Asymmetric Religion and Philosophy

An intelligent person recognizes that any organization will have a percentage of bad members. A person who's studied the abuse crisis in the Church as I have, a little, will also realize that abuse occurs, tragically, anywhere authority intersects weakness, and especially where men encounter potential sexual victims (see links below).

We all feel for the victims, and nobody is excusing misconduct, so lets get that out of the way.

Now, what hurt the Church's reputation is the seeming lack of action on the part of the Church hierarchy- really, if you're a hierarchical institution, the people on top better be good. By not immediately dismissing bad priests and bishops, the Church gave the impression that it wasn't concerned about or that it even condoned what was going on. Christopher Hitchens jumps on the fact that Bernadin Law received an appointment in Rome after being bishop when the pedophile scandal broke in Boston. While they snicker, the faithful fume at what they perceive as a betrayal of trust.

I might not attend a Christmas concert at the Our Lady of Angels Cathedral just because one of the the worst Cardinals since Richelieu, Mahoney, might be there.

Which is why I'm very happy that the Pope has accepted the resignation of Limerick Bishop, Donal Murray and that the Irish Church will restructure.

Finally.

Some perspective on the crisis here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.