General Chat

AnnC I think that is an excellent point.

I have never been in a confessional box, and I guess neither have you. But the privacy of the confessional must now come into question.

I think the priest who hears a confession from someone who has broken the civil law has a responsibility to tell the police.

I've been thinking about this - he has been taking confession no doubt over the years, listening to other peoples' sins and doling out penance, surely he himself hs to go to confession as well? so who's been listening to his confessions - was he truthful in them, and if so, why has it taken this long for it to come to light

It is show business, scouts, army and religion. And work. Inappropriate and unwanted sexual behaviour.

And unfortunately so often within families.

As far as Roman Catholic Church is concerned, they seemed to be in denial many years ago. But I have felt for some years they have been trying to deal with these crimes.

But it is like a runaway juggernaut or express train. So difficult to slow down quickly.

TO MUCH DO AS I SAY

NOT DO AS I DO

he should be leading the way to a good honest life

they must feel very let down indeed - so sad

They want a good beating aswell,,,,,


how bitterly upset the dedicated people must be who have shown nothing but the upmost respect for some who they cast as a holy being,for an institution thats dictated their way of life to do nothing but good,-abstain from this abstain from that,dedication thats been followed to the letter with deep trust ,,,,,,,,,then bomb!!,they find what really lies under the cassock covering,-shock,, horror,,. someone whos been not been true.........like finding out your OH who you deeply love and respect and youve been devout and true to has been having an affair all your married life, ,,,,,insults its justifiable,

well watching both Sky and BBC news this evening it seems as if there is a lot more than just four priests involved here - when he apologised he said his behaviour fell short of what was expected as a priest, a bishop and a cardinal, implying his misconduct carried on with his promotions - the Observer reporter who first "broke" the story is of the opinion there is more to come

apparently he was very vociferous in his condemnation of homosexuals and same sex marriage and had wanted wider discussion on priests no longer having to be celibate

I would expect the proportion of newspaper reporters and people down your street who are "at it" is roughly the same as priests in Roman Catholicism.

Yet I have heard no one yet say "15% of men in High St, Snoodlebum, Herts have had inappropriate behaviour with young people". :-S :-S

"Anathematise papists & vilify dissenters" - this appears to be the call from some media reports before the guilt admission & includes several entertaining terms of abuse.

The insults are beating down like hailstones on the 'good' & the 'bad' indiscriminately.

that must be where I learnt it from

that's what sheepdogs say :-D

woof
I mean baa

if only one is at it its one to many :-(

John - do not keep harping on "they are all at it" - if you recall I amended to my posting to "how many are at it" although some still saw fit to report me - but you of course will just not let it go will you - that's twice you mentioned it in the past few minutes

dog with a bone springs to mind

The victims in this case were all in training and aged over 18 I belive 1980's ,,,,so no crime was committed in the true sense of the word......but no they arent all it at......

just that he was another that was,,,,,,!!!spits.....

He only admitted it when he had no choice.

He doesn't deserve leniency.

wonder if he confessed all in the confession box
does he think a few hail marys are good enough :-(

No problem with that AnnC.

Just that when people say they are "all at it", it is just not true. I doubt your Rector has been at it. I doubt (very much doubt) my Minister has been at it.

But all priests can succomb to same temptations. And they need to be dealt with in exactly same way as anyone else in society.

I am wondering if Cardinal O'Brien wil be dealt with leniently because he has confessed - whereas some of the more high profile people recently with allegations against them have so far pleaded "not guilty".

If he is now admitting that there was some impropriety, then as the leading catholic in the UK this is somewhat worrying.
Although I am of course not suggesting anything, if the chief commits a crime or indiscretion then surely the lower ranks may find a degree of protection if they admit to him, in confidence of course, that they too have maybe been "up to something".

thank you Joy - and Muffy - you have it in a nutshell there!! certainly no tears for the Cardinal - but for his victims, may they get some justice and eventualy some peace of mind and may he rot in hell - and if anyone wants to report me for sayng that, go ahead