The Reproach of Christ now features guest posts by: Francisco Figueroa
Pope Francis is Our Holy Father, Supreme Head of the whole Church, Father and Teacher of all Christians, and Supreme Pontiff.
Papal critics: “Let us explain to you why Pope Francis is wrong.”
Ron Conte: “Let me explain to you what the word ‘faith’ means.”
Those who reject the Magisterium, grasp at straws seeking its replacement.
* Pope Francis vs. Pope Paul IV’s Ex Apostolatus Officio
* Saint Bellarmine and Pope Francis
If the works of God seem foolish to you, who is the fool — God or you?
How does working with victims of abuse make you certain that you know about the inclinations of the abusers themselves? Do you also have extensive experience interviewing the predators? Also, is it not possible that the crisis with homosexual priests and abusing priests do not fit the mold that you are describing for a more general societal problem?
I met quite a few abusers, and I had information from the family therapists and psychiatrists. Every patient’s situation was discussed in a weekly meeting with all the therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists present, along with the floor staff (including me). I did not interview the abusers, only the children and sometimes a parent.
I don’t see how it would be possible for priests who are abusers to be any different. Priests come from the laity. This means that, among the Mass-going laity, there are probably a fair number of abusers. And for the priests who have been caught abusing kids, I don’t see any pattern that they are mostly gay men, or that they have sexual relationships with adult men as well.