Bill France in several recent columns and especially in his column of April 30, paints the Catholic Church in broad strokes and with general statements that are both unfair and untrue. The Church does not “sanction” molestation or the Man-Boy Love Association. Nor is it “unable to respond effectively” to the current crises. He should read Archbishop Brunett’s full-page open letter to the public published in The Herald.
He takes out of context the statement to “restore a sense of trust among the faithful” without bothering to mention that church leaders, including Pope John Paul II, have publicly stated that there is no room in the priesthood for those who would abuse anyone. Most archdiocese, including our own Seattle Archdiocese, have had in place for several years vigorous and effective ways of dealing with this problem.
Mr. France is correct that forgiving does not mean trusting or even restoring a relationship with an abuser. However, if a priest or clergy person commits spiritual and psychological murder by abusing anyone, let us not as victims commit spiritual and psychological suicide by refusing to forgive or forgive only if an apology is given. Many abusers are long dead, which makes an apology impossible. With good counseling, much prayer and patience, a victim can come to forgiveness and be set free from these tragic experiences.
The Church must and will protect the innocent and vulnerable, cooperate with legal authorities, punish the guilty, and prevent recurrence of abuse by revising and instituting more stringent screening procedures in our seminaries. The American bishops gathering in June will meet all of this head-on and deal with it effectively. From a Christian perspective, let us remember the prayer Jesus himself taught us, including, to “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” If we have been abused or hurt by anyone, let us work toward forgiveness and not nurse anger, hatred and unforgiveness lest we end up nursing those for all eternity.
Everett
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