I found it very difficult watching the
ABC's programme on 'Compass' last night
entitled 'The Hand of God.' It examined
the impact of sexual abuse and focused
on one man's experiences dealing with
what he had suffered 30 years ago as a
young altar boy. He came from a very
religious Italian family.

I would like to hear from other posters
how they view this subject. Especially,
what they think the Catholic Church
should do - and how can cases like this
one be stopped - once and for all?

Denial, this is happening - is not the
answer - and neither is ignoring the problem,
or moving these priests to other parishes where
they re-offend .

What is the answer?

Foxy

Repeat sexual offenders should be castrated for the sake of society. Whether it is a Priest, artist, politician, scientist, piano or teacher it should make no difference. It is abhorrent to think that a Priest can remain a Priest after committing such an atrocity. I doubt very much if he is still a Priest in God's eyes.

I think judges in this part of the world are half the problem. Only 2 weeks ago a man pleaded guilty to raping a 4 year old girl. He was not jailed because he was indigenous. It seems that if you are of a certain race, religion or profession you get off lightly for such ghastly crimes. The lawyers and judges really have a lot to answer for. In saying that I find it strange that it seems that only churches seem to pay compensation to victims unlike artists, football clubs, politicians etc.

Dear runner,

You should have seen the Compass programme last night.
It shook me to the core. The truly traumatic part was
that the Catholic Church knew about this particular
priest, yet did nothing - in fact, the priest was moved
on to other parishes and continued to molest young boys
right up until hid death.

And, even after his death, the Church refused to admit
or explain what had happened - they refused to admit
any culpability = but they did pay out $60,000 to that
particular Italian man - however, they were vindictive -
the Church closed - the Italian Parish Church to which
his parents and the Italian Community belonged.

As a Catholic - I felt so ashamed.

Foxy

I did not see the program but it does not surprise me. An organisation that has murdered so many believers and non believers in the past is capable of anything. I was brought up a Catholic (my family still are). I hate catholic bashing for that reason. There are many good people caught up in what I consider an abhorrent system.

Gross sin such as child sexual abuse has been covered up not only by the Catholic church but by judges, doctors, protestants, atheist, indigenous elders,environmentalist, agnostics etc etc. I doubt whether the abuse rate is any higher with the Catholics than anywhere else. Unfortunately our national broadcasters like to bash the Catholics where and whenever they can.

When did this atrocity take place? I ask because in our own indigenous communities child sexual abuse is still rampant to this day. Why aren't our national broadcasters trying to rescue kids today from this? Everyone is aware of the Catholic and other churches abuses in the 70's and 80's. Would not it make more sense to tackle today's issue?

I personally left and renounced the Catholic church a long time ago because many of their practices contradict Scripture. I do however believe the pro liberal press including compass is really right out of balance. If you need to go back decades to throw dirt you could do that with a great many religous and non religous organisations.

Foxy,

I did not see the programme. Just the same, it has been my long held belief that those, who protect these priests, should regarded as criminals too. Why? Because they are criminals.

Foxy I was not born catholic, but think they are the worst for this dreadful crime.
Not however the only church guilty of this crime the church of England , the church I was born into is bad too.
Question to posters
Can any one who serves God, has these children in their care do such things and still claim to believe in that God?