Sins of the church

The Catholic church has so very much to answer for. The appalling abuse cover-up scandal by priests and the upper echelons in the church as revealed by the two-year investigation into the secret church archives in Pennsylvania is only the latest in a long, ongoing litany of crimes (“Report: Church shielded 300 Pa. ‘predator priests,’ ” Aug. 15).

In theory, the church has instituted protocols regarding priests accused of such crimes; however, it’s clear that they are often ignored. There are times when silence is a crime.

Within the Catholic church, the papacy, cardinals and bishops, for the most part, wish only to sweep the ugly abuse business under the rug unless forced to do otherwise. Consequently, that leaves the common man with the responsibility to raise his voice, foment a grass-roots movement and demand justice.

The failure to act by the folks in the pews is nothing less than bystander complicity. Our Christian faith began in house churches. Perhaps it’s time good Catholics spoke with their feet by praying and worshiping in each others homes.

I cannot believe our Lord condones these heinous crimes against innocent children committed by the very persons delegated to represent Him on earth, persons who are given the task of shepherding his flock. It’s easy to say it’s not happening in your parish, but if you are a Catholic, it most certainly is your problem. Sins of omission are still sins.

Hesperus L. Spooner Delavan