It is very unfortunate that as we approach the feast to remember the birth of a child whose origins are based in mystery, that we should need to confront the dark issue of sexual abuse in the Church. Most recently Pope Francis in an annual address to the Roman Curia, spoke with clarity and directness about the matter of both human and divine justice in this process. Human justice would include both the secular law which protects minors and the serious penalties imposed on those who violate such a sacred trust. Divine justice would be to acknowledge that besides God's mercy and forgiveness there is also a very clear teaching about the justice of God. The prophets of the Old Testament felt that the most grievous sin was that of injustice against the innocent, poor and suffering committed by the more powerful and advantaged. In that God demands that all things be put right.
As we lead up to the crucial meeting of the world's Bishops in February precisely and only about this global concern, I think we need to know that Pope Francis does "get it." He wants action to be done both in transparency and accountability. He wants to see that the innocent victims of perpetrators are taken care of. He wants anyone who has been the cause of such suffering to be removed immediately from public ministry, he wants proper and fair justice to be rendered in each case both by the Church and by civil authorities. He certainly implies that God is not blind to such violations and reminds perpetrators that they will also have to face God's justice.
Lest we be tempted to be too harsh and single minded, we also need to remember that we are Christians who deal with such matters for all concerned with respect, mercy, compassion and dignity but also with honesty and accountability.
In prayer let's not forget that the majority of sexual abuse takes place within families: parents, uncles, grandparents, siblings. At schools by teachers and coaches and in other professions as well. Not just children but teenagers and adults whose privacy and personal dignity are compromised by the more powerful. While it absolutely has no place in the Church, the suffering of victims goes beyond religious denominations and inflicts the general society around us.
As we enter the holy days of the Christmas season let's pray that the child born to Mary is our Savior. The one who will lead us as a shepherd cares for his flock. We must pray, discern and follow the way he shows us. Peace to all. The link below will take you to Pope Francis" recent speech:
As we lead up to the crucial meeting of the world's Bishops in February precisely and only about this global concern, I think we need to know that Pope Francis does "get it." He wants action to be done both in transparency and accountability. He wants to see that the innocent victims of perpetrators are taken care of. He wants anyone who has been the cause of such suffering to be removed immediately from public ministry, he wants proper and fair justice to be rendered in each case both by the Church and by civil authorities. He certainly implies that God is not blind to such violations and reminds perpetrators that they will also have to face God's justice.
Lest we be tempted to be too harsh and single minded, we also need to remember that we are Christians who deal with such matters for all concerned with respect, mercy, compassion and dignity but also with honesty and accountability.
In prayer let's not forget that the majority of sexual abuse takes place within families: parents, uncles, grandparents, siblings. At schools by teachers and coaches and in other professions as well. Not just children but teenagers and adults whose privacy and personal dignity are compromised by the more powerful. While it absolutely has no place in the Church, the suffering of victims goes beyond religious denominations and inflicts the general society around us.
As we enter the holy days of the Christmas season let's pray that the child born to Mary is our Savior. The one who will lead us as a shepherd cares for his flock. We must pray, discern and follow the way he shows us. Peace to all. The link below will take you to Pope Francis" recent speech:
Pope Francis to abusers:
Convert and turn yourselves to both human and divine justice:
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