Perspective: Catholic Church needs zero tolerance policy on sexual abuse/activity
Let’s be clear on some facts. The Catholic Church is not the only religious organization that has experienced sexual abuse allegations and crimes.
Not all of the sexual abusers were homosexual priests. Though 81% of the accused were later identified as sexually active homosexual males, 19% were identified as heterosexual. [1]
Only 4% of all active priests from 1950-2002 are alleged to have committed sexual abuse. [1]
Not all professed homosexual priests are sexually active. Reports show that the Catholic Church has, as a percentage of the priesthood, between 15-50% homosexual priests. [2][3] This would indicate that many of the professing homosexual priests are staying true to their vows of celibacy. [4]
What the Catholic Church needs is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to sexual abuse or sexual activity by priests. Just like a teacher who has sex with a student and is arrested, convicted and stripped of their teaching credentials, so should a Catholic priest. Part of the job description for a teacher is you cannot be sexually active with a student, part of the job description for a priest is you can’t be sexually active period. As a priest you have the responsibility to protect the flock of God. The rules are simple, you can’t be sexually active. Celibacy is the rule and it cannot be crossed and still hold your priesthood. Should a priest violate the law by having sex with a minor or raping an individual, the Catholic Church should be required to contact the police immediately upon learning of the allegation.
That doesn’t mean that a priest who violates their oath of celibacy cannot be forgiven. They can, if they repent of their sin, however the sin still has consequences. Incidents of sexual abuse, rape and breaking your vow of celibacy should be dealt with in the appropriate manner. Zero tolerance is necessary. Just like you shouldn’t go to work in a candy store if you’re a diabetic, you shouldn’t be a priest if you want to act on your sexual desires. Disqualification is the only appropriate response to the office of priest.
Daryl Hensley
Jasper
[1] http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/upload/The-Nature-and-Scope-of-Sexual-Abuse-of- Minors-by-Catholic-Priests-and-Deacons-in-the-United-States-1950-2002.pdf
[2] https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2000/11/04/challenges-and-gifts-homosexual-priest
[3] http://articles.latimes.com/2002/oct/20/local/me-gaypriest20
[4] https://www.catholic.com/tract/celibacy-and-the-priesthood
Amazing – that after several days since this letter posted, there’s not yet (before this) been even a single reply – not one – about “zero tolerance” in name/talk only. If people here don’t think this can happen – has been or is happening – right here in little ol’ Dubois Co, then their heads are once again buried in the sand about another sick, ugly – yes, embarrassing to be sure – criminal blight on an all-too-proud (to a fault) community. Whether suicide, drugs, alcohol or all forms of child abuse both in/out of the church, we must get it out there for what it really is – a CRIME – face it head-on, and quit avoiding/hiding it as if it will somehow go away. Regardless of source or cause, the scourge of child abuse by anyone/anywhere is CRIMINAL – the laws and criminal justice system trump any church/church hierarchy, and therefore cannot be (any longer) policed/handled internally by the church. If, as seems to be the new norm of late, our society demands immediate and complete removal or termination from employment, responsibilities or professional association, sponsorship, etc, of ANYONE at ANY level who even utters so much as an isolated racial slur in private, or are even accused (not proven) of sexual advances, et al – or tolerate those who do – how can we no less also demand the same from the Catholic Church for its representatives who engage in perversive behavior/actions – PREDATORY CRIMES – against children/youth??? This in conjunction with immediate reporting to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution. If it also means cleaning house up the ladder all the way to Rome – and it may – so be it. It MUST STOP. As a famous quote declares, “the buck stops here” and “here” is at the top. Immediate action is long overdue – no more PC talk or debate of the who or why of it.
Here’s an idea. The Catholic Church should stop making jobs that say “you can’t have sex.” What kind of job would do that?! It’s crazy. Also it’s pretty naive to think a man…hmmm how can I put this….if he abstains, nature has a way for things to happen during the sleep time. Yeah. That fact I learned from 8th grade health class.