The recent attempts to drag Pope Benedict XVI into the scandal surrounding pedophile priests in Germany are wrong and destructive. Yes, as head of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope bears a certain responsibility for the actions of the authorities under him. But this campaign by the media and anti-Christian liberals is hardly a righteous one. It is rather a sinister ploy to undermine an institution that, despite its many problems, is one of the few remaining pillars of reverence and respect in society. Its primary aim is to drive God out of the public sphere, and to drag into the mud everything that is good. It is also financially motivated, and driven by greed and sensationalism.

As a pastor in the Anabaptist tradition, I have more than a few doctrinal differences with the Catholic Church. I also know that the abuse of minors by Catholic clergymen is a very real plague, and I can well understand the fury unleashed by reports of one cover-up after another.  But child abuse is not a Catholic problem. It is a societal one that implicates each of us who has bought into the myth of sexual “freedom” promoted by today’s fashion and entertainment industries.  We have all, it seems, lost the will to listen to our conscience, that moral compass which guides us through every decision, and which will never let us down. Yes, Jesus said that if anyone misleads a child, it would be better for him to be drowned with a millstone around his neck.  But he also invited anyone without guilt to cast the first stone.

In the last two decades, I have met Pope Benedict on several occasions, and I found him to be a God-fearing man who had one longing: to serve Jesus and his flock. I sensed in him the sort of conviction that springs from a deep personal faith. This conviction has been labeled “conservativism” and aroused great hatred, which is not surprising. Jesus himself predicted that it always will.  But that should not dishearten us. On the contrary, it should embolden us to rally around the Pope and pray that he continues to fight evil with good.

When I was six or seven, I experienced physical abuse in school, at the hands of adults I loved and trusted. Decades later, while working on my book Why Forgive? I interviewed numerous people, many of whom had survived abuse of the most horrific kind. In every case, they had found healing only through forgiving their tormentors – which is exactly what I myself  found too. 

Because of this, I can well understand the pain and anger of fellow victims that drives their lawsuits. Yet I doubt they will find peace through settling their scores in a court of law. It is one thing to find a scapegoat and hold him accountable. But only forgiveness can bring true healing to the heart.

41 Responses below.

 

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Your Turn. Tell us what you thought about this article:

Responses

The sooner Christians wake up to the recognition of exactly who is behind all "the media" and all these "anti-Christian liberals" the sooner we can take every step in the world to avoid having anything to do with them and their Christ-hating lies.  John 8:44

Thank you, Johann for these thoughts that are taken squarely from Jesus' own teaching, of course.  Forgiveness is so difficult but so absolutely necessary and is just another side to non-resistance.

Derrick
France

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I was once a Catholic but now would be nearer to your tradition. When I left the Catholic Church I was very careful not to criticize it, I too had many doctrinal issues with the Church.

In my country the Clerical Abuse issue is huge and very hard ignore, many, many people were abused both sexually and physically, and the cover up was and is appalling.  With each new revelation I bit my lip, believing the Catholic  church stood for many good things i.e. pro-life etc.

But this week it has come to light that Catholic Primate Cardinal of Ireland Séan Brady was present at a meeting in 1975 where two victims who brought allegations against a Priest to the Church were sworn to to secrecy.

The Priest that allegations were made against went on to commit appalling acts of sexual abuse for another 20 years against innocent children, ruining many of their lives. Nobody present at these meetings went to the police. The Cardinal claims he was only a note taker and therefore excused from responsibility. This reminds us of the excuses of those working in the concentration camps of World War 2 gave, "we were just taking orders". This excuse is absolutely appalling, this man cannot continue to hold his current position. Many suffered because he kept silent.

We can forgive this man, we are instructed to. We can pray for this man and we will, but his credibility as leader of the Catholic is no longer tenable.

Enormous damage has been done to the Church and Christianity, Many of my friends have left the Catholic Church and the younger generations despises the Church. How sad.

Tony Carey
Ireland

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Thank you for a balanced and thoughtful article.
I would like to comment on Tony Careys posting.
He says that nobody present at these meetings went to the police--surely the parents or guardians of these children were present also--no-one has asked why they didn't go to the police.
Also my understanding of the situation is that Fr. Brady as he then was passed the information on to the Bishop and appropriate action was taken by him.
My one experience of Cardinal Brady was when he came to my mothers wake--he sat and talked to my father and when he left my father was a new man--consoled and uplifted.
I will always be grateful to him for that.

