The Crisis of the Cloth

It dawned on me shortly after answering a Yahoo question about the "Fall of the Catholic Church" to express my feelings about the current perception of Catholic Priests.

I have been a member of the Roman Catholic Church since the day I was born. I have celebrated Mass in many Cathedrals, was an alter boy for several years and have spoken with a great many Priests. I have never once been in a position where I felt even a little uncomfortable, barring my few experiences cutting school (I went to Catholic School most of my life).

The vast majority of Catholic Priests are devoted and exceptionally dedicated professionals. The same professional dedication applies also to Doctors, Lawyers, Businessmen, Military men etc. The fact remains however, that these professionals are human and they will commit sins.

Child molestation is a horrific word. I feel uncomfortable saying it because it is quite possibly the worst crime there is.

From my experience, I find it very difficult to believe a Priest is capable of this crime. I just think that there is more to these stories, and we owe it to the Church to really find out exactly what these accusations amount to.

Below is a list of relevant news stories of exonerated Priests. Unfortunately the mainstream news seems quick to persecute a Catholic Priest, but is much less interested in Priests actually found not guilty. It's really too bad. Even if the Church forgives an innocent man of the cloth, his reputation will most likely be completely destroyed.

Below are the Priests cleared of any wrong doing in a criminal court. Not just the Vatican:

http://www.technocatholic.com/?p=27

http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/tct/feb2208/022208larger.html

http://veronews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7408:counselor-exonerated-on-child-porn-charges-qi-feel-emancipatedq&catid=36&Itemid=41

http://www.opusbonosacerdotii.org/news/accusedchargedexonerated.html

http://www.boston.com/globe/spotlight/abuse/extras/foster_archive.htm


Here is an article in Time Magazine stating that now it is easier than ever to lie about a priest and/or blackmail them with criminal accusations:

http://www.beliefnet.com/News/2002/09/Accused-Catholic-Priests-Fight-Back.aspx


I want to note that I am not 100% confident to state there wasn't one Priest who committed a crime in the history of the Catholic Church. If there was a true victim of molestation by a Priest I will shamefully bow my head to that person, and keep my mouth shut.

The problem is: look at the list above of all the Priests who have been accused but not found guilty!

Is this a witch hunt? Why are we not looking into these stories more deeply? The Crisis of the Cloth is that we may lose trust in the priesthood. Please help to make sure that the leaders of our faith don't fall to what may ultimately be gossip.