Accountability of the Church in Furthering Catholic Clergy Abuse

The Roman Catholic Church has a chaotic history behind her. Its religious leaders often got involved in sex scandals, murderous plots, and government takeovers. Yet, any of these sins doesn't compare to one of the worst transgressions against another human being. The effects of sexual and psychological abuse last longer than the time it takes to heal wounds or recover from an illness. Death probably seems a better option when an abuse victim becomes enslaved physically and mentally to his or her tormentor.

On the Church Promoting a Culture of Abuse among its Clergy

Previously, the Church took advantage of its prerogative to decide whether the behavior of a member of the clergy must go through a legal due process or simply needs psychiatric counseling and an immediate transfer to another diocese. When dealing with Catholic Church child abuse cases, the Vatican and other church officials have always asserted the primacy of canon law over criminal law despite the fact that the right to practice one's religion does not include putting aside civil laws in favor of religious dogma. Sadly, many men of the cloth still think that protecting the reputation of the Catholic Church takes precedence over the safety and well-being of a child.

On Catholics Working in the Government and the Police Force

Catholics, devout or otherwise, harbor no illusion that the Church is blameless. The faithful knew of the greed, lust and envy that marred this religious congregation's rich and colorful history. Yet, these people remained devoted to their faith not because of the priests, nuns and bishops, but because of their unflinching belief in their God and His teachings. Unfortunately, some of these Christians unwittingly aided the Church in protecting criminals and allowing these priests to abuse more children.

On Blaming the Parents, the Press, the Courts, and Popular Culture

Instead of squarely placing the blame on the perpetrators and their protectors, some people chose to criticize the media for sensationalism and irresponsible jou
alism. Catholic supporters often argued that the church abuse committed by some of the clergy isn't much worse than or less vile than the other types of church abuse happening in other religious institutions. When this fallacious argument falls flat on its face, these sympathizers quickly paint the Press and those who've been critical of their religion as anti-Catholic or atheists. Others even went as far as to hold the victim's parents accountable for leaving their child alone with the priest. These people also think that the litigation process only puts the victim through more "abuse" because the child must recall these experiences when they're asked in court by the prosecutor or the defendant's lawyer.

On Victims Coping with Trauma and Seeking Legal Assistance

Despite the passing years, victims of Catholic Church child abuse continue to suffer from the psychological trauma of their childhood. Being molested and raped by someone that the community respected and trusted isn't something that can be undone or forgotten. Although the legal system isn't perfect, it's very sympathetic and supportive in helping the victims cope with the ugly memories and the nightmares. Precedent court cases have shown that it's possible to seek financial reparation and non-monetary remedies from church officials who didn't take any corrective action to staunch the growing culture of abuse in the Catholic Church.