Mary and Pericles,

It would seem that the Catholic Church, under pressure, may over made a few concessions to public and notably media pressure. Some of the line-staff offenders have been given-up. Yet, I remain unsure that the Church is ready to surrender its cardinals and bishops.

George argued that he knows of no Australian nor US bishop ever being charged by secular authorities; yet, we are not told by the Church how these seeming innocent and blishful bishops just happen to transfer the priests involved in sex abuse scandals or why the Church pays out money to victims, before matter go to Court, in the abscence of any knowledge by the bishops, after-the-fact.

My reading of the two main OLO US cases: viz.,Boston and Pheonix, was that the authotities were very interested in investigating matters further. In the first case Bishop Law cleared out to the Vatican, ignoring the first Grand Jury Summons. The Pheonix DA claimed that Church moved key documents to those clergy with diplomatic immunity. I just can't see how all this evasive activity can happen with bishops not knowing what is going on. If the bishops did/do know more than they are saying; they should be charged or, in the case of nervous politicians, should been charged. It is up the Courts to decide their fate and to Church hand them over.

I strongly suspect some bishops protect the Church over their religious vocational and the public.

Mary... You started this thread. Where are you?

Oliver. and G

"here are places where humans don't think, I hope you don't mind."

I see your call, ( poker terms ) and I.... you and all some4 commonsensical Stakes in humanity.. Religion in its fine. I don't know what future has in the world stakes of humans, But I know this, What comes from the imagination can not be trusted.

Would you let a child run your world? ( punt intended )

TTM

.

Dear Oliver,

As George bows out and Mary remains discretely silent, please allow me to accompany you for a stitch or two on this thread, unless, of course, you too have come to the end of your reel.

My gambit is unpretentious. You may even find it trivial. It is the simple observation that Benedict is breathing more easily now as he rides comfortably seated in his toy-like Papa mobile. A much relieved smile crosses his face as he waves his undisguised gratitude to the huge masses that line his route. There can be no doubt. His followers are out in force.

You see, blind faith is all we have. Justice was never meant for us in this day and age of cruel existence.

So leave us our Pope and leave us our God. Leave us our Church and leave us alone to pray. Our priests are our guides and we do as they say. They know our troubles and woes. They teach us hope. Blind faith is all we have.

.

Banjo,

"Leave them a flower, some grass and a hedgerow. A hill and a valley, a view to the sea. These things are not yours to destroy as you want to. A gift given once for eternity" - Ames

My posts essentially to George posit to save their flower Christians must prune the bush.Inaction stands more chance at destroying the Catholic Church.

All I have been saying to George and our OLO theist friends is that Catholic Church must hand over to secular authorities the bishops, who knew transferred and covered-up for priests. Rendering unto Caesar. Not that the Church should not exist. Relatedly, I believe even Benedict said the Church at times must do penance.

I am pleased the Pope is more comfortable and mobile.

TTM,

Young Atlas was a Titanic sprinter.

FYI:

George asked about Australian abuse cases:

From ABC:

"Last year another vicar general, Father Thomas Brennan, was convicted of making a false written statement to protect Father John Denham, and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond. He is the only person in a position of authority in the Catholic Church in Australia to be convicted for covering-up abuse."

"The present bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Michael Malone, has been warned by police for "tipping off" Father Jim Fletcher that he was under police investigation. The Ombudsman's report into the incident was highly critical of the bishop's role. Bishop Malone has since apologised to victims for his poor handling of the issue."

Full article:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/17/2901859.htm?section=justin

A twelve months good behaviour bond! Though, recording a conviction is a first step.

Also,

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/17/2901234.htm

Oliver. These are people of trust in all the 2000/6000 years of its exsistance. If you proclaim to be the righteous one's, faultless you must be?

By this mark, humans we are. So to sit in the drivers seat of the all, one can only guess whats next. Your links show a clean up of the past facts and this point will be noted.

TTM