The clergy loophole

[Nazareth]

I think if clergy are exempt from reporting then they should take care of the problem themselves.

In other words, they should tell the one confessing, we are going to check up on whoever is being abused. And, if there is further abuse, you will hear from us again....one night...when you least expect it. And it won't be pretty.

If they, the clergy, are unwilling to take care of the problem, then there should be no exemption for them reporting what they have heard. Meaning if they do know and fail to report it, they become accessory to the crime.

Lees

As would apply to the Latin Rite church, it has become apparent the church fancied itself exempt from reporting to secular authorities, and for centuries.

If a law were to pass mandating all faith's clergy or others report child abuse to secular authorities, it wouldn't be taken to heart by all faith groups.
They'd but cite the 1st amendment and continue as before.

Clergy, any church office or individual member of the faith should never hold such secrets.

That millstone Jesus referred to is able to fit many necks when it comes to abuse of innocents. And rightly so.

 

[Lees]

As would apply to the Latin Rite church, it has become apparent the church fancied itself exempt from reporting to secular authorities, and for centuries.

If a law were to pass mandating all faith's clergy or others report child abuse to secular authorities, it wouldn't be taken to heart by all faith groups.
They'd but cite the 1st amendment and continue as before.

Clergy, any church office or individual member of the faith should never hold such secrets.

That millstone Jesus referred to is able to fit many necks when it comes to abuse of innocents. And rightly so.

I agree. The problem lies with the Church. And it is one they created because such a secretive act is not found in Scripture.

And I trust Him that He will make a fine knot.

Lees

 

[Lees]

Well, you don't have any idea whether that's true or not. And even if it is true of some people, you don't know what the percentage is.

Yet you made a blanket statement and then reiterated it rather than admit to the weakness of your proposition.

Well, you don't have any idea either.

My statement is based on what we are talking about. Child abuse confessed to a priest. You say if the priest can go to the law, then the confessor will not go to the priest. Again, you don't have any idea of that either. But, you base your opinion on what we are talking about. In other words, you make a blanket statement.

I can live with my blanket statement. Can you live with yours. If so, fine.

Lees

 

[Albion]

My statement is based on what we are talking about. Child abuse confessed to a priest.

That much is correct.

The rest of your guesswork doesn't hold up to ordinary logic OR to the motivations of Catholics we have been "talking about." I don't get that you have much, if any, familiarity with that branch of Christianity.

 

[Lees]

That much is correct.

The rest of your guesswork doesn't hold up to ordinary logic OR to the motivations of Catholics we have been "talking about." I don't get that you have much, if any, familiarity with that branch of Christianity.

As I said, your's is a blanket statement also. You have no idea how many times child molesters continue to confess over and over again. And continue to molest over and over again.

Yours is just guesswork also.

My statements are based on a molester confessing to a priest and what I think the priest should do. And I gave my opinion of it. As I said, I have no problem living with what I said.

Do you have a problem with what you said?

Lees

 

[1689Dave]

It's not just a sin, it's a violation of the law that needs punishment. If a church fails to report the offense, they must certainly share in the guilt.

 

[Jason76]

Satan would be targeting church officials really harshly, of course - to weaken the church and the witness. Nonetheless, in the case of serious pedophiles, the church should boot them out. However, of course, people should not judge the Catholics or whoever and make this scandal stuff an excuse - as to why they don't want to have anything to do with the church. Nonetheless, it will happen. I suppose prayer and other things should be implemented to protect the church from scandal - while not letting bad characters off the hook.