| |
LETTER
to the editor
The following letter responds to the Vineyard’s Jan.
4 introductory text to “Five Years Later” coverage
Yes, the situation in the Catholic Church regarding
sexual abuse of minors, even one child, is horrible,
outrageous, unacceptable! But, I take strong issue
with those in the VOTF, (see P. Thorp's comments
in the last issue), that hold that these horrific
situations result from a “calculated, long
standing practice in the Catholic Church of clergy
sexual abuse of children.”
How can we, how can VOTF, in fairness, in honesty,
in justice, in good conscience, in good Christian
values, paint an entire church, an entire clergy,
all bishops, all Cardinals, all Popes, the entire
clergy, with such an “over the top" set
of accusations?
While taking a firm stand against the violations
by SOME clergy and SOME bishops and a system which
permitted or allowed such outrageous acts -- even
one act -- can we not, as VOTF member Mary Scanlon
recently stated, “speak out against injustice
and intolerance” even in the statements made,
or positions taken, by some in the VOTF?”
Francis J. Tepedino, San Diego, CA.
PS: My wife doesn't believe you would ever put these
dissenting comments in your "Letters to the
Editor." Who knows?
[Ed note: Francis makes a fair point, which is why
the text in question referred specifically to “some
bishops and priests.” (bold added)]
|
