It's the RC which puts such an unrealistic onus on its priests and nuns, though, Joe, to never have any kind of sex. That's not the norm in any other part of society. And, it's not always been the case in the RC. They used to allow marriage. I don't care how noble a "calling" is, very few individuals are invulnerable to the sexual drive. If it is suppressed and coupled (no pun intended) with dire predictions of purgatory, etc. it can become perverted and the adults look to the most vulnerable, the children, for release. It is sick and, yes, it does happen in all of society, but that does not excuse what has happened in the RC and could still be happening for all we know. Your remark about Thatcher was not germane and really beneath you, imo. I know you love your church and you feel defensive about it, but there is no justification for any of what has happened and it will be an ongoing process of revelations as people continue to grow up, speak out, investigate, etc. One doesn't stop talking about the elephant in the room and hope it will go away.

kat