Dear Bridget, The Catholic Church is an organization, just like any other organization, in the sense that what transpires within it, can be, is and will have good and bad, depending on who is and isn't a member. The greater capacity "something" has to be good than, naturally, the existence and likelihood for eveil is in direct proportion. Bad presidents, lawyers, doctors, teachers, police departments, mothers and fathers, ect. Perhaps you were taught that Christ Founded the Catholic Church and following Him was Apostle Peter, our first Pope. Down through the ages great evil (regardless of its true origin or identity) most definately came to dwell within the House Of The Lord. We all have been given a Free Will. You are clear on the fact that you no longer have a desire to partisipate in organized religion, and who cannot respect that. I most sincerely apologize if what I said in a previous thread was offensive. But the things which you hold as holy and sacred, the things which you believe in-- harmony, goodness, humanity and love, can easily be viewed as a religion, per Webster's 4: a cause, principle or system of beliefs held with faith. And these same things will always be the hub and spoke of Christianity. It was Christ who first taught us about humanity, our own great capacity for goodness, humility and love, in its purest form.

From whatever source, much light and love to you.

m