Catholic Church needs reform

The sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church leaves me sick. And I am heartbroken for the good men, good priests such as my own brother, whose names are forever besmirched by these atrocities. But the time for apologies and breast beating is over. It is time for the Catholic Church to take decisive action to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.

First, the celibacy requirement for priests and religious must be rescinded. Some bishops blame these crimes on a subculture of homosexuality within the church. That may or may not be true. But allowing priests to marry would result in a more robust, more diverse clergy, something that is sorely needed.

Second, the laity must be given vastly greater control over church finances and assets because, clearly, the hierarchy needs a watchdog. Individual parishes must have a say in the priests chosen to lead them. Bishops who transferred pedophiles from parish to parish created this mess. To help prevent it going forward, parishioners must have a voice and a veto in the selection of priests.

Finally, the church must revisit the issue of women priests. Yes, yes I know what John Paul II said. But I have been Catholic long enough to know that theology can be remarkably malleable. Other Christian denominations, filled with thoughtful people of good will, have found justification for ordaining women.

The Church of Jesus Christ is rotting from the inside. Only the purifying fire of radical reform can expose the fertile soil where a new, stronger, more compassionate, more relevant Church may grow. I’m waiting for the pope with the courage to strike the match.

Katherine R. Jonas Fort Atkinson