Mary Stack

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A devout catholic all my life, I have always known the Church to be my Mother, and the pope to be my Holy Father.   I consider it a great personal privilege to advance and defend them both in spite of my own weaknesses, but it is so disheartening to see them undermined by personal failures from within and attacked by enemies who are legion! 

Your kind words in our defense, in the defense of Christendom, in defense of religion in general, to an audience tempted to adopt a faith of personal convenience, is a source of great encouragement to me, and I greatly appreciate it.

Wishing you a fruitful Lent, perseverance through the Passion, and a generous share in the victory of Easter, I am

Yours in Christ,

Mark W. Ingoglio

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I was delighted to see the letter in the local paper putting the controversy in proper perspective.

Fr Carl Johnson

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Thank you for your warm support of our Pope Benedict.  I met him (then Cardinal Ratzinger) in a very important program in Israel in February 1994, and had the chance to shake his hand.  I found him to be deeply spiritual, very human, and brilliant.  I am so very happy that you respect him!  

In friendship, Toni Bosco

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"A voice crying in the wilderness ..." Thank you for your kind support.

Father Robert J. Robbins
Director, Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs
Pastor, Church of the Holy Family
The United Nations Parish

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As a mother, I am always horrified at the reports of the abuse but as a practicing Catholic, I get very upset at the constant bashing toward the Church. I really don't understand how these things happen but they do., so, I try to think about how much I love my faith and live as best as I can to love Jesus and my neighbor. Thank you once again the your kindness and understanding. Happy Spring!
Sincerely,
Sharon Daw

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Thank you for writing what you did. I don't think money is going to take away all of the problems that the abused child has... you're right, it takes forgiveness.

Marshall
Baton Rouge, LA

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Yes Johann, I agree with you and also with the website Cheisa who has discerned the same forces.

Anne
Ireland

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I also want to thank you for writting this article. I converted to the Catholic church and was surprised by much discrimination I faced. We have all taken part in dissing our fellow man but let us not use our faith in the same Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Lover of all souls to separate us. Disunity is of the evil one.
Christians, stand together!
God forgive us.

Susan Pitra

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"On the contrary, it should embolden us to rally around the Pope and pray that he continues to fight evil with good."

If only more Catholics thought as you do! Wonderful article. Thank you very much!

"You are not far from the kingdom of God" (St. Mark, 12:34).

Geoffrey
California

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Thank you mr. Arnold for this enlightened and balanced article. It is meaningful and truthful, I am sure it will help people to understand. As people we have to face the truth and responsibly follow up. Justice has to go hand in hand with charity. Forgiveness brings healing, of course healing comes also from facing the truth. "Truth will make you free.
Your experience is moving and can bring peace in many people lives. THANK YOU for sharing it.

As a Catholic sister of yours I feel it is very beautiful to be together in times of joy and in times of suffering. Let us continue together to work to build unity EVERYWHERE!
Be assured that I will share this article with many of my friends and coworkers!
Grazia (Rome)

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I am a Catholic and I love the Church, despite all the imperfections. On this occasion, I would like to thank Johann for acting like a true Christian - in defence of another for truth.
The whole issue of this media frenzy about --- abuse is the desire to drag the Catholic Church into the mud because they themselves are already deep in the mud and it infuriates them to see others clean. Good brings out good in us, and those who persists in evil desires evil in others too. When we go to Heaven, we bring others with us too; in like manner, those who are committed to walk the path of damnation, cannot tolerate others walking in the opposite direction. It all began underneath that tantalizing 'apple' tree.
The Catholic Church, did not fail in her duty with regard to the --- abuse. As a Mother she tried to help those in difficulties, forgave their wrongs and tried to rehabilitate them.
All of us are sinners, weak and prone to fall. "Let him who has not sinned cast the first stone."
Those who do not understand or refuse to understand the Christian teaching - act like vultures ever-ready to tear to pieces anyone who could fall victim to them.
But the Lord has commanded us that we pray for our enemies and to do good to those who hate us.
Thank you once again for standing up for truth.

