Jim Carroll says:

Hi Joe,
I apologise if I have over-reacted - (not uncommon nowadays).
At the time of the Ryan report being issued, an organisation was set up here in Ireland (L.O.V.E.?) the aim of which was transparently to debunk or at least, to call into question the findings of the tribunals. It attempted to place a question mark over all the cases coming to light, giving the overall impression that it was a plot against the church. I can no longer find a reference to it so I assume it died the death it deserved.

Hi, Jim-
Yes, I've heard the people who try to say the whole sexual abuse thing is an attempt to discredit the Catholic Church, or that it's a "homosexual conspiracy," or any number of things that try to turn the tables. It's all garbage, and most Catholics I know pay little heed to it. I encountered one of those "deniers" yesterday, and ruffled her feathers a bit. A crusty (and very humorous) Irish-born nun spoke to support me. Yes, there are a few ornery Catholics who attempt to deny the impact of the sexual abuse scandal, but that number is very small.

Most of the Catholics I know, think the exposure of the sexual abuse scandal provided a much-needed catharsis for the Catholic Church. My biggest concern is that some bishops still don't "get" it; and seem to blame the problem on disobedience to their long-lost authority, instead of on their own irresponsibility.

-Joe-