I can't disagree with any of the many incidents you report. Unfortunately, almost all of them are true, no matter how many times you repeat them.

I do object to the statements from many of you that these criminals are examples of "good Christians."

That's where you pass into bigotry.

The Catholic Church has been laid low by this scandal, no doubt about it. We're suffering greatly because of it. It was our children who were victims of these crimes, and we are appalled by this criminal conduct. We don't deny the crimes that have been committed. We're trying to get beyond it and get back to things like working for justice for the poor and migrants.

Thank you for kicking us when we're down, you bigots.

It wasn't all that long ago when there were laws against Catholics in the U.S. and Europe, and particularly in England. Jesuits were outlawed in many parts of the world, and eventually even the Pope caved into political pressure and suppressed the Jesuits. Not very long ago at all, Catholics were a primary target of the Ku Klux Klan. Seems like many of you are yearning to carry on that tradition of bigotry.

-Joe-