Two very interesting editorials in my London Free Press today. I'll bold what yours truly found interesting...obviously the sex abuse scandal is one story that is not going away
1.To observers not present at the Toronto gathering, the most significant development during the Pope's visit, arguably, was his admission, during Sunday's mass, of "a deep sense of sadness and shame" over sex abuse scandals that have plagued the church for decades. Rather than expand on that theme, however, the pontiff encouraged his youthful audience to rally around the "vast majority of dedicated and generous priests . . . whose only wish is to serve and do good."
Yes, they should be supported. And the point that the vast majority of those in church vocations possessing both pure motives and spotless records can hardly be repeated often enough. But in dealing with sex abuse, the church must move beyond contrition.
The classic definition of penance within the Roman Catholic Church comprises four phases -- or at least four elements. Contrition (a sense of having done wrong) is followed by confession (an unqualified admission of sin). Satisfaction (performance of a physical or spiritual remedy) follows. Only then can absolution (forgiveness) take place. It is a profound and meaningful understanding of the nature of injury and healing.
The Pope's expressions of sorrow and shame Sunday were contrite. They were, to some extent, even confessional. But the Church must do more to assure its followers the dark era of widespread abuses and administrative complicity in hiding them is over. Inevitably that will mean some form of compensation. Beyond confession lie action and forgiveness. To ensure the enormous spiritual dividend generated by World Youth Day is sustained, the Roman Catholic Church must ensure it completes the penitential process on which it has slowly, but reverently embarked.
2. A freelance writer (Jim Taylor) wrote his take on the Pope's visit to Toronto. Here are some excerpts:
I admit I have misgivings about a church in which one of its leaders, one who is eligible to be the next pope, in fact, would tell thougsands of young people - and here I paraphrase - that the church should refuse to fake tolerance for any person or group that feels "all convictions, religions and values are equally valid."
Or to paraphrase again, "it's our way or the highway."
Or how about the archbishop who told the world's impressionable kids that abortions were a worse crime than sexual abuse? Given the headlines just a little self-serving perhaps.
