Dear Oliver (Olly),

Many years ago I read the book, "In God's Name,"
by David A. Yallop. For 4 months, it was on The
New York Times Bestseller List.

The book dealt with an investigation into the
murder of Pope John Paul I. and I quote,
"On September 28, 1978, thirty-three days after his
election, Pope John Paul I, "the Smiling Pope,"
was declared dead. No official death certificate
has ever been issued. No autopsy ever performed. His body
was hastily embalmed. Cause of death: Unknown. And Vatican
business continued as usual..."

I didn't mean to digress here Olly, but it's the
only way I know to answer your question that concerns
bringing members of the Catholic clergy to account.
I don't think it's going to happen in a public forum
like a court. The Church won't let it happen. It will
deal with matters within its own ranks in its own
way.

Do I think the clergy should be held accountable - yes,
if they have committed a crime, and there is strong
evidence of it. I do not however condone, "Trial by Media."
Or smear tactics, without concrete proof.

But, what we think - won't make an ounce of
difference. The Church, like Royalty, appears to be
a law onto itself.

huffnpuff,

The Pope's email address is:

benedictxvi@vatican.va

With hundreds of thousands of priests, statistically, some are going to be deviants and criminals. What annoys me is the bishops whom protect the criminals. In this frame, I feel anyone concealing the commission of a very serious crime should be goaled, if convicted by a jury in a fair trial. Render their bodies to Caesar.

Further, should bishops be barred from hearing Confession from clergy?
The Confession process is open to abuse by the criminal priests.

In someways good priests are like good cops, they themsleves do the right thing; but, will never, never dob in their peers, who should be prosecuted.

Most people don't like dobbing, but with heinous crimes, come on now, think of the victims.

George,

Interesting surveys and data.

OK so none of "yous" has actually HAD "a bad Catholic Day" personally, or perhaps did have one but has not had the balls to "complain" [either via a court or the Towards Healing protocol]

Any takers to take this thread from media Boo Hoo to ACTION?

any experiences we can build upon?

I was taught by both priests and nuns.A amall percentage were perverted,but most were the best human beings you'd ever have the privlidege to meet beyond god.
Personally I don't like Pell,but we should not judge a man or any person on a moments indiscretion.

Pell has again changed his story.
Police phone taps have forced him too.
I have no hate for the Catholic church,but I distrust them.
A thread about that QLD child molester must be highlighted here.
In what way are the ofending priests world wide any different?
This thread gives mounting evidence Pell at least did not take proper action.
In my view he covered up for some.
If world youth day is to be a day of saying sorry the church must convince the world this dreadful crime will not be part of the future of the church as it is part of its history.

Belly,

Nicely and succinctly put.