I am sure that many of you like me have had your eyes and ears attuned to the happenings in Rome seeking news regarding the Summit on Sexual Abuse in the Church, summoned by Pope Francis calling all the Bishop leaders of National Episcopal Conferences throughout the world.
It is so difficult for me and I am sure many of you to imagine that many of the Bishops still do not realize that this is a major problem that must be addressed and that the problem is not just a US or European problem. It occurs throughout the whole world. I can’t get my head around the thinking that the Bishops first needed to be educated about the problem. Yikes.
There is a great deal of disappointment that the Summit did not accomplish two major issues; the scandal of abuse and the leadership failures to address the issues. My patience, as well as the patience of many, is wearing thin. Many of us hoped that there would be a statement made by Pope Francis on how Bishops would be held accountable, and zero tolerance as far as any sexual abuse by members of the clergy and hierarchy. The Zero tolerance policy has taken effect in the US for priests but needs to also extend to Bishops which at this time it does not.
Staying faithful to our faith is a real challenge, and I must keep reminding myself that my faith is in Jesus Christ and the power of the sacraments and not in any pope, cardinal, bishop or priest. I am disgusted that we have not addressed this problem once and for all. There are so many other issues that need to be addressed: the poor, homeless, mercy for the divorced and remarried, acceptance of those of various sexual orientations, and more are not being addressed because we fail as a church at transparency and accountability for the sins of men who professed to live the gospel.
Again, we will do all we can here in our Catholic Community of Sacred Heart to make our community a safe place. We need each other more than ever, and the world needs us more than ever to renew and reform the church. I, for my part, will continue to focus on the gospel and the sacraments and the guidance of Jesus Christ and thank all of you for your fidelity to our community here in Hopedale, that we may continue to support each other during this time of very poor leadership in our church.
One last note, I am finding accurate reporting on the happenings in the church in The National Catholic Reporter (NCR) and the articles by John Allen in The Boston Globe. If any of you want to talk more regarding these issues, be sure to let me know; I am more than happy to talk with you.