I find it absurd to say that all Irish are guilty for the cover up of these crimes.

Religious organisations try to influence society and in order to do that, they crave the moral right to do so. This sets them up as almost unaccountable. After all, they are not part of any democratic process, so are not answerable to anyone other than their own hierarchy.

And that's why for me, the hierarchy should be in the dock. Harbouring criminals, failing to report a crime, perverting the course of justice... How many laws on the Irish statute can we come up with? Quite a few I reckon.

And then, just suppose they are right. Just suppose for one minute that there is a bloke with a great white beard judging us.

It isn't just the child molester who would be damned to their vision of Hell, it would be those who have statues erected in their cathedrals too.

I do accept that in criticising institutions, it can be seen as criticising peoples' individual faith. But if you can separate your faith from the actions of your church, then why aren't you out there shouting "Not in my name!" And withholding support till it blows over? A few less idiots running around the Third World telling people not to use contraceptives would be a great help, and if enough people stopped funding it, then it might stop. After all, don't expect The Vatican to use their enormous corporate wealth to fund their missionary work...

Similarities here with the thread about Uganda possibly executing people for being gay, egged on by so called Christian organisations in The States.