I just watched this disturbing documentary by Amy Berg and, frankly, it pretty much convinces me to never set foot in a Catholic Church again. It’s not because the people are not faithful, because they are, seemingly in spite of abuse perpetrated against them physically and spiritually, they are faithful. But it’s because the hierarchy is corrupt beyond redemption in my eyes and is specifically DESIGNED–they would say (and did in the film) by “God”–to cover up their own crimes. Lay people are there to obey and never question, according to priests and Rome. Priests are God to them, making lay people doubly succeptible to these crimes and priests doubly reprehensible. What child or parent can say no when “God’s representative” so manipulates your family and wants to stick his hand down your 9 year old’s pants?
On principle, no organization should be supported that hides pedophiles. NONE. No organization should get away with producing such psychologically stunted individuals as many, many catholic priests are proving to be. Wake up people. Priests are not God! There is absolutely NO EXCUSE. If you think you have one, think again, watch the movie, talk to survivors, educate yourself. La cosa nostra catholique, however, still lives.
Interview with Amy Berg.
More here on priest abuse and survivors.
I think all this goes for Protestant “ministers” as well.
(Note: Out of respect for victims and their families, all comments that blame victims will be deleted)
Mystery of Iniquity 
The Catholic Church is rotten from the top down–witness the hierarchy’s sheltering of pedophile priests, the lies and coverups. As an institution it is beyond cosmetic surgery–it needs a complete overhaul. But that won’t happen and those who seek solace in organized religion should consider exactly what abuses they are tacitly condoning. Better to establish a personal, private dialogue with God, cutting the middle men out completely.
Thanks for this–love the image at the top of your site: as a fan of old sci fi movies, (wrote about that love in an essay called “In Praise of Men in Rubber Suits”), I heartily approve…
Hi Cliff,
I agree with you. I was appalled and astounded at the level of cover-up. 556 priests in ONE California diocese alone were being reprimanded for pedophilia! Never before did it hit me like this before. I can’t possibly condone it now by attending or giving one more dime to that institution.
Yes, Forbidden Planet is one of my favorite movies of all time. Leslie Nielson before he became funny! 🙂 I also love the original 1950s Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Creepy.
The numbers are as staggering as the act is sickening as the cover-ups are demeaning.
I have known far, far too many people who have endured that horror.
NorEaster,
How numbed are we that we perpetuate such abuse by backing the Church? All who financially give to it are complicit in my book.
Wow. I haven’t seen the documentary, but I just watched the trailer. How frightening.
I would like to hear the defense of the Catholic church on this matter. Were there well intended efforts with disasterous consequences to deal with it internally? Or was there some kind of malicious intent?
Carried,
The Catholic church made a show of doing something and obfuscated when authorities and police got involved. They promised to remove priests but moved them to different parishes over and over again where the pedophiles repeated their crimes. When it came to trial, the monsignor and the bishop of Fr. O’Grady’s parish gave the standard replies when asked about their knowledge, “I don’t recall” or “I don’t remember” even when there were letters written by them offered in court to “jog” their memory. You simply MUST see it. The evidence against them is damning. Their “efforts” to respond are also damning. I’ve never seen, except in government officials, such a level of secrecy and purposeful cover up. Amazing.
Wow! I’m pretty glad I never followed up on that desire I mentioned in the comments a few posts back to attend Mass and maybe go through catechism. 😦
Kay,
It’s sad, but I think I have to agree. I realize full well that there are good Catholic people and nuns and priests out there. But the system–the hierarchy–is set up and designed to keep the masses obedient and at their service. I’d check out the Anglican/Episcopal church. I’m seriously thinking of that myself! It too is a hierarchy, but at least there are women in the priesthood and laity are allowed a voice.
OR, you can go to absorb the atmosphere, but don’t give them any money. Withholding finances hits ’em where it counts.
At this point (yes this is another about face) I’m inclined to head off to the UU. Me and Christianity aren’t getting along again. 😉
Kay,
You know, we seem to be on the same track here. Me and Christianity aren’t getting along again either. I try, but…. 😉
I hear ya!
(And hey, could you delete the duplicate comment above that I accidentally posted while logged in via my archive blog? Thanks!)
Kay,
Sure!