Failures in any human-run organization

Editor

Regarding Father Gregorio’s Feb. 8, column, “Our holy, apostolic church, blemishes and all.”

The priest abuse scandal and coverup has caused deep sorrow among those who trust our clergy to among those who trust our clergy to lead us toward salvation. So it is understandable that this feeling of betrayal has caused some to abandon the Catholic Church.

But thanks to Father for pointing out the folly of leaving the church because it has not always lived up to the expectation of perfection.

It is not to minimize the devastating effects of such egregious acts to point out what may come as a shock to some – that credible acts of abuse have been perpetrated by about four percent of priests, according to a study at John Jay College in New York.

Indeed, some who have fled the church may have inadvertently taken refuge in denominations with even greater incidences of such abuse.

Predictably, there have been, are, and will be failures in any human-run organization. Sadly, this includes the Church. Jesus knew there would be hypocrites and sinners in positions of authority among the clergy. In Matthew, chap. 23, He harshly criticizes the Jewish clergy of His day (though not specifically regarding sexual abuse) but does not advise his listeners to leave them. Rather, He says, “Do and observe all things they tell you, but do not follow their example.”

We do well to remember that “The Catholic Church is not a museum for saints but, rather, a hospital for sinners.”

Homer Magpiong
Bellmawr