THE widespread reports of paedophilia among Roman Catholic priests in the United States is nothing short of shameful. Equally shameful are the reports of high-ranking clerics who, though aware of the wrongdoings of their subordinates, opted to have them transferred to other locales, instead of reporting them to law enforcement authorities and the disciplinary councils within the church.Those who knowingly transferred paedophile priests deserve to be slapped with the full weight of the discipline of the church.
It was heartening to hear Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, the Most Rev. Edgerton Clarke, declare that if such cases come to his attention it will be dealt with firmly and that there would be no cover-up.
Shameful sexual behaviour has long affected leaders in both the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. No doubt there are similar horror stories to be told in Jamaica if there was less stigma and shame attached to the victims who would make their cases public.
Predictably, sexual scandals in the Roman Catholic church reintroduces debate about the 'gift of celibacy.' We do not believe that the practice of celibacy is a necessary precursor to sexual abuse. Several clerics, Catholic and Protestant, have lived noble lives without a shred of sexual misconduct.
One lesson that should be learnt in this sad chapter in the life of both Catholic and Protestant communions, has got to be the need for more careful screening of applicants for the priesthood/pastorate and other ministries in churches.
Panels examining such applicants should satisfy themselves that a candidate is very secure in his/her sexuality. It would also be good if such ministers in the church are regularly given pastoral care because every pastor needs a pastor.
The U.S. cardinals following a meeting with the Pope last week condemned the molesting of minors but stopped short of adopting a 'zero tolerance' policy for errant priests.
However, while justice must be done, it should be tempered with mercy. Wherever paedophiles are found they should be allowed to undergo corrective therapy/counselling as the circumstances warrant.
The pain suffered by victims of paedophilia is real and often life-scarring. The church, being an institution where one should find spiritual solace, has a tremendous task to give emotional and spiritual support to those who have been abused. It is a mission for which society will hold it accountable.
