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by Sr. Mary Theresa Rozga
I have a concern about the recent
discussion surrounding childhood sexual abuse in the
Catholic Church. I am worried that the issue will begin
to focus more on celibacy and the priesthood than on
ways to bring healing to victims and perpetrators. It
seems that many people believe that by allowing priests
to marry the Church will solve its problem with sexual
abuse. I disagree. This is too simplistic an answer.
Celibacy is not the reason why there are clerical pedophiles.
If this were the case, then there would be no married
pedophiles. But, there are. Robert Grant, Ph.D., in
his book Healing the Soul of the Church, states that
"...it is well known that most pedophiles are married
heterosexuals..." (pg. 124).
Celibacy is really an issue separate from childhood
sexual abuse. Permitting priests to marry would just
increase the number of applicants for the priesthood.
There would still be a need for effective screening
tools and for appropriate steps being taken when a problem
becomes apparent. Too much time and energy are being
used to discuss celibacy to the detriment of the real
issue - addressing sexual abuse.
Another concern I have is really a fear. I am afraid
that once attention wanes in regards to sexual abuse
within the Church, the larger issue of children being
victimized in other settings throughout society will
be ignored.
As I stated in my previous article, the Church needs
to focus on this evil that has been demoralizing and
harming children. But, other churches, organizations,
and societies must examine how their children are being
treated. Childhood sexual abuse is not just a problem
in the Catholic Church. It is rampant all over the world.
I am glad that the Catholic Church is responding to
the human sinfulness within its own institution. Any
institution composed of human beings will be sinful
and will need to be forgiven and make atonement.
Pope John Paul II, in his Holy Thursday letter to priests
exhorts them (and really all of us): "As the church
shows her concern for the victims (of sexual abuse)
and strives to respond in peace and justice to each
of these painful situations, all of us – conscious
of human weakness but trusting in the healing power
of divine grace – are called to embrace the 'mysterium
crucis' (mystery of the cross) and to commit ourselves
more fully to the search for holiness" (#11). The
Church and all its members must be especially grateful
this Easter Season for the gift of our salvation through
Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. We are in
need of a Redeemer.
Discussion of childhood sexual abuse must now turn to
action. We need to educate ourselves on this complex
issue. We must work to stop the cycle of abuse. We need
to intervene on the behalf of children who are without
means to protect themselves. We must also provide services
for adults who were untreated as children. Although
their abuse may have taken place decades ago, they still
bear the wounds. Many of these wounds have never been
cleansed and healed. Will we be "Good Samaritans"
who will use our time and money to bring healing and
newness of life to these victims?
Untreated victims of childhood sexual abuse often are
revictimized as adults. Their vulnerability becomes
evident to other abusive adults who again take advantage
of these children of God. Will we proclaim and live
out the Good News of freedom, healing, and peace to
them? Will we break the chains of guilt, shame, and
fear that bind them to the cycle of abuse?
I definitely hope so. There is the saying "Talk
is cheap." Will we be part of the discussion on
sexual abuse and not part of the solution?
- Sr. Mary Theresa Rozga
4/02
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