The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #128156   Message #2913727
Posted By: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
25-May-10 - 03:04 AM
Thread Name: BS: Clerical child abuse Part 94....
Subject: RE: BS: Clerical child abuse Part 94....
"praying for both the victims and the perpetrators of crime."

That's fine, but not in the exact same breath because it implies a parity between the victim and the perpetrator. A Priest might feel that both need prayers equally. Strictly in terms of *spiritual* ministering - if there is any power of intercession - they might be right at that after all it's the abuser (and those who enabled him) who has corrupted himself spiritually. But to do so publicly rubs salt in the wound for the abused. Prayers for perpetrators can be done separately or not publicly at all. In fact I'd say prayers for the Catholic Priests and Bishops who enabled them, is an internal Church matter. It aught not be for the congregation to spiritually minister to the Church and its sins IMO, but the other way around.