Foxy,

I understand the dilemma, a good person like yourself faces, when, sexual abuse, is exposed in your religion.

If what is stated at http://brokenrites.alphalink.com.au/ is correct the alleged perpetrators seem to get the support from the Church Hierachy.

Is this unChristian behaviour?

It states on the first page:

"In the photo, Catholic priest Gerald Ridsdale (left) walks to court, accompanied by his support person (Bishop George Pell, then an auxiliary bishop in Melbourne), when Father Ridsdale was pleading guilty to his first batch of criminal charges in May 1993.

But no bishop accompanied the victims, who felt deserted by the church hierarchy."

Where were the good Bishops, priests etc.?

What does this do to your list of Christian qualities?

If what was stated by brokenrites is true - Is there any

Compassion for the victim?
Justice for the victim?
Decency for the victims?
Sympathy for the victims?
Love for the victims?
Empathy for the victims?

And if the hierarchy of the church no longer displays these Christian traits would Christ really support such an organisation using his name?

What does this say about how insignificant the Popes apology was recently?

You also stated correctly that there are many good and caring priests in the Catholic Church. How did Cardinal Pell get to the top, if what this site alleges is true?

Why are the other good priests silent? What goes on in the Catholic organisation which is kept out of the public eye?

I honestly wish you well in trying to change your church from the inside, but, a recent article in the Courier Mail, if true, alleges more problems.

I have put this link on other threads because it is fairly current.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,25083343-3102,00.html

If churches fail in the simple rule of Matthew 7:12 Do unto others...and fail to report crimes what hope is there?

Furthermore, if churches continue to oppress a woman's ability to preach using Paul's oppression of an entire gender 1 Timothy 2:11-12 then your battle becomes even greater!

I too sent emails to all my friends and others.

Good luck with your mission!

Dear Opinionated2,

Thank you.

I'm already aware of the facts that you point out.
And, sadly I don't have the answers for you.
However, I do know that there are many who think
like I do - and perhaps together we will achieve
changes.

As the old proverb says:

"Drop by drop even a mountain can be changed."