I think this thread has obviously hit a raw nerve with a lot of people. It certainly has with me. The abuse I suffered at the hands of the Roman Catholic clergy as a schoolboy in the sixties was physical, although looking back I think there was an understated sadistic element in there too.

Perhaps I was too ugly to be sexually abused or I was just plain lucky but I am sure it went on. A brother at my school was allowed to organise a society that only eleven to twelve year olds were allowed to join. They were sworn to secrecy about what went on but it involved getting mattresses from the gym and switching out the lights. I would like to be sure that the authorities knew what was going on at the time - or cared - but I lost my faith in the bloke with the big white beard some time around then.

I do know that whatever you think about the religious justifications, to deliberately sexually frustrate someone and then put them in a position of power over children is a bad idea. Equally, if you set up a powerful group with a celibate lifestyle you will attract people who have negative attitudes to their own sexuality.