Michael
Malaysia

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Awesome article! Thanks a million for sticking up for your brothers and sisters in Christ! Sexual abuse is absolutely a product of the sexual revolution. Until we address it as a societal problem children will not be safe. The numbers are staggering! Does anyone know how may children are abused in the public school system? But still, this is very hard on Catholic Christians and there are wolves in sheep's clothing. Please people, do not loose perspective as awful as even one of these cases is. All priests are not creeps and all Bishops are not corrupt. The Lord is allowing this as a holy house cleaning. Soon it will be hard for all Christians with traditional/ Biblical values. Perhaps in our lifetime we could see the Bible outlawed as hate speech. I pray for the victims of the horrendous crime of child sexual abuse.. may they find healing and peace. I pray for all our children may they be kept safe. And finally I am thankful for the beautiful non-Catholic Christians I have met along the way who are willing to stand with us in this hour of trial..... you will not be forgotten when the full blown persecution begins and you are also in need. We will be there for you as well. One day we will be one. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church!

Jennifer D'Aquila
Omaha, NE

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The Pope is a brilliant and deeply holy man and the media is a cesspool of scandal. The Church has been under attack since it's inception by Jesus Christ. Barbaric mobs have come and gone and still the Church pushes forward to eternity. That old ancient serpent whose head is crushed still flings his tail at Christ and His faithful and he will use whatever dupe he can find to lash out at Christ Body.

charle

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It's obvious, why the Pope, Anti Catholicism and bigotry is the motive.

Anita

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Thank you for your Christlike comments of kindness and forgiveness. It is so much easier to be bitter and critical in these kind of situations. God Bless you.

Mary Ann
Brooklyn Michigan

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BENEDICT XVI is a blessing and all of us should pray for more leaders like him,God's blessing be upon all who follow the path of mercy & forgiving, for we are all sinners.

joseph williams,jr.

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"progressives" and one world order types have two victories they must accomplish and then they can run the table...bring the United States down economically(they've already done a good job morally and culturally), and destroy the Catholic Church. If they do this they have an open field to reach their goal of a new world order. What they don't understand is that the LADY will crush the head of their leader with her heal in the end.

Sal Piazza

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Johann has hit it right on the nose. As you said Johann, the child abuse is not a Catholic problem. it's a societal one.
I agree completely that it's caused in large part (a very large part) by media, fashions and the entertainment world. I am 82 years old and have been a Catholic from birth. What is shown on TV would never have been tolerated when I was growing up. Now, anything goes and I am dismayed to say the least. What has happened? Of course I believe that the "evil one is behind it. But he can be defeated by forgivness. He hates that. A very nice article you have written.

Robert O'Neil

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I would like to applaud you for going out on a limb to support the vicar of Christ, our Pope, Benedict XVI. Not many people would do something as honorable as you have. May God bless you for it!
Unfortunately there seems to be a trend, and quite an evil one, to try and arouse hatred towards the Pope and I just hope and pray that BenedictXVI withstands this storm.

sue
australia

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Thanks to the pastor for his well reasoned thoughts about this serious matter. I will always be a Catholic during the good times and bad. The Church has always survived the storms it encounters. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ that will endure. It is up to us the faithful to live Christ and perfect his Body the Church on earth.

Kevin B Hale
Wood Dale, Il
USA

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Found your comments via SpiritDaily.com (Michael Brown). As a practicing Catholic and yet deeply shocked and affected by the abuse crisis in our church (yet my faith stays strong for some odd reason), I want to thank you for your support and efforts to be fair and balanced about these serious issues.

Peg
Denver, CO
USA

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Great article, Mr Arnold! I totally agree with the insight that you demonstrate here. We truly feel as Catholics the subtle ploys and schemes of our adversary in undermining and destroying all that is holy and just. We know that the media and whatever form it takes have a hidden agenda. Our Catholic mystics over the years have also warned us about the era we are living in.The Bible is very clear about this also,i.e. the rebellion and the apostasy that must come first before the Great Day of the Lord. Benedict XVI, our present Pope is truly one of the very few that is publicly fighting this final battle between good and evil. Nevertheless, we have nothing to worry about. We already know the outcome. God bless you for writing this article. Giovanni from Montreal, Canada. p.s. Pope Paul VI,had also warned of a dark smoke penetrating the walls of the Church in 1970. This is also part of the purification of the Church that must occur first.

