On lent, the Catholic church should “GIVE UP” the names of 21 Philadelphia pedophile priests.
Giant black ashes smeared across the foreheads of the chosen marks today as the beginning of yet another period of lent. Traditionally, lent offers the faithful a chance to give up a vice – conveniently only for the 40 days. After which, let the licentiousness continue! The Constitution allows for freedom of religious practice, and for that matter, even such flagrant displays of “humility” and “purity.” And it must be mentioned that the author has no desires to deny the constitutionality of such practices. However, given yet another slew of child molestation cases in Philadelphia combined with the hesitancy of the archdiocese and the Vatican to release the names of the offenders, the Vatican and sheep of the church expose themselves to ridicule.
Several days ago, the Philadelphia archdiocese dismissed 21 priests for sexual abuse of minors under their care. This, seen as the most widely sweeping action taken by the Catholic church, is a start. In fact, it is far better than rewarding past child molesting clerics with continued church service and lavish accommodations in Vatican City (see the case of Cardinal Law).
Setting an example to the “heathen” world as “a light upon a hill” has always been a favorite motto of church elders. Yet, so reticent is the archdiocese still to make public the names of their number accused of preying on innocent children. During this period of lent, the faithful members of the church should demand their elders give up the names of those even the godless would denounce. Only then, would the church rid itself of this pandemic and bring to justice those who would prey on children. Or at the very least, afford those prominently screaming their humility on their forehead less scorn. -AR
