Religion

I saw an article in the news this morning that discussed how the Vatican had recalled it's ambassador to Ireland recently after it had received criticism of it's handling of sexual abuse claims in Ireland. This is very disappointing. I know that the majority of the Clergy of the Catholic Church are dedicated and faithful to their vows. This kind of behavior by the leadership of the Church does not help with the problems that have been plaguing the Church for years. They have to get over this perception of protecting the reputation of the Church and worry about protecting the people and helping victims. The victims of abuse have to be more important than any reputation.

Part of the article discusses a confidential letter written to the Irish Bishops from a representative of the Vatican. In that letter they discuss how they are concerned that the policy of mandatory reporting of abuse allegations to authorities may conflict with Canon Law. I am sorry but I have to disagree with the person that wrote that letter. When a member of the Clergy abuses someone they are committing a criminal act and they should be treated as such. The church can deal with them after they get out of jail if they ever do.

I was searching for a video on a song that I really like and came across this video blog from the artist that sing the song that I was looking for. The blog is at their vimeo site Healing Begins Journal Blog. I watched the blog and it struck a little too close to home. I think the author is right on when he says that it's easy to own up to our shortcomings when we are in prayer because there really is no one to admonish us or call us on what we have done. It's much harder to sit down and talk to a friend or pastor and admit that we are not perfect and actually provide real examples of things that we really aren't proud of. It's given me something to think about.

This article from the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel Website talks about the Archdiocese of Milwaukee getting it's first Married Priest. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=776571 I read the article and find it disturbing.  Why is ok for someone who is a married Minister in another faith to decide to convert to Catholicism and they can be ordained as a priest but that anyone is Catholic already can only become a priest if they decide to pursue that avenue before getting married?  Even Deacons can only be married if they were married before they became a Deacon. Let me clarify my point here.  I don't have a problem with this married priest coming to our diocese.  I think that the entire restriction from having married priests is wrong.  In the article they explain how this is allowed and in it they quote Pope Paul as saying that celibacy is not required by the nature of the priesthood.  It is a redical sign of commitment but it is not essential.  So if one Pope in the past has said that it is not a requirement then why is the Catholic Church so against allowing this when it would probably help our priest shortage around the world?