Govanni

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My answer is (esp after going to Rome two years ago and seeing the sites where many martyrs died for our Christian faith) is why not the Pope and it is really coming down to a spiritual war between good and evil in these last days. I truly believe we are on the brink of some kind of great tribulation or chastisement, and this is only the sign of such things. I hope to continue and intensify my own prayer, fasting, and offering my works, prayers, joys and sufferings for all Christians and to save as many souls as possible in the world today.

Love in Christ, Judy Johnson
Wolfforth, Texas
USA

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For someone who has been married to the same woman for almost 54 years come September, had it not been for our strong faith in the belief that what God has joined together let not man put asunder.(Mark 10:9)

Pope Paul VI predicted in his encyclical Humanae Vitae that the advent of contraception would be the cause of suffering in society and in marriages if it became widespread. Today we have seen the result of failed marriages as a result of this underlying instrument of  destruction. It has contributed to unfaithfulness in marriages for those who betray their marriage vows for  unlawful sexual gratification.

Roy S. Tenn
Miami,Florida

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Thank you so much for you fair comments in this article regarding the smear campaign against the Pope & the Roman Catholic Church.
I am amazed how so many are ready to brow beat the RC Church for the scandal, but refuse to admit that throughout society their are people of all walks of life who are sexual child abusers, and that the percentage of Catholic priest pedophiles is very low compared to the total number of priests and when  compared to other professions.
The treatment of pedophiles has changed through the decades. It's only recently that it has been made a criminal offense not to report child abuse of any kind in the United States.
Years ago, if family suspected one of it's own was abusing a child or the children in the family, it wasn't reported to the police. You kept your child away from "Uncle Henry" or "Grampa Joe." Period.
I'm not saying that this was right, but it was how it was taken care of.  Teachers, judges, lawyers, plumbers, store clerks and auto mechanics can be child abusers, not just priests.  Everyone knows what to do now, but it is so very wrong to use the standards of now to what happened so many years ago.
Again, thank you for your truthful assessment.

Linda
Providence

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THANK YOU FOR THIS ARTICLE.YOU HAVE PUT MY THOUGHTS TO PAPER.MAY THE LORD GIVE YOU HIS PEACE.

bryn
sydney
canada

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How much intelligent do we need to have to understand that Satan is behind all of this and wants to destroy the Church that descended from our Lord Jesus Christ. In these times we need to pray for God's forgiveness and protection. Allow God's Will to work in revealing the Priests who are guilty of these crimes, but remember they are men of human nature not the Church. I remain faithful to the Faith of the Catholic Church and pray for a cleansing and the renewal of a vibrant Church.

Sandra Bernier
Augusta, Maine

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In the early 60's our son was abused by a young priest. We were shocked because we held the priests in such high respect and would do nothing to hurt the church. My husband did call the pastor and told him if he did not get rid of that priest, he would go to the rectory and break his nose. The priest disappeared and I let our son know the church should not be blamed because of a sick man. My son continues being a member of the Catholic Church as we all are. Johan C. Arnold is right when he says nothing is gained by suing the church.

Magdalen Mauldin
Littleton, Co.

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We have corresponded in the past and I have always been interested in your take on various issues. With your recent Freeman missive on the Pope I fear you have misinterpreted The Way Things Are.

I don’t believe it is a “Liberal” (by the way, what does that mean???) thing to insist on accountability from a person who was in charge when predatory priests were passed on to other ‘hunting grounds’. Before he was Pope, Benedict was known as a hands on (no pun intended) manager, and on his watch this passing on occurred. It actually is a “Conservative” thing to demand a full accounting of what he did, no?

If it comes out that he did know of these priests and cooperated in the passing on of them to other parishes, would your opinion of him change? Of course it would. Would you also think that he was corrupt and should not be in a position of such power and trust? Of course you would.

And by the way, when you use silly terms like ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ you undercut your argument by taking on concepts that divide people into good and bad. That is how these terms are used now and your adoption of the verbiage of politicians and other scoundrels puts you in an untenable position as a moral leader. You seem to have chosen sides. Perhaps too much FOX news? Love and acceptance rather than labels is MUCH more persuasive.

Remember, by their deeds ye shall know them. We must know the deeds of the Pope. Only then can we know who he is, no?

