Actually, I detest it and my view, expressed long and hard to the Bishops of two Dioceses (I live midway between them) is that there is absolutely no room for child abuse within the Church or anywhere else, but most especially among our Priests. Anyone who truly has been abused sexually, physically, mentally, or any combination of the three is deserving of all the support available. I don't believe there is any room for forgiveness on this issue. They must give up their collars and face criminal prosecution.

Is that strong enough for you? I also believe that safeguards must be put in place to insure that innocent clergy are not the victims of false accusations.

And I have not heard anyone in this debate acknowledge that the statistics show that this a very small percentage of the Priests that have done these things. In fact one study that I saw reported indicated that it is likely a bigger problem in certain other denominations.

Now, could we get back to the discussion of the issue, or do Harpgirl, Fionn, and Kat want to continue the debate of Big Mick's views on this? I will let you both know when I am back in Toronto and perhaps we could start a thread to talk about my views, eh? And maybe yours as well?

Mick