Just read that the Pope finally apologized for the actions of those priests who sexually abused their followers. Though I’m all up for a good ol’ apology (how do you think I survive marriage?), this seems a little odd. Apparently hundreds upon hundreds of priests—who are technically employees of the Pope—take advantage of people in the worst possible way … and all the Pope can do is offer this meek apology:
“I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country,” Benedict said during an address at a Mass in Australia. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured. I assure them as their pastor that I too share in their suffering.”
First off, you don’t share their suffering. Not even close. I’m friends with someone who was sexually abused as a boy, and it’s anguish+torture+horror+nightmares+every possible negative one can think of. And the Pope apologizes? Like that?
I’m sorry, but I don’t buy it, and I don’t think members of the Catholic Church should, either. More than five years after this story first broke, it’s time for people to start asking hard questions—not just about Catholicism, but about organized churches/synagogues/etc. Here’s my question: When is faith a blessed thing, and when is it a power grip around the throat?
Hmmm …
(I’ll get back to sports now)
