Papal Apologies


Published/Last Modified on Monday, July 21, 2008 5:31 AM CDT

Former Catholic

I see that the pope has apologized yet again for sexual abuse of children by priests.  And again, the pope and his church have missed the point entirely.  Yes, sexual abuse of children is an evil act, but the scandalous act on the part of the church is their handling, or mishandling, of the abuses.  The fault does not lie only with the church's leadership, but also with the church members who have been led like sheep to believe that their church is more important than their children.  Instead of reporting the abuses to law enforcement authorities, they reported them to church authorities.  These church authorities, as they have shown time and time again, do not have their members' interests at heart.  Their only interests lie in protecting their comfortable and convenient lives, free of scrutiny and free of being answerable to anyone.  Ah, but here's where the story makes a sharp turn.  They WILL BE made to answer for their sins, and I hope there is a special place of punishment for those who on earth claim to be men of God, all the while using their position to fool people into allowing them to live lives of comfort. 

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Comments

    to to Mr. Baptist wrote on Aug 24, 2008 11:32 AM:

    " You are truly delusional. "

    to to to Mr. Baptist wrote on Aug 23, 2008 6:52 AM:

    " The going price of dissolving of sins in the year 2008 is the conversion of one Baptist to Catholicism... "

    to to Mr. Baptist wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:27 PM:

    " So, if you contend that your "church" is a direct lineage from Christ, then I guess Martin Luther's disagreement w/ the selling of indulgences was wrong, correct? If that's the case, what's the Catholic church's going price of dissolving of sins in the year 2008? "

    Loves Jesus but hates peddlers wrote on Aug 18, 2008 11:55 AM:

    " Tithing is not scriptural under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. The following link proves tithing is obsolete using Biblical scripture. http://www.bible-truths.com/tithing.html "

    Steve B. wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:19 AM:

    " As Martin Luther, father of the Reformation, said, “There are almost as many sects and beliefs as there are heads; this one will not admit Baptism; that one rejects the Sacrament of the altar; another places another world between the present one and the day of judgment; some teach that Jesus Christ is not God. There is not an individual, however clownish he may be, who does not claim to be inspired by the Holy Ghost, and who does not put forth as prophecies his ravings and dreams.” "

    Mike wrote on Aug 16, 2008 3:05 PM:

    " Kim,

    Those were the Western Baptist, the ones here are Southern Baptist. At least Catholics are pretty much the same world wide. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 15, 2008 4:06 PM:

    " I went to high school in west Texas. The majority of the Baptist there were not aloud to dance, drink alcohol, play cards, gamble, swear etc. It was the best place to be a teenager.They were also very accepting of others choice of faith. I find most(not all) of the behavior of the Baptist here to be very different. Its funny how people are so different from state to state. I suppose there are different variations of Baptist. "

    To Mr. Baptist wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:50 PM:

    " How old is your church? If you are a Lutheran, your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex- monk of the Catholic Church, in the year 1517. If you are a Methodist, your religion was launched by John and Charles Wesley in England in 1744. If you are a Baptist, you owe the tenets of your religion to John Smyth, who launched it in Amsterdam in 1605. If you are Catholic, you know that your religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ the Son of God, and it is still the same Church. "

    previous Forum words of Catholic basher JoAnn Yarnell- - - wrote on Aug 15, 2008 2:01 PM:

    " "I was once a catholic as you are, but I am now a Baptist. These men (Catholics) who make up the rules will have to answer to God for that one day. These are nothing more than man-made rules! I have reassurance in knowing that God is bigger than any of these (Catholic) rules. Belonging to the Baptist Faith has magnified my understanding of God's Word (Bible)." "

    Easy wrote on Aug 14, 2008 9:32 PM:

    " I do not like the Catholic church because there pews are not comfortable and they have to stand up then sit down then kneel. It's like Christian aerobics. I prefer a church where I can sit down and comfortablly hear about Jesus. Thats why I tithe. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:56 PM:

    " To Fed Up-Speaking of St. Peter,you may find this article interesting from a archeological view point.
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/history/disciples_2.shtml

    To To Kim,I already have been blessed with a wonderful, busy life.This forum is merely a hobby of mind that keeps the cob-webs from forming on my brain.I chose to add to the commentary because my faith directly pertains to the title of this particular forum "Papal apologies." "

    fed up wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:54 PM:

    " Continued: The Church continued, replacing those who died and fulfilling the need for expansion. Whenever questions and heresies arose, the Pope and Bishops would conduct Councils to address them. Their authority was and still is from the promises of Jesus to St. Peter and the others. There is an UNBROKEN line of succession from St. Peter to Pope Benedict XIV today. Before His Ascension, Jesus also told them, “Whosever sins you forgive, they are forgiven and whosever sins you retain, are retained.” This is the authority Jesus gave to the Apostles and their successors to hear confessions and absolve sins. "

    fed up wrote on Aug 11, 2008 1:25 PM:

    " Continued: St. Peter obeyed Jesus and led the Church. He and the Apostles form the “organization”. The first “order of business” was to choose a replacement for Judas (Acts of the Apostles). They then, as bishops, proceeded to ordain priests and deacons and other bishops. Every Catholic priest can trace his ordination “genealogy” back to one of the twelve Apostles. The rest is “history”. Peter went to Rome, which was the center of the known world at that time. The others branched out to all other areas. The Church continued to grow and expand. "

    fed up wrote on Aug 11, 2008 12:53 PM:

    " To the person who directed a post to me: Why don't you read history and study the Bible. It is very tedious to continue to correct your misinformation. Jesus told St. Peter, "Thou art Peter (petros: rock) and upon this rock I will build my Church and I give to you the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven, and what ever you loose on Earth will be loosed in Heaven. And I will be with you be with you, even until the end of time." "

    David wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:58 AM:

    " Consider this : What brand Christian are you ? One bread , one body one gift for all . When baptized we become baptized a Christian . Does not matter which church officiated are we not all Christians ? Sure there will be fundamental similarities as well as belief differences still Christians . The oneness is what will be embraced on our exit of this world not what church assembly we attend . Consider those whom are not able to assemble but were baptized and believe ? Consider those who have sinned and asked for forgiveness ,will they? "

    Not Kim wrote on Aug 11, 2008 11:12 AM:

    " Hey Kim, get a life. "

    to fed wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:58 AM:

    " "cont'd". I am growing increasingly ill reading the daily diatribes by those within the Catholic church that continue to defend the laws of your "church" by stating that this is what Christ implemented. This is not only wrong, but laughable. Your "laws" written by fallible man are not in line of what Paul preached. "Not by works, lest any man boast." Please do not continue to try to justify your "church teachings" and imply that all other teachings that are not in line w/ the Catholic church are wrong, which is in itself wrong. "

    to fed wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:54 AM:

    " You continue w/ the line of "rules" that Kim outlined regarding the Catholic Church. If my memory serves me correctly, the original apostles and disciples of Christ were not part of an "organized" religion and were in rebellion of laws initiated by Judaism. The organized rules implemented by your church are there to keep the "sheeple" from questioning their "holy father" and do what they are told to do. If you read Paul's epistles, we live not by law, but by Grace, which is given by faith in Christ. "

    fed up wrote on Aug 9, 2008 8:10 PM:

    " Continuing: Of course Henry granted HIMSELF a divorce and had thousands of priests and other Catholics executed. Eventually, the Methodists broke off from the Episcopal Church, and the Baptists emerged from the Methodist Church. Martin Luther was a Catholic priest who refused the truth, so he founded the Lutheran Church. Additionally, he wanted to get married. This is all in the history books. "

    fed up wrote on Aug 9, 2008 7:57 PM:

    " "Protestants" are those who "protest"!
    And against what do they protest? The Holy Catholic Church. Why do they protest? Because they would rather do THEIR own will, rather than the will of God. It was not politically wise for Henry VIII to behead his last wife, so he begged the Pope to allow a divorce, which was of course was refused. Henry knelt in the snow for days at the Vatican, but the the Pope could recant. SO, Henry went back to England and started the Church of England (Anglican /Episcopal Church) and declared himself the pope of it. (continued...) "

    Henry wrote on Aug 8, 2008 1:43 PM:

    " You might as well give it up Kim. I do not think they can overcome their brainwashing with intelligence... "

    Kim wrote on Aug 8, 2008 12:39 PM:

    " It seems funny to me that a former birth Catholic would respond with a thats the funniest thing I ever heard in regard to the Saints & Mary.I have known many ex Catholics,who still pray to Mary & the saints.(I don't quite understand that but it happens)I'm glad you found a Church to suit your needs.You will find that a little tolerance goes a long way.I have friends from many different denominations(Protestant included)& find it fascinating to hear different view points.I just don't think you should ridicule another person however for their beliefs."Catholic"means Universal,does anyone know if "Protestant" means something? "

    Kim wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:37 AM:

    " We have heard any number of people speak against the Catholic Church. Some do it casually, while others have made it their profession. Some are blunt, while others are subtle. They all paint an uninviting picture of a Church that believes in the most peculiar things. But do you really think a fourth of all Americans would be Catholic if their religion were as odd as its opponents claim? Isn’t it rather likely that you haven’t been told the whole story? To make an informed decision, you need to hear both sides. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:33 AM:

    " continued-Christ wants his salvific work to be present to each generation of those who come to God "since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25). He surely has not abandoned us. Through the instrumentality of the priest, he is present again, demonstrating how he accomplished our salvation: "For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts" (Mal. 1:11). "

    Kim wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:32 AM:

    " continued-We find it in the Mass. There,bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ,as promised by him(see John 6:53–58)and as instituted at the Last Supper.The Catholic Church teaches that the sacrifice of the cross was complete and perfect.The Mass is not a new sacrificing of Christ (he doesn’t suffer and die again, cf. Heb. 9:26),but a new offering of the same sacrifice.While what happened on Calvary happened once, its effects continue through the ages. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 8, 2008 9:21 AM:

    " To to Knows it all wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:51 AM:I believe you meant transubstantation.I don't think you really understand Catholocism so let me try to explain.The Old Testament predicted Christ would offer a sacrifice in bread and wine. Melchizedek was a priest and offered sacrifice with those elements(Gen. 14:18),and Christ was to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek(Ps. 110 [109]:4),that is, offering sacrifice under the forms of bread and wine.We must then look for a New Testament sacrifice distinct from that of Calvary, because the crucifixion was not of bread and and wine. "

    R.T. - the bottom LINE wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:29 AM:

    " Mary was an honored wonderful woman... but she is dead and Jesus had to die for her salvation just like He did for ours. God doesn't need Mary to intercede because she's human like us, and He's quite capable of hearing directly from us. There is but one mediator - Jesus Christ. That is biblical. You are not supposed to communicate or pray to the dead. It is strictly forbidden in the bible, and that is what Catholics are doing. Get offended if you like... that's the facts. God bless you. "

    speechless wrote on Aug 8, 2008 6:44 AM:

    " Kim,

    My "religion" is based on Christ and him crucified and not some made made rule. I attend a large demoninational Protestant church and was born and raised a Catholic. I attended Catholic schools for my entire schooling, but ultimately saw the error that was present in the Catholic church and rather than have some "church" direct me on what their "church laws" say is the way to salvation, I put my faith in the Word.

    Hope this helps you to determine where my "intolerance" comes from. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:13 PM:

    " So you see Speechless, I am truely not clueless.You can believe what ever your religion preaches.I have no problem with that.You need to worry about your house& what it preaches,& I shall do the same.Just because a person doesn't understand a different religion doesn't mean it is incorrect.My faith believes in respect& tolerance as does the Jewish community. My church holds the Virgin Mary in great esteem just as the Muslum community.(They also believe that Jesus existed but see him as a prophet) What religion exactly do you believe in?It may help me to understand why you seem so intolerant "

    Kim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:58 PM:

    " As the following passage shows,the early Church Fathers clearly recognized the Biblical teaching that those in heaven can and do intercede for us, and they applied this teaching in their practice.HERMAS-"[The Shepherd said:]But those who are weak and slothful in prayer,hesitate to ask anything from the Lord;but the Lord is full of compassion, and gives without fail to all who ask Him.But you,[Hermas,] having been strengthened by the holy angel [you saw], and having obtained from Him such intercession, and not being slothful,why do not you ask of the Lord understanding & receive it from him?(The Shepherd 3:5:4 [A.D.80] "

    Kim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:38 PM:

    " Cont-Jesus himself warned us not to mess with small children because their guardian angels have guaranteed intercessory access to the Father: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 18:10).(This is why I do not obsess over what evil has been done within the church, their spiritual punishment is not for me nor you to decide) "

    Kim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:24 PM:

    " cont-Angels do the same thing: "[An] angel came and stood at the altar [in heaven] with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God" (Rev. 8:3-4). "

    Kim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:23 PM:

    " Cont.Not only do those in heaven pray with us, they also pray for us. In Revelation, John sees that "the twenty-four elders [the leaders of the people of God in heaven] fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (Rev. 5:8). Thus the saints in heaven offer to God the prayers of the saints on earth. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:10 PM:

    " Speechless-Fundamentalists challenge the Catholic practice of asking The Virgin Mary,saints, and angels to pray for us. But the Bible directs us to invoke those in heaven.In Psalm 103, we pray, "Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will!" (Ps. 103:20-21).And in Psalm 148 we pray, "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host!" (Ps. 148:1-2) "

    Steve B. wrote on Aug 7, 2008 1:12 PM:

    " I cannot believe the amount of error in the posts of those who are anti-Catholic. Are there no intelligent, well-informed ani-Catholics out there? Well, I guess that would be an oxymoron, wouldn't it? If they were intelligent and well-informed, they wouldn't be attaching the Catholic Church, which is the Mystical Body of Chhrist. When Jesus converted St. Paul, He didn't ask him, "Why are you persecuting My Church" even though Paul was doing so. He asked Paul, "Why are you persecuting ME?" Same thing applies to those who attach His Church today. "

    speechless wrote on Aug 7, 2008 7:41 AM:

    " To Kim:

    Isn't "prayers and petitions" to Mary the same thing as worship? You have to be absolutely clueless to think otherwise. For you to think that the Creator needs some "intercession" on his behalf from sinful man is what is wrong w/ the Catholic church. Mary, your "saints" and any other poor, pitiful fleshly soul cannot do anything on your behalf and faith should be squarely to the Lord Jesus Christ.

    This has to be the silliest thing that I have ever heard. "

    Knowledge is King wrote on Aug 7, 2008 5:25 AM:

    " Here is something for all of the Catholic-Haters on this forum to consider. When the Catholic Church assembled the Bible, they put the most relevant and inspired books in it. But they did not put all of the important ones in, after all a book can only be so big. There is still much more of God's inspired holy word in the Vatican.
    It is an example "I showed you all you know, but not all I know"... "

    Kim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:54 PM:

    " Chuck, you didn't offend me. I think you are entitled to your opinion as are others on this forum.I've had many agnostic friends,that behave more christian like than some who profess to be christian.It is funny to me how so many people on this forum seem to be experts on religions that are not that of their own.(Rarely declaring their own religion)What is truely offensive to me, is the lack of concern for protecting the welfare of the children & the obsession on the wrong doings of the past, which are forever irreversible. I totally get your hypocrisy theory. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:30 PM:

    " Lastly,Catholics feel a strong personal relationship to Mary,because she is in a sense, mother to all.To the Father,represented as God,Christ and the Holy Spirit,you would bring your large concerns.Prayers for Mary’s intercessions can bring up the small wounds and hurts that may not be big enough to talk to God about.Just as a child might run to a mother for comfort after a fall,many Catholics feel Mary is accessible in this way as a mother figure.Catholics turn to her for support,remembering she is fully human not divine,&ask for her prayers,her compassion&love,knowing her nature to be one of eternal hope&mercy. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:17 PM:

    " She is the living example of the good God can do if only people will obey, and she gives birth to Christianity and Catholicism. This makes her both powerful and important. Catholics do not believe that the Virgin Mary is the source of Christ’s divinity, but instead the most willing and compassionate servant of God, save Christ. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:15 PM:

    " The Virgin Mary is viewed as the ultimate compassionate human being, and holy, in part, because of her willingness to accede to God’s wishes. For the time period in which she lived, carrying a child without first being married was a monumental request. Further, Virgin Mary had to willingly sacrifice that child, surpassing even Abraham, in her ability not to interfere in God’s ways and means. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:08 PM:

    " In fact, Catholics do not view the Virgin Mary as a God, and have never done so.But many prayers and petitions are said to Mary to ask her to intercede with her son.The nature of intercessory prayer is that it is a request for a person in heaven to intervene with God and bring the petitioners prayers to the notice of God.The Virgin Mary,in the Hail Mary prayer is asked to “pray for us,” not to “grant our wishes.” "

    Kim wrote on Aug 6, 2008 10:00 PM:

    " To knows it all wrote, The veneration of the Virgin Mary is an important practice in Catholicism. To Catholics, the Virgin Mary holds extreme importance as the mother of God, the vessel through which God became man. However, there is confusion and accusation, particularly from other sects of Christianity, that Catholics worship Mary, and other saints. This is a conflict that has existed for centuries, since according to scripture, honor and worship are to be given to God alone, and “worshipping” the Virgin Mary would be in direct violation of the worship of the one God. "

    R.T. wrote on Aug 6, 2008 3:54 PM:

    " You can all stop arguing about religion right now. Religion causes problems. You can say you're catholic, baptist, pentecostal, whatever... but if you don't have a personal relationship with God, you pretty much should quit throwing God's name around and calling yourself a Christian... Being one and saying you're one are 2 different things. 90% of America claim to be Christian, yet a large percentage of those people are criminals, on drugs, have broken families, getting divorces, beating their kids, etc etc etc... People need to understand that using the Word Christian doesn't make you one. "

    to Chuck wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:53 AM:

    " I totally agree w/ you concerning religion. Though one may depend upon an institution for instruction, faith should not lie in that institution. The only dependant factor on eternal consequences lie w/ dependence upon the Savior and not a "religion". "

    to Knows it all wrote on Aug 6, 2008 11:51 AM:

    " Yes, the Bible was assembled by the Catholic church, but traditions, laws and rules added to the church have influenced its direction over the centuries. The Catholic church has now fully embraced traditionalism and now believes in the infallibility of the Pope (laughable), transsubstitation in the Communion during the mass(crucifixion of Christ over and over) and the deity of our Lord's mother (no one comes to the Father but through me, remember).

    The Catholic church has now put itself in the place of Savior rather than Christ. You yourself stated that this is the "true church." "

    Chuck wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:42 PM:

    " I apologize if the following offends anyone. That's not my intent. It's my sincere opinion that ORGANIZED religion is a hypocrisy. Religion should not dictate how I live my life. Some prohibit dancing, while others restrict what can be eaten and when, etc. Why? Dancing could be misconstrued as a lustful act, or someone died after eating a pork chop. HA! It seems like the rules were invented to make other people comfortable. A pork chop might have been deadly once. Are they now? Not likely. FYI, I do believe in God. He comes to my house. So there. "

    Knows wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:07 PM:

    " Read the Bible? You mean the one that was assembled and sanctioned by the ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC (UNIVERSAL)& APOSTOLIC Catholic Church???? "

    to Knows it all wrote on Aug 5, 2008 12:45 PM:

    " I find it ridiculous that you would try to justify the actions of the Catholic church by lumping all former Catholics back into this "church" by stating that once baptized, always Catholic. This is just another attempt at brainwashing the "sheeple" that will not utilize their minds and think for themselves. Your "catechism" means absolutely nothing to someone that does not recognize the Catholic church as the "one true" church. Again, read your bible and depend on those truths and nothing else. Doing otherwise only jeapordizes your eternity. "

    David wrote on Aug 4, 2008 3:00 PM:

    " Biblically speaking all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of GOD but yet GOD will forgive if a person asks repentantly for forgiveness . A wrong in this church has been uncovered and the leader of the church is trying to make amends . When a person apologizes for a groups indiscretions either we can accept or decline . So we must pray for healing of the victims .
    do not hold unforgivingness in your heart also remember you may be in need of forgiveness for a wrong large or small one day . "

    Knows it wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:15 PM:

    " (The preceding is one of the Spiritual Works of Mercy: “Admonish the sinner”.) "

    Knows it wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:13 PM:

    " NEWS FLASH!!!! I’ve been reading all of these posts on this forum and have information for all of you who call yourselves “former Catholics”, “ Used to be Catholic”, etc…. If you were baptized Catholic, you are always a Catholic, on this earth and after death, regardless where you end up. When you received the Sacrament of Baptism, you, or your godparents, took vows. These vows are unbreakable and eternal. So, before you start defaming the Catholic Church, I’d advise that you study the Catechism to learn where you are in error and return to full Communion with the Church. "

    blank wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:38 AM:

    " I say let's burn them all at the stake; starting with the Pope. Anyone who was privy to the information on the all the wrongdoers and did nothing about it are just as guilty. It's no different than what the Catholics did during the inquests. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:06 AM:

    " To Wondering, Yes we are taught that the people in the Catholic religion are the church. Marriage is in fact one of our Sacraments.According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Eucharistic Lord MUST be present at a Catholic wedding. This is why most Catholic weddings are performed indoors, where the Lord is present in the Tabernacle.There are very few Catholic alters with Tabernacles outdoors (exception California who has 1in SantaMonica )It is very difficult & expensive to get this done.Not impossible,but one must find a willing priest & a bishop to give a dispensation. "

    Kim wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:01 AM:

    " Former Catholic-In law enforcement, the term "pedophile" is generally used to describe those accused or convicted of the sexual abuse of a minor (including both prepubescent children and adolescent minors younger than the local age of consent)This is an actual definition of pedophile,perhaps not the clinical definition, but it is the legal definition.If you believe every teenage child that has been touched inappropriately by someone in power knows what to do,or asked for it,think again.What you wrote was very insensitive to those teenagers who were abused.Catholic, or not Catholic that certainly was not a christian thing to write. "

    Wondering wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:12 AM:

    " As I read the posts under this "Papal Apologies" heading, I see so many contradictions. For instance, on person says that "the church" is not the building, yet I know that priests insist that weddings and funerals be held in "the church", which is the building. One friend of mine wanted her wedding in a beautiful outdoor setting (God's creation) but the priest would only do it in a church building (man's creation). What's up with that? Is the church the building or is it not? I don't think even Catholics know the answer. "

    Sonny wrote on Aug 1, 2008 6:46 PM:

    " I will now use an analogy based upon some of the resident Catholic-haters justification and philosphy:

    What religion is Britney Spears? Wrong, she is a life-long Baptist.

    Britney is famous for cutting her hair and showing her cootchie in mini-skirts.
    She also chain smokes Marlboros and is addicted to prescription meds as well as being an unfit mother.

    So that means all Baptists are chain smoking, cootchie showing, bald headed, pill poppin, unfit parents ( with a couple of veneral diseases thrown in for good measure).
    This is correct, right? "

    Former Catholic wrote on Aug 1, 2008 9:28 AM:

    " Kim, I suggest you look up the definition of pedophilia. It involves pre-pubescent children. Though a 16-year-old is not at the age of consent, and molesting a 16-year-old is definitely wrong, it cannot and should not be put into the same category as molesting a 4-year-old or a 10-year-old.
    Get real. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 31, 2008 5:19 PM:

    " Agreed,my main issue is just to educate people to better protect their children.Blind faith is great except when the evil doers get in the way.Loved the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons,how did you know Boo Boo was my favorite bear? Also loved The Magilla Gorilla Show. Weve got a gorilla for sale presented by Ideal Toys, they're really ideal get it? "

    Little Red Riding Hood wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:54 PM:

    " All Christians bickering about which Church has the biggest, baddest wolves is explained well by post "Wolves in Sheep's Clothing" In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to watch for evil in the Christian faith. Start following the instruction Jesus gave about handling the big bad Christian wolves. The wolf is eating the souls of bickering Christians and the Judgment gets closer. Satan must be happy. For shame. Do what Jesus told you to do and you'll be saved. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:20 PM:

    " Former Catholic-,I do get your point about the Cover up by the Catholic church. It was definately the wrong thing to do. My point is that if people believe that cover ups in different religions don't occur they are living in lala land.To point out that age plays a part of it being homosexual or pedophillia is truely off point.I suppose if you had a 16yr old girl being pursued for dating/marriage by a man in his 40's you would be okay with it because its of a heterosexual nature?Ridiculous, protect the children,educate them! "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:53 PM:

    " Let's drop it, we will never make each other see it our way. Look at the situation with William "Cold Cash" Jefferson. He is caught on tape accepting a bribe, and also caught with $90,000 of marked FBI bills in his freezer, and enough braindead morons vote for him so he wins re-election. (Although him being re-elected has a plus side, now Nancy Pelosi has this crooked albatross hanging around her neck). Let's agree to disagree, and Kim, I do believe you are "smarter than the average bear Boo-Boo." (For those that don't get it, that's a Yogi Bear quote). "

    To Former Baptist wrote on Jul 31, 2008 11:52 AM:

    " I had always heard that sexual molesting was very widespread in other local religions. Thank you for your comment about the Baptist churches you've attended. "

    Former Catholic wrote on Jul 31, 2008 10:00 AM:

    " Never mind. You folks just don't get it. You just don't WANT to get it. It is not about child molestation. It is about the church's reponse to child molestation. And when you look at the reality, it was not little children, but teens being molested, which is more about homosexuality than about pedophilia. Go ahead and keep your heads buried in the sand. "

    Former Baptist wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:51 AM:

    " I can also tell you that I attended four local Baptist Churches here in Acadiana in my life. Three of them had accusations of molestation against the Preachers, you never will hear about that on the news... "

    Former Baptist wrote on Jul 31, 2008 4:48 AM:

    " The main difference between all of the Baptist and Pentacostal molestors and the Catholic ones is every Baptist and Pentacostal church is independent. When a preacher gets accused of molesting a child in their congregation the parent can only sue the little church itself, not the main organization. Half of the time the little churches are broke anyway so the parents just drop the whole thing and nobody hears about it. The Southern Baptist Convention only tracks a very tiny percentage of actual abuse. Pedophilia is much more widespread among the protestant churches than the Catholic Churches. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 31, 2008 1:09 AM:

    " Please do not get me wrong,I am actually not trying to attack any religion. I am just trying to get a point across to those who truly don't get it.Cont for You Dont Get It concerning your S.Baptist theory;
    Local church autonomy rules out creating a centralized investigative body to determine who has been credibly accused of sexual abuse or anything else, the convention has no authority to bar known perpetrators from ministry or start an office to field abuse claims.If you are honest you will agree that this is equally as bad as what occured in the Catholic Church. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 31, 2008 12:55 AM:

    " You Dont Get It,here is a URL for you.
    http://www.ethicsdaily.com/article_detail.cfm?AID=8007
    (This shows a system that discourages victims from speaking out , enabling predators to remain undetected. Is that not in itself a form of cover up?)


    More urls for you
    http://www.townhall.com/news/religion/2008/06/10/southern_baptists_reject_sex-abuse_database

    http://religiouschildabuse.blogspot.com/2008/07/southern-baptist-convention-web-site.html

    http://www.darkness2light.org/news/archives/news_06_08_07.asp

    If I understand the basic structure of the Southern Baptist principle of local church autonomy means it's up to individual churches,and not the convention to screen employees and take action against offenders.So sending offenders away wouldn't matter because pretending nothing like this happens is easier & off the record.Correct? "

    Catholic wrote on Jul 30, 2008 8:42 PM:

    " If you think we are defensive, it's because of the lies and misrepresntations that are being made against the Catholic Church. The more you say, the more every objective person can see just hour igorant you are. These lies began with uneducated "preachers" who stand to make a fortune by ripping off even less educated followers. The mother could have not gone unrecognized after 65 years, even she had sat on the very last pew in the darkest corner. No one who makes request for a priest's visit would ever be ignored. Quit lying! YOU WILL HAVE HADIES TO PAY!!!!! "

    Kim wrote on Jul 30, 2008 6:25 PM:

    " Face the Facts. I see your point but to think that the Catholic Church throughout the years is the only church to have perpatrated this behavior is a very naive way to look at things.Usually when there is one cover up there is another. Thats why I pointed out that 4th URL I sent to LKJHGFDSA. Most religions do not keep the same church leaders for life do they? Being a military brat I have no real concept of staying in one place for life.Military bases tend to have one chapel with different props for different religous services. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 30, 2008 5:55 PM:

    " Face the Facts.Okay don't get upset with me.I am asking you to once again in the name of clarity to read what I wrote again.I said that every religion "MAY"have had the same problems but have not tried to make atonement.If a problem is not acknowledged atonement cannot occur.Some religions "MAY" have had similar instances as the Catholic Church,but in your words has been swept under the rug. I did not write absolutely.I do get it,however I think a little bit of denial may be happening here.Please note my note LKJHGFDSA to the 4th universal resource locator(URL) listed. "

    You Dont Get It wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:26 PM:

    " Yeah, Southern Baptists and Jews and Pentecostals and athiests and teachers all have child molesters among their ranks. But you miss the point. Southern Baptist, et al do not keep transferring their molesters to other locations and covering up their crimes like the Catholic church did (and possibly still does). Get a clue, people. How many times must it be pointed out to you that the greater crime was not the molestations, but the church leadership's handling of the molestation? "

    Wanna Know wrote on Jul 30, 2008 3:23 PM:

    " Yes, my mother DID attend Catholic church every day for over 65 years. She went to THE SAME CHURCH every day.
    Why are you Catholics getting so defensive? You do protest too much!!!
    We know that "the church" is not the building. Don't be so elitist and arrogant. It does not become you. "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:38 PM:

    " Kim, the percentage of pervert priests are no different than pervert ministers, rabbis, etc. My point all along was never that priests do it more often, but rather the nationwide cover-up. It is like the Catholich Church has a "Witness Protection Program" for child rapists. Yes, there has been some cover-ups in other religions, but nothing close to a nationwide comprehensive plan. You make a good point about it being the largest church as for members, but the members are not the rapists, it is the priests,and the number of priests are low, and have been for many years. "

    To Happy Christian wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:17 AM:

    " The Catholic Church refers to the FAMILY as the “Domestic Church”, father and mother, joined in the sacrament of marriage, along with their children. As stated previously, the Church is the PEOPLE, not just the priests or the buildings. (Remember, “Love thy neighbor”). If you only attend a Catholic service occasionally for a wedding or funeral, it is understandable that you would take the sermon out of context. "

    This is Shocking wrote on Jul 30, 2008 7:03 AM:

    " Kim, thanks for the link: http://www.stopbaptistpredators.org
    Here's an interesting quote from the website:
    "Insurance companies receive from Protestant churches each year about 260 reports involving allegations of sexual abuse committed against minors. This is LESS than the annual number of 228 abuse incidents reported against Catholic priests. That reality is particularly noteworthy because Catholics keep track of even "credible accusations," which Southern Baptists don't even bother to determine or keep records on."
    I guess that blows away the theory about Priests should marry... "

    Kim wrote on Jul 30, 2008 2:22 AM:

    " To Why,the same thing happened to my husbands family when his grandmother passed. We were not given an explanation.We just assumed it was due to the shortage of preists.I know they are limited to only performing 3 masses a day.Funeral masses are not celebrated on solemnities of obligation,on holy Thursday,Good Friday,Holy Saturday,Easter Sunday, Sundays of Advent,Lent or the Easter Season.You can have a funeral mass on Ash Wednesday,but ashes arn't distributed.I understand how you feel and I am sorry for your loss.I will keep you and your family in my prayers. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:35 AM:

    " Wanna Know, It is very difficult to loose a parent.I was 19 when my mother died from cancer. It was back in the 80's when there wasn't a shortage of priests.I've never heard of this happening before.She had a right to have the sacrament of extremeunction.Just wanted to say I am sorry for you loss, and the way things were handled.I will keep you & your family in my prayers. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 30, 2008 1:05 AM:

    " LKJHGFDSA-some examples you requested

    http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/jun/15/protestant-sex-abuse-cases-revealed/

    http://www.stopbaptistpredators.org/scandals/trinity.html

    http://www.reformation.com/CSA/methodistabuse.html

    http://joi.org/bloglinks/The%20Jewish%20Week%20Black%20Hat%20Meets%20Blog%20Printer%20Friendly.htm

    http://www.reformation.com/CSA/episcopalianabuse.html

    http://religiouschildabuse.blogspot.com/2007/12/jehovahs-witnesses-cover-up-child.html

    Sorry guys this is the ugly side of organized religion. Look & see for yourself. Take into consideration as far as scale goes that Catholics have the largest percentage of followers worldwide as far as Christian religions are concerned.Estimated percentages example shown on Pie Chart as follows.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_religious_groups "

    Max wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:15 PM:

    " It's all about the money! The church does not give a hoot about your immortal soul, they care about a small spot right below your belt where your wallet sits. Did you know the church is the worlds largest private land owner. Cover ups of any type when childern are involved is unforgiveable, St. Joe school does that ring a bell!! Could there be many more misdeeds, more than likely. If the past track record holds true we will be seeing something in the near future. Treat others like you want to be treated and you'll do just fine. "

    to Wanna Know wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:29 PM:

    " I don't believe for one minute that your mother went to church EVERY day for 65 years and the priests did not recognize her. Maybe if she church-hopped, but not if she was consistently going to one. I also do not believe you when you say that requests were made and no priest ever visited her. They always go and administer the last sacrament. If they didn't go, you should have called the diocese, but again, I doubt that this really happened. FYI-I have poor family members who were visited and adminstered the last rites. "

    TO HAPPY CHRISTIAN wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:23 PM:

    " When the priest refers to "the church", he is referring to the people. We, the people, are the church---not the building. DUH!!!!! "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 6:38 PM:

    " Catholic is a Greek word which means universal.As far as the rules go, yes each priest runs things a bit different just as we all probably run our homes differently from our parents.Perhaps one priest has allergies & requested no real flowers,or there arn't enough people donating their time to help clean up the mess real flowers.I've known priest that don't spend a penny on frivalous things, and some that do. Not all priest are power hungry. Most I've known drive run down cars, with the exception of the priest that have extra income from working with the reserves/military. "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 29, 2008 6:22 PM:

    " Kim, you wrote "that every religion may have had the same problems but have not tried to make atonement."
    You don't get it. There have been a few instances of kids getting molested by Rabbis. But the Jewish religion as a whole does'nt need to atone for this. One sicko molests a kid, and when others learn of this they alert the police and the molester is prosecuted, not sent to a different city to continue the molestation. Each sicko was dealt with right away. The Catholic church is the one that has MUCH atoning to do. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 3:03 PM:

    " Face the Facts,My main point on the issue is the Church's handling of the matter was totally off mark. That every religion may have had the same problems but have not tried to make atonement. We as a society must educate our young on how to protect themselves. Also to the other christians not to condemn someone that is Catholic because of the inequities commited by the heirarchy of the Church. I can not control the acts of others anymore than you can. All I can do is educate my children to protect themselves when I can not. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:45 PM:

    " Face the Facts- No it is not genius status, but I have taken the i.q.test during my college years.That was the score # that I remember which still ranks as gifted which is above average intellegence.Have you taken one?Hard to believe these days but not everyone lies.All I asked you was for clarity on what group. It came across vague to me because in the hierarchy of the Church they are all still preists. Which of course leaves the parents & parishoners. I try not to assume things.I only asked a question for clarity not to be degraded. "

    Why Is Someone Called Ray Called Ray-Ray For Short wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:25 PM:

    " Let's see, a Jew starting the Catholic Church, what sounds more reasonable than that? "

    LKJHGFDSA wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:23 PM:

    " The catholics on here seem to take some of the comments as a personal attack. When someone says that they have a problem with the power structure of a certain organization willingly allow children to be molested on a giant scale, and cover the entire thing up for decades until coverup is no longer possible, why would this offend you? It is simply stating what happened. Can anyone give an example of molestation and coverup like this on a scale even one fourth as bad as this? Of course not. "

    Why wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:21 PM:

    " When my aunt died, the family wanted the funeral in the funeral home chapel. The priest said no because the bishop banned it. I have seen other masses in that same chapel.
    When Elmo Sonnier (the dead man walking killer) died, a bishop went to the funeral home in Baton Rouge and did a full mass for him. Then he was buried in cemetery ground reserved for priests and nuns. Why can he have it but my aunt, who was a Catholic her whole life, can't? "

    Wanna Know wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:19 PM:

    " When my mother died (she was a lifelong member of a certain Catholic church) the priest did not know who she was. She was at mass every day for over 65 years. She contributed what she could to the church. She was sick for months before her death, and NOT ONCE did a priest come visit her, even though they were asked repeatedly. But when someone with money dies, there are many priests there to collect what they can. "

    Wondering wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:16 PM:

    " Hey Kim, if the Catholic church is universal, why does each priest get to make up his own church rules? One church allows certain songs, another does not. One church allows artificial flowers, another does not. Then a new priest comes along and it all changes. None of the rules, by the way, have a thing to do with one's relationship with God. They all have to do with the priest's power trip. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:15 PM:

    " continued-The answer provided by Simon Peter set in motion the formation of the Catholic Church by Jesus. "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." With this answer, Jesus established the Catholic Church with Simon Peter designated the first Pope."Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:09 PM:

    " Kim, maybe you are not dense. If not, you should've known I was'nt knocking the victims or their families. If someone makes up a number for their I.Q why pick 134? The minimum for genius is 140. As for the statement that a preist would never tell someone to have an abortion, maybe so. But 30 years ago who would've dreamed that preists would rape kids and the powers that be would KNOW, and handle it by just sending the preists to a different parish to molest more and more kids. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 2:04 PM:

    " Do some research needs more research.Satan didn't start it.
    How The Catholic Church Started
    The word "catholic" means universal. Jesus created one universal church for all of mankind. The Catholic Church was established by Jesus with his words spoken in Matthew 16. Jesus asked his disciples "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" The disciples then offered various answers - "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." But the question that Jesus then asked was crucial: "But who do you say that I am?" (to be continued) "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 1:32 PM:

    " MDW Alumni,religion is meant to be a guide.When a Catholic talks about the Church,it isn't just about the building/orginazation.We are taught the people are the Church.(wanted to explain"Church" word usage)I do agree with most of your views.My Church has been discriminated against since the beginning as were Christ's original 12 apostles.Were taught to respect other
    religions.When Catholics pray the Rosary We say a prayer called the Fatima Prayer. O my Jesus,forgive us our sins,save us from the fires of h≪lead all souls to heaven especially those who are in most need of your mercy.Note "All" souls not just Cathlolic. "

    Heather wrote on Jul 29, 2008 1:07 PM:

    " CONGRATULATIONS NEW CATHOLIC - I know of a similar situation that you are speaking of. An anti-Catholic city councilman in Saint Martinville (of all places) who attened both AOG and the Jacob Arzana church. He refused to allow a Priest to administer last rites to his Catholic father on his deathbed. His father died in disgust of his son. His son berated him until the day he died because he loved his Catholic faith. Needless to say that family is all broken up! "

    Fact man wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:45 AM:

    " The first Assembly of God minister to arrive in New Iberia set up a tent for worship services. He was met by an angry mob of Catholics, led by a couple of priests, I might add, who pelted him with stones and bricks, then sent him, by way of apology, a basket of poisoned fruit. Now, who hates who?
    Why does the Catholic church still have segregated churches? Don't deny it. Go to Loreauville. Go to Jeanerette. Go to Lake Charles. Go to St. Edward's in New Iberia. "

    Former Catholic wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:36 AM:

    " Mr. or Ms. Truth, I was there at the wedding on Saturday night in Lake Charles, and the priest's entire homily went on and on about how the couple's first obligation is to the church. Just to be sure, I watched the video of the wedding on Sunday. I was not mistaken. By-the-way, Martin Luther was a Catholic priest whose great sin was to have the Bible published in German so that the people could read it. And Christ did not found a church. He was Jewish. His followers founded a church later. "

    Truth wrote on Jul 29, 2008 11:21 AM:

    " You anti-Catholics are really revealing yourselves! You are proving that you are full of hate and prejudice. Your lies are particular revealing of your real motives. No Catholic priest would recommend an abortion. No Catholic priest would say that your first obligation is to the Church. If you really did research, you would KNOW that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus, through his Apostles and their successors. The real Christian church was not founded by Martin Luther, John Calvin, or anyone else who decided to call himself a “preacher” and go into the "church business". "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 10:12 AM:

    " cont-No one who is Catholic was happy with the handling of this atrocity.Some broke away from the Church,others let their disgust be known through the collection plate.Some of you seem to assume we all were in on the silencing & shuffling of clergy.What an unbelievable take on the story.
    None of us would have even known if it hadn't have been for the brave &abused Catholics coming forth.How does anyone know for certain that cover ups have never happened in other religions?The truth of the matter is that you really don't. Educate your children to protect themselves against evil perpetrators. "

    MDW Alumni wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:42 AM:

    " As I read the comments below I couldn't help but think how we so offten miss the boat intirely. Us knowing Christ is not based on religon but on relationship with Him. No church will build that relationship for us. It's entirely up to us and us alone. If we would strive to break down denominational walls instead of building them we would all then begin to see, if we are truly striving to be like Christ (Christians)we would not talk down about others we would build them up. We would not have hatred but Love. Try it..... "

    Kim wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:24 AM:

    " Facefacts-ouch that response was uncalled for.Just to let you know I have an i.q.of 134, I am not dense,
    I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt.(you know an idiom)If by organization you mean the everyday Catholic that is outrages. Whom do you think they were trying to keep this information from?If you mean the parents were keeping quiet,perhaps they were just trying to keep their kids from being raped all over again. Unless you have experienced it, you can not be certain on your response.Assumptions were made that the right thing would be done. "

    CONGRATULATIONS NEW CATHOLIC wrote on Jul 29, 2008 9:10 AM:

    " Well said on 7/28. I have family members who attend both AOG and Our Savior's Church and they are all so misguided. When a baptized Catholic in their immediate family was dying, the members of Savior's REFUSED to let the Catholic son get a priest to go give his mother the last rites. What would it have hurt? When someone is dying of cancer, what harm would an extra blessing do? Needless to say, that family chain is broken. Is that what "Pastor" Jacob wanted? You are SO lucky to be Catholic now! "

    Happy Christian wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:19 AM:

    " I recently attended a Catholic wedding, and the priest went on and on about how everyone's first obligation is to "the church". I thought our first obligation was to God, then to our family. Could someone please explain this to me. "

    Former Catholic wrote on Jul 29, 2008 8:17 AM:

    " Okay, first of all, the AOG church does not teach hatred of Catholics or of anyone else, including homosexuals, athiests, Jews, Muslims, African-Americans, or any other group of people. I do know that there are Black and White Catholic churches right here in Iberia Parish.
    Second, the point is not that molestations occurred. The problem was how they were handled by church leaders. Yeah, teachers molest children, but they are not then transferred to another school to molest again.
    Ask your priest if he even knows your name. He will if you are a big contributor. "

    Deborah D wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:41 AM:

    " Sorry, but there is no church or religion that can make you go to Heaven.You are the only one that can do this,the Temple is you. "

    Do Some Research wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:34 AM:

    " ToWHEWWW,You need to do some research on the catholic religion.Did you know that SATAN is the one who started the catholic religion?Check it out for yourself.Enough said. "

    Will Never Be Catholic Again wrote on Jul 29, 2008 7:14 AM:

    " To QUESTIONING,you can beleive whatever you want but GOD knows what was said to me by this preist.You just don't want to run down the Catholic religion that's ok I understand.I have no reason to lie about this.Remember this was my baby not yours,what if the baby was yours then how would you feel!!!! "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 28, 2008 6:51 PM:

    " To Kim, if you have to ask who I was referring, I doubt if I told you it would help. You say molestations happen in all religions, true. But when a Rabbi does this, everyone is outraged and appropriate action is taken immediately. Another organization allows wholesale molestation to happen for decades, involving the largest coverup of a crime this country has ever witnessed, and when the lid finally blows off, it APPEARS that they are now taking the correct action. "

    To the Anti-Catholic Person - cont. wrote on Jul 28, 2008 6:25 PM:

    " Finally I decided to venture into a Catholic Church, where no one knew me of course. I loved it! It was totally different. Instead of threatening me and telling me all of the people I am supposed to hate, they preached love. Just like Jesus did! I attended four more years before getting up the courage to join, which took almost a year of study. I have been a Catholic for five years now and totally LOVE IT!
    I feel jealous of all of the “cradle Catholics” that were able to grow up in this atmosphere of Christian Love "

    To the Anti-Catholic Person - cont. wrote on Jul 28, 2008 6:23 PM:

    " Many of my fellow AOG Christians left the Church to go to Our Savior’s Church in Broussard. So there I went as well. After all I could not go to the Catholic Church because I was taught they were “evil”. Reverend Jacob Aranza was an ex-Catholic so maybe he could shed some light on why I was supposed to hate all Catholics? He did not. Just more of the same blind hatred. He claimed his bias was based on the Bible, but could not show me where or why. I left that “Church” as well. Far too much hatred. "

    To the Anti-Catholic Person wrote on Jul 28, 2008 6:21 PM:

    " I too was once like you. I grew up in a Protestant Christian Church. The Church I was raised in, the Assembly of God Church (AOG) on Orange Grove taught me I was supposed to hate Catholics ever since I was a child. Later in life after finishing college at USL I began to question why I was supposed to hate the Catholics. Most of my friends were Catholic and they were very good and pious Christians. One Sunday at AOG I just got tired of the hatred and set out on a quest for a new Church. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 28, 2008 4:10 PM:

    " To commit your life to God by being a leader in any Religion is a good & noble thing. One however must remember that not all people become relious leaders for the good,but the opportunities. Clergy are just like us,human.As humans, they may fall prey to flaws that people used to pretend didn't exist,or were too naive to know about.(sexual abusers)This is also true of any occupation that gives access of adults to children. Teach your kids no one has the right to touch them especially if it makes them feel uncomfortable & to tell you immediately no matter what. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 28, 2008 3:48 PM:

    " If you could poll Roman Catholics, (especially in the United States) about their opinion on the way the abuse issue has been handled in the past, most would say it was a total debacle.Many Catholics in the USA have raised their voices against the handling of wrong doers,and the Church is finally listening.To say it only happens in the Catholic Church is wrong and does a disservice to your own church's youth.All religions have documented cases of religous leaders commiting sexual abuse against children. Don't believe me google it.Rabbis, Reverends, Ministers, Etc.guilty one & all.Every church/synagog needs to clean house. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 28, 2008 2:52 PM:

    " Face the facts-question for clarity about your comment made on Jul 26, 2008 4:52 PM. Exactly what organization of people are you refering to concerning saving face instead of protecting the children of abuse? Who was this comment directed to? Maybe I am overly tired but I can't tell. Child abuse has existed since the begining, of time.Pedophiles, are sick,manipulating people.They prey on kids & may make threats that they will hurt/kill someone they love if the child were to tell.They may convince the kid no one will believe them over the pedophile especially if they hold a authoritative position. "

    Quesioning wrote on Jul 28, 2008 2:51 PM:

    " NO Catholic priest would have urged you to have an abortion. The Catholic Church is the most Pro Life organization in the world. Most Pro Life groups are off-shoots of the Catholic Church. If your story is to be believed, such a priest would be a heritic. On the other hand, I believe your so-called account is totaly fabricated. Shame on you!!!!! "

    Will Never Be Catholic Again wrote on Jul 28, 2008 7:39 AM:

    " I will tell you this much it has been thirty-six years ago I was pregnant for my first child unmarried my mother wanted me to have an abortion I refused went to a priest for help told him what my mother wanted he talked to me and took my mothers side,I then looked at him told him I would not aboard my child and I exclude myself and my unborn child from being a CATHOLIC for ever.He actually said,have an abortion.By the way I had a SON and I am very proud!!! "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 26, 2008 4:52 PM:

    " So to the thousands and thousands of lives that were ruined, not just by priests, but the ENTIRE organization of people who thought it was better to save face instead of protect the children, we just tell these people "don't worry, it is not swept under the rug anymore." BRILLIANT!!! People like you remind me of people who vote for someone, and no matter how horrible or crooked a politician we find them out to be, you defend them tooth and nail. It is sickening. But it's ok, because it is not swept under the rug anymore, supposedly. "

    to face the facts wrote on Jul 25, 2008 3:54 PM:

    " Many priests were punished in a court of law. Long ago, things were swept under the rug by MANY groups. People tend to hide things when they are not sure of how to handle it. In this day and age, it's not swept under the rug anymore. Enough said! "

    proudgrandma wrote on Jul 25, 2008 3:03 PM:

    " The Catholic Church was the first Christian church, yes, but that doesn't make it perfect. There are many things I don't believe in with the Catholic Church like the way the Pope is elevated, you should go to God first. All religions and people are imperfect you will find evil everywhere. The perfect church is one not built by hands but by God. "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:42 PM:

    " Many of you say the priests that molests the kids are sinners like all of us, etc. The point is not that ONE PERSON sinned like we all do. The POINT is that one priest molests a child, and everyone above him knows about it