Thank you my friend. Yes, my husband and I have been discussing this very issue - we like our friends a lot and we like the history and culture of Catholicism so it may be the place to start. The only concern we have is how do you keep children safe with the issue of so many pedos having infiltrated the church?
Not every priest is a pedo and it's perhaps less prevalent than you might be led to think by the media, both MSM and non-MSM. In saying so, child abuse does happen, and not only of the sexual nature. For example, I read some decades-old letters about a priest who used excessive physical violence to punish kids, and was promptly removed from his post. On the other hand, I know of priests who hold rather strong views against pedophilia, and are themselves aware of pedo priests as they are often privy to such things going on. Privy is the key word: they may not necessarily have any overt authority to act on the matter, and they must maintain confidentiality.
I'd say your best bet is to treat them as you would a teacher to your child, as that is ultimately who they are. For example ensure that your child's safety is never put at risk of being compromised. It is also important learn and observe who your priests are as people, as the priest-worshiper relationship should never be the only relationship at play.
Another thing is to keep in good contact with your community, especially with your friends, and discuss with them seriously about the issue of pedophilia within the Church. You might even want to talk directly with the parish priest, the parish secretary or other key persons in the parish about your concerns. Some may be uncomfortable with talking about child abuse but, in this day and age, it is a topic that must be brought up and addressed by members within the Church community lest it be consumed by that scourge. The key is that you talk about it.
Thank you my friend. Yes, my husband and I have been discussing this very issue - we like our friends a lot and we like the history and culture of Catholicism so it may be the place to start. The only concern we have is how do you keep children safe with the issue of so many pedos having infiltrated the church?
Not every priest is a pedo and it's perhaps less prevalent than you might be led to think by the media, both MSM and non-MSM. In saying so, child abuse does happen, and not only of the sexual nature. For example, I read some decades-old letters about a priest who used excessive physical violence to punish kids, and was promptly removed from his post. On the other hand, I know of priests who hold rather strong views against pedophilia, and are themselves aware of pedo priests as they are often privy to such things going on. Privy is the key word: they may not necessarily have any overt authority to act on the matter, and they must maintain confidentiality.
I'd say your best bet is to treat them as you would a teacher to your child, as that is ultimately who they are. For example ensure that your child's safety is never put at risk of being compromised. It is also important learn and observe who your priests are as people, as the priest-worshiper relationship should never be the only relationship at play.
Another thing is to keep in good contact with your community, especially with your friends, and discuss with them seriously about the issue of pedophilia within the Church. You might even want to talk directly with the parish priest, the parish secretary or other key persons in the parish about your concerns. Some may be uncomfortable with talking about child abuse but, in this day and age, it is a topic that must be brought up and addressed by members within the Church community lest it be consumed by that scourge. The key is that you talk about it.
Thank you my friend.