Very Sincerely,

Bruce Parker

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Thank you for publishing this article and to Johann for writing it. I am Catholic and 100 per cent in support of our dear Pope B. XVI and all the good priests in the Catholic Church.

Forgiveness and Love are the most important gifts God has given us. This is why our Blessed Mother has been appearing in many places on Earth, the last few years. She is begging us to pray, pray and pray, to help her in her fight against Satan!

Magdalen Mauldin Littleton, Co

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It is The Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith who has primacy of responsibility with how the issue of accusation of misconduct of a clergyman is dealt with. We know how most were not dealt with for the 24 or more years Under the Prefecture of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger. His non decision became the norm of how bishops around the world oppressed legitimate cries for justice which is merciful and brings peace. It is not just, liberals, secular society, the media nor enemies of the church who are crying foul. This Is God's Church. Faith will be here, even when the whole Truth is revealed.

Ben

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i found this article very good I know its hard to understand the feelings of those abused but the pope and the clergy are being attacked from all sides.yes there were mistakes made and there should never have been a cover up but there are good holy clergy from the pope right down to the priest and they are paying the price for what these bad priests done.Money a big factor here also the enemies of the catholic church will do anything to crush the catholic faith also to leave your faith over this is daft,i am a catholic not because of priests or whoever i am a catholic because i believe in God and all the catholic faith teaches and upholds.just giving a little comment.

rosie nolan ireland

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No amount of "reverence and respect" can absolve a person or an institution of systematic cover-ups and the sexual abuse of minors. I would like to know what "moral compass" was guiding Ratzinger when he was orchestrating cover-ups as a bishop in Germany and as cardinal, re-enforcing the Church policy of secrecy and silence.

You attempt to cast the coverage of, and outrage over the recent stories of abuse within the Church, as persecution. What is really happening out here in the real world, is that people are beginning to see the forest for the trees. A quick study of history will disabuse any rational mind of the notion that the Catholic Church was, or ever has been a force for good. When Benedict or any other officer of the Holy See has the unmitigated gall to assert or claim moral authority or truth, the world laughs.

Sincerely,

Maurice S King Seattle,WA

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Face it, There are 2 and only 2 reasons why people are reacting against the Church.

1)Because the Catholic Church is the only stable thing in the world that you can react against

2)Because people feel when they see sins in the Church, it gives them license for their own sins.

These are the only 2 reasons. END OF STORY!!!!!

kevin new orleans,LA

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THANK YOU! Finally a voice that includes forgiveness as part of the healing process! Besides my heartful concern and prayer for victims and their loved one, I'm concerned about the salvation of the souls of priests in danger of eternal punishment. They also need our prayers and those who excerise the role of shepherding need to make available the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist. If a convicted felon came to our Church people might murmmer but, in time, attempts would be made toward reconciliation. If an acused priest walked in, I dare say that he would NOT find a "reconciling community" and probably never will. Does he not have a right as a fellow believer? to find acceptance while not condoning his sin? Who has no need of forgiveness among us? Has gotten away with a sin simply because we were not caught? No excuses for the destruction caused to a child but is his sin the only unforgivable sin? I ask myself how I would respond to seeing an accused priest in the pew near me and I don't know. I pray that I will hear Jesus say to me, "When I was a prisoner, you did not visit me." "Forgive as I have forgiven you." "Be merciful O Lord, for I too have sinned and am in need of mercy". To forgive is not to condone but tohate the sin and its effects and love the sinner. This article convicts me to practice toward others what I desire from those whom I have sinned against. Hope this makes sense to someone besides me!

Anthony,T.O.Carm. Nebraska

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I agree ..they want the destruccion of the image of the POPE, and with him the catholic church but that never will be happen.

margarita feller texas

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I am a Catholic. Thank you for your wisdom and discretion. This was a very profound article.

God Bless.

Sarah Hafferty Canada

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Thank you for your kind words. It has been said that we shouldn't condem the navy just because there are a few drunken sailors. It is with great sadness that I hear of these priests, ministers, parents and others who abuse children. We should pray very much for the conversion of the guilty and healing of the abused.

Remember Jesus chose Judas, even though he knew he would betray Him as many priests have done, especially in this generation--priests who perhaps have been disobedient in their disapproval of Humane Vitae.

Nellie
Canada