Joe,
More and more I am left with the impression that those outside Ireland have yet to grasp the enormity of what happened here.
Sure, it wasn't the whole clergy who indulged in abuse - a considerable amount, but still a small minority.
But it was a large proportion of the heirarchy who knew what was going on, didn't report it and allowed it to continue. Many of the people who acted in this way are now in prominent positions. some have owned up and resigned, while others are being found out and are refusing to resign. This is shaking the whole foundations of the church here, and the longer mit goes on the more fragile the church will become. I have no desire whatever to destroy the church - if I have indicated that I have, please point out where. But even if I did, I couldn't hope to do as good a job as the church is doing itself at the moment.
If there is anything here I have said that is incorrect or unfair please point it out.
And please don't you dare equate my attitude toward the church with
Akenaton's torrent of hate toward gays.
I asked you earlier what whether you would adopt the same stance if it was the education department who had behaved as the church has - I still haven't received a straight answer.
More recently I asked you where I have given a distorted view of Catholicism - again I have received no answer - specifics please.
Jim Carroll