The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #128156   Message #2868877
Posted By: Bill D
21-Mar-10 - 06:24 PM
Thread Name: BS: Clerical child abuse Part 94....
Subject: RE: BS: Clerical child abuse Part 94....
"institutional complicity" is a good term. It is the reason there have been court judgments against the church and the church has paid some very large settlements and fines.
Although 'individuals' are the ones breaking the rules, the institution creates the complex of rules, attitudes, opportunities and responses TO rule breaking that exacerbate the sick tendencies OF individuals.

To some, the very structure of certain institutions (not just the Church) make a certain amount of abuse inevitable. If that is the case, the possible cures are quite a topic for debate. Reorganize? Reduce? Restrict? Remove? There are NO easy answers when the institution is seen as a necessary thing, while its organization and basic principles are seen as elements of the problem.

Joe Offer has chosen what is possibly the hardest path....trying to work within the institution and improve it, while disagreeing with many of the historical patterns and 'teachings'.
I don't think I envy him the job.