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What Can a Pope Do about Sexual Abuse?

The pope is Catholic and the Human Head of Roman Church located in the Vatican.

Is there anything a pope can do?

We look to leadership to give voice to moral teachings, to unify the membership, and to take initiative regarding the best human options in any given situation. More than that we have invested this human institution with witnessing Gospel values and most of all embodying Jesus, "as if" he were still walking and talking in our midst.

So, reading the eight page pastoral letter we can measure words and deeds. Missing is taking a look at the Vatican's oversight, especially since 1982 when the now Pope Benedict was in charge of these abuses by clergy and religious. Missing is compunction about being criminally implicated, not just morally embarrassed. Missing is the directive of penitential action for those who are the victimizers.

The action forthcoming is further investigations for victims and exposure as well as penitential practices for the faithful.

What can be done?

1. Canon Law needs to be reformed so as not to protect the clergy and the Church. Criminal law must apply to all in just measure.

2. Adults with social addictions must be screened out of roles of power and control.

3. Membership need a renewed training in asceticism that schools in restraint and discerned actions on behalf of others.

4. The culture of silence needs to be replaced by quick and safe justice for victims and compassion and treatment for abusers.

5. Abusers require containment. We must face that inconvenient fact and insist on restrictions that last a lifetime.

And further:

Religious language, faith education and moral observances need both witnesses of humility and justice. Truth emerges when what is taught is also practiced.

Along with thousands of victims of sexual abuse we are all victims of loss of esteem and value of the earthly Roman Catholic Church who has failed on its watch once again, and in my lifetime.

It is easy to blame the Pope and ecclesiastical leadership for such massive failure. I cannot be above them and judge. That very attitude is what contributes to a haughty tone of this Pastoral Letter.

What I can do is to start with myself. Probably the Pope cannot do anything, because it is like doing brain surgery on one's self, but I can start with my personal effort to narrow the gap between my own words and deeds.

In very small ways this very sad time in our Church can be a source of grace. Do I embody Jesus "as if" he were walking and talking among us?

So, speaking for myself now:

What can I do? First, it is time to fall on my knees in repentance. Then, go into discernment myself as to what action should I take because of this invitation to grace?

http://www.andiesisle.com/ThisBlessingIsForYou.html

(to be continued)