It seems impossible now for a day to pass where the scandals encompassing the Vatican are not in the media. The revelations which are flowing now as if from an open wound are becoming more septic by the day. The content of the situation makes it all the more potent to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Our Future
Though a cliche now, the maxim 'the children are our future' takes on a whole new persona here. From birth, a child is impressionable and easily swayed to differing ways of life. The environment which they are exposed to as they grow will have a life long effect on their character. Whether the context is one of affluence, poverty, discipline or neglect, children learn from that as to how their life should follow. If this is indeed the case, then exposure to sexual abuse would have a scarring effect on the child no matter who the perpetrator is. However, if it is someone who we are encouraged to trust and seek council from, then we are going to suffer greater damage. Those who have been accused of such despicable acts within the Catholic Church have broken a truly 'sacred' taboo. They have violated not only the child at the moment of the act, but the future adult whom the child shall develop in to. The consequences of the clergyman's actions could ruin an individuals future potential. They do not only destroy their own future within the Church, but also that of the innocent they have defiled.
Representation of G_d
The actions of monstrous predatory priests and bishops is unfortunately not confined to one area or country; it stretches all over the world. Some of the countries dealing with this include Chile, USA, Ireland, Germany and Italy. Many in these nations have turned their angry and vengeful eyes towards the Pope in Vatican City. The 83 year old Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) is standing against a wave of accusations as both pontiff and his previous position as 'Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith'. In both positions he is accused of failing to resolve issues involving the sexual abuse of children. He neglected to protect children where (it is rumoured) he was well aware of the abuses within the Church. Such a damning indictment has led to a desire from some for the Pope to resign. Can the man who holds the keys to heaven really be removed from the post as Summus Pontifex. Such ideas are very modern, especially for the Catholic Church. As no Pope has ever stepped down, then it would be unclear how this would take place. Never the less, their is a consensus that Benedict XVI should be held accountable for the actions of those under his leadership. Subversive efforts of many in the Church do not help this, and further undermine the Pope's authority on the matter. If he allows all this to continue, then what kind of G_d is he representing for his flock. Perhaps that is what the hierarchy of the Church need to reflect on if they are going to work to mend the fractures in their authority. Their G_d gave them the power and position of strength they find themselves in; so they should use it to reafirm their place as a force for good.
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