In my view, sexual molestation of children is the grossest, most perverted offense imaginable. It's the most severe violation of a young person's respect and dignity, thwarting healthy emotional, psychological and spiritual development, and often causing irreparable damage.

I blame the guilty pedophiles for their heinous crimes. But I also blame the media for making pedophilia seem unique to the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, sexual abuse of children happens in churches, seminaries and offices of virtually all religions and professions.