Two cool moves by Pope Benedict XVI
I like this guy -- he has stones.
From
CNN/Associated Press:
Pope says sorry for 'evil' of clergy sex abuse
Pope Benedict XVI apologized Saturday to victims of child sex abuse by Roman Catholic clergy, describing their acts as "evil" and a grave betrayal of trust.
"I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by some clergy and religious in this country," Benedict said during an address at a Mass in Australia.
"I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," the pope said. "I assure them as their pastor that I too share in their suffering."
He said those responsible for these "evils must be brought to justice."
There have been lots of apologies (justifiably so) at the Diocese level but to have an apology from the top guy speaks volumes, especially his comment about
those responsible for these evils. At that level of openness and trust between clergy and parishioner, it's not a lifestyle choice, it's a betrayal.
And it is a Papal twofer with this other story from
CNN/Associated Press:
Pope Benedict: I'm praying for Anglican church
Pope Benedict XVI said Saturday that he is praying there will not be any more rifts in the Anglican community following the recent Church of England decision on women bishops.
Answering questions from journalists aboard his flight to Australia, Benedict touched briefly on the turmoil in the Anglican church.
"I am praying so that there are no more schisms and fractures" within the Anglican community, Benedict said.
On Monday, the Church of England's ruling body voted its support for women to become bishops. That stance risks causing further division among Anglicans, since traditionalists are opposed to that idea.
The Episcopal Church, the Anglican body in the U.S., is led by a woman, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
The Anglican Communion, a 77 million-member family of churches that trace their roots to the Church of England, is also wrestling with other contentious issues -- gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex marriages.
Benedict said he did not want to "interfere" in the debate.
Readers of this blog should be aware of my feelings towards what the Anglican Church has turned into:
here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here,
here and
here.
Posted by DaveH at July 19, 2008 9:03 PM