is far more profound than the bad PR often mentioned.
This is one of the saddest
This is one of the saddest articles I have read. The men, who make up the hierarchy of the institutional church, obviously don't know that when trust is broken it may take a long time to reestablish it. The sexual abuse scandal is about 2 different issues; the first being sexual predators who are individuals who can permeate all ways of life, not just the Catholic Church. The second is the coverup by the hierarchy of the institutional church. I wonder who God sees as more evil.
To quote Fr. Federico
To quote Fr. Federico Lombardi: "This intervention of mine is not an official one, but because of my insertion and identification with the Catholic Church and the Holy See, I believe I can express the feelings shared by many regarding the object of your manifestation." God forbid that someone can speak officially for the church, not just that he can express the feelings of "many" because of his "insertion and identification" with the Catholic Church and the Holy See". Perhaps Fr. Lombardi doesn't have a real good command of the English language but what does he mean by "object of your manifestation" or is that they language of the Vatican ?
Fr. Lombardi's comments as quoted in this article, has the feel of a well rehearsed and memorized press release and hardly convinces anyone that the church is even remotely an ally to the victims of clerical sexual abuse. If the church wants to really be an ally to the victims I would suggest that they speak in language that is not filled with cautionary statements, couched in language that covers their clerical backsides. Even his statement "The windows of my office at Vatican Radio is only a few meters away, and therefore it seems fitting for me to listen, and to make a tangible sign of our attention to your meeting" sounds more like "With my office so close to your place of protest, I can hardly get away with ignoring you so I will attempt to listen and at least acknowledge your presence." Unfortunately, more of the same Vatican tactics.
Lombardi's message is not for
Lombardi's message is not for abuse victims or those of us calling for real reform and accountability. It is for the Paulte's of the Church who need the reassurance that the religion they are emotionally and intellectually wedded too will continue unreformed and unchanged. The salvation of their souls is still safe with in the 'unchanging' fortress Church.
I can't help but wonder who the real Vatican victims are when well meaning people actually believe the pursuit of their personal salvation can be justified at the expense of innocent others.
I AGREE WITH "HENRY" AND
I AGREE WITH "HENRY" AND "MARY CAY", as a real way of demonstrating sincerity..... get Law publicly denounced and removed by the Pope....
Does Fr. Federico Lombardi
Does Fr. Federico Lombardi REALLY believe what he said? It's just more of the Vatican patting us on the head, and saying, "Now, just relax, and be good little Catholics. We're really on your side". R-i-g-h-t!! Sounds like the book "1984" all over again. If the "big lie" is repeated often enough, we're supposed to believe it. Not likely.
Mr. Allen quotes Father
Mr. Allen quotes Father Lombardi as saying But a large part of the church is already on the good path. The major part of the crimes belong to times bygone." One of the major things we have learned in this largest crisis in the Church in 500 years is that it takes 30, 40, 50, 60 years for victims to come forward. No one can say with authority that the crisis is over. One needs to look only as far as Chicago and the ongoing case of Father McCormack to see that the crisis is far from over. Please remember that Cardinal George of Chicago is the prime author of the Bishops's Dallas 2002 Charter. FAther Lombardi is the Vatican's spokesperson, where were the office holders and members of the Curia who have covered up abuse? Why didn't they come out to meet the survivors? What kind of allies are these who hide in palaces?
This Vatican action is almost
This Vatican action is almost as good, and certainly more sadly funny because the Vatican 'claims' to know what is going on and always proclaims Christ's Truth according to its repeated statements telling us so, than Prime Minister Chamberlain returning to proclaim, "We have Peace in our time" just before WWII broke out.
More excuses, more obfuscation from our beloved Rome.
The bigger picture! Father
The bigger picture! Father Lombardi invites the victims to join with the Church (actually, with the hierarchy, I suppose) in the more important task of fighting the "other" sexual abuses in the world.
Based on recent papal statements, these would include the "abuse" of masturbation, of loving couples living together outside marriage, of telling dirty jokes, of using "artificial" contraceptives....
It never even enters Lombardi's mind that kicking Cardinal Law upstairs is an abuse. Nor is it an abuse to perpetuate a sexual morality that says that original sin is transmitted through the act of sexual intercourse and that every sexual act is at least a venial sin.
These guys are clueless.
"original sin is transmitted
"original sin is transmitted through the act of sexual intercourse and...every sexual act is at least a venial sin."
Whoa! You're kidding, right? I don't know anybody who believes this. Do you, really?
Sickening letter. A large
Sickening letter. A large part of the church may or may not already be on the good path, but a large part of the victims are not. And they're not going to be on a good path so long as nothing is done.
1. Send Bernard Law back to the U.S.
2. Excommunicate all molesters in the church.
3. Cooperate with civil authorities in getting as many church molesters in jail as possible.
4. STOP opposing extending the statute of limitations.
5. Turn all vacant church buildings into sanctuaries for the damaged children.
6. Put your money where your mouth is, Vatican. Put up or shut up.
Sickening, disgusting letter.
As is your simplistic and
As is your simplistic and I'll conceived diatribe. If you really want to see progress in these matters, then useful suggestions rather than vitriolic nonsense would be appreciated. While you work out your agenda, the rest of us will be working on real solutions and real healing.
May God help the scales to fall from your eyes.
This is like a sexual
This is like a sexual predator asking his victim to help him stop abusing- and without others to counsel, protect and guide the predator. Do they really think Catholics are that dense?
This reminds me of Lewis
This reminds me of Lewis Carroll's "The Walrus and the Carpenter." "Trust us. We would hurt you?" Right!
"O Oysters, come and walk with us!"
The Walrus did beseech.
"A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach.....
"O Oysters," said the Carpenter,
"You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none--
And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd eaten every one.
When the perpetrators ask to be allies with the victims, prepare for more victims.
The name 'John Allen' haunts
The name 'John Allen' haunts me.... see why here
http://hubpages.com/_3owpsgq9m37y9/hub/Haunted-by-his-name
...solidarity and consensus
...solidarity and consensus between us indeed!
It can never happen so long as the Church insists upon dictating the terms of every discussion. The very denial of these survivors (mostly cradle Catholics I would venture) access to their St. Peter's Square to express their grievances indicates that the institutional Church will always come to these discussions believing that it should have the upper hand.
Abuse survivors are to be "good victims." They are to approach, hats in hand, on the episcopal carpet, and to meekly kiss the metaphorical or actual ring of ecclesial power as though they were not in fact the aggrieved parties! Heaven forbid that they should be demanding, or perish the thought, impolite to a Church official!
And well, should they do any of the following (after weeks, months, or years of frustration):
well, then it they obviously (says the institutional Church) are "not interested in civil discourse."
I've been there, done that. I've asked nicely that a diocese remove the name of the Monsignor who abused dozens of girls, some my class-mates, in one of the parishes of my youth. Oh, everyone (except the then-pastor, who blocked at every turning) was very nice. But actually getting the name off the building, now that was another story and a decision that the chancery and the bishop who freely admitted that the crimes occurred just had all sorts of excuses between it and its making.
Now when we finally indicated that we'd be taking the story public in the press at date-certain, the bishop had a letter hand-carried to the pastor, ordering him to remove the name. Voila, what had consumed months of hemming and hawing was done in a few days.
Some time later, the woman who was the chancellor at the time accused us of being more interested in confrontation than dialog.
Not the case, Sister.
We just weren't interested in having you talk us to death any more.
If the Church want's "solidarity and consensus," it must approach abuse survivors (not victims Fr. Lombardi, John Allen, et. al.) as equal parties in a discussion between the parties.
It must always remember who the aggrieved party is. It is not the Church, though it is quite fashionable among clerics to play the victim, or quasi-victim.
Until then, the Vatican's lines are just words, just more public relations claptrap.
I attended a triathlon
I attended a triathlon yesterday for children. Run, bike, swim. I live in a senior community. It was delightful to see all the families and healthy children coming together in their neighborhood to celebrate healthy bodies, minimum clothing. We had a 4 /2 yr. old in with the 5 & 6 crowd. It wasn't about competition rather participation. Lovely, healthy, free bodies. Celebrating. These same bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. I believe growing up in an Irish, Catholic family I wasn't taught this early on. I was born with sin, at seven I was so guilty of sin I must confess. I must hide my blooming female body behind serge pleated uniforms. Something askew here.
He tells us sexual abuses are one of the great scourges of the world today. These men who abused these delightful children's bodies [souls] never saw their bodies or those of others as perfect, precious. Because they were taught to devalue a body. Sure it spreads to the beaches, to the media, to the bedroom this bungled up IGNORANCE. I saw in this triathlon a part of a solution. Mother, grandmother, spouse-- I've learned things of the body a celibate priest can never know. Ignorance could be overcome with learning through dialog and experience. Closed minds to new information. I am ashamed of my Church and it's preference for ignorance. Big disappointment. I once thought otherwise.
A Bishop in this country was
A Bishop in this country was just promoted to an arch diocese. This after one of his seminarians was found to have porn on his computer while in the seminary. The man went on to be ordained and is now serving time for abuse.
Does Rome get it? Right!
This problem reflects a
This problem reflects a greater problem that has plagued the Church for centuries: The prelates view themselves (and created for themselves) as a separate class with monarchistic pretentions. That class fosters a sense of arrogant entitlement and discourages all attempts at accountability (even disregarding Canon Law).
The Church's excessive intellectuality also is a pervasive problem because the prelates believe they can alleviate problems primarily (if not exclusively) through rhetoric.
But the biggest problem is the fact that the Church as a whole, especially the clerical class, has forgotten that a holy, righteous God demand those who hold authority in His name to be holy and righteous. As Christ Himself said, to whom much is given, much is expected.
Sadly, when you belong to an entitled class of arrogant bureaucrats, that fact gets ignored amid the chianti, pasta primavera and gelato.
Well, God is not amused. You don't have to be a prophet to see that. What He did to the Israelites and Judeans who disregarded Him before their respective captivities, He will do to a faithless, apostate Church that has sacrificed its calling for power, prestige, wealth and secular influence.
The Vatican used the Rome
The Vatican used the Rome police force to prevent the international protest of only 60 representatives from entering Vatican territory. So much for the Vatican's willingness to dialogue and enter into a positive relationship with victims of clergy sex abuse. The Vatican is unwilling to deal with the problem because it is global and deeply rooted in the clerical culture probably since the earliest years of the Roman appropriation of Christianity as an official religion. Power begets corruption. John Allen seems to be taking on the role of apologist for the Vatican rather than journalist. Is this the price for access to the ears and whispers of the powerful behind Peter's chair?
If you believe the VAtican,
If you believe the VAtican, I've got a bridge I want to sell you.
What a bunch of creeps.
Maybe they should have gone into banking- that way they would have made lots of money being so cleverly dishonest.
that shows you how much they think people trust them......Not so much any more, Mr. Bishops.
I also heard that the Mexican
I also heard that the Mexican drug cartels want to begin working with the United States Department of Justice.
I'm saddened by all that as
I'm saddened by all that as taken place and the church shows no real empathy in all of this. Its words are just words and because the churches officials have not "walked in the shoes" of real life it is difficult to really feel with an empathetic heart the reality of what took place. Its hierarchy who knew of this still maintain in their current positions, their life is unchanged.
There will always be 'hush, hush" in the church because that is how it operates. They think they know better than the people they serve-- their pompous attitude remains and the "sins of the boys club" continues on. I feel sadly for the Catholic Church because it is afraid of change and needed change in many areas. What their prayer should be is they not fail to listen to the voice of the Spirit in their humanness. God bless all the victims of this silent abuse, prayers are unending for them but the abusers need even more prayers as well as the hierarchy of the church who remain with only one ear open, righteous attitudes remain.
When disobeying the church is
When disobeying the church is frequently holier than following it one can be confident the institution is getting more abusive not less.
So most of your comments are
So most of your comments are about the unwillingness you have to forgive, one of the hallmarks of Christianity. Let's start with the stoning of Stephen. Perhaps you see yourselves identifying with the 'victims', the 'Stephens' of this world. Ok but you have decided not to look at the whole picture, as Fr. Lombardi suggests. You want to punish the ones who harmed Stephen, and the ones who, like Paul, stood by and held the cloaks. Where were you in the scene? Identify. Our self-righteousness blinds us. May we all be struck blind on the road to our individual Damascus. May we hear His voice lifting us up to serve all in these abuse cases, as Fr. Lombardi has done and invites us to do also. May our vocations be to heal the breach, to identify the sin and work to eradicate the sin as it exists in all places and times and not continually give in to hatred, cynicism and revenge. They are no substitutes for mercy and love.
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