Christian faith is being sorely tested
LAST week headlines were dominated by news the Court of Appeal rejected Cardinal George Pell’s appeal against his conviction for the sexual penetration of a 13-year-old choirboy, and the sexual assault of another more than 20 years ago.
Abuse survivors viewed it as a small win in what has been years of heartache as their stories were either not believed or picked apart by those in authority.
In the wash up of the decision, I interviewed Lorraine Pearson who tied a red scarf to a fence at St Mary of the Angels Basilica in Geelong to represent “the blood that’s been spilt” in the church’s handling of sexual abuse reports.
What resonated most about my chat with Ms Pearson was that after many decades as a practising Catholic she had walked away from her faith due to the church’s response to sexual abuse perpetrated by priests.
Ms Pearson’s decision made me ponder my own faith.
I grew up in a religious home and I value my place as a Christian. It’s something I’ve called upon at difficult times in my life and something which guides me. I’m far from a bible basher; many of my friends and acquaintances may not even know the role faith and Christianity plays in my life. I’ve preferred to go about my worship in silence, drawing as little attention as possible. In an increasingly secular society, I am almost embarrassed as the church fails to move with the times on social issues, and constant revelations in recent years of child sexual abuse perpetrated by priests. I’m increasingly frustrated when the church involves itself in political debates, and when it refuses to accept or adhere to the rule of law.
Such has been the case with some priests refusing to break the seal of confession to report crime; priests professing Pell’s innocence despite the appeal decision; and advocating against same-sex marriage and euthanasia.
In the current climate my faith is in a sense of limbo. On one hand I cling to some of the principles of the church but am repulsed by others.
Pell’s legal team has indicated an appeal to the High Court may be on the cards.
So there may yet be another turn in this sorry saga when victims are again put in the spotlight years after historical sexual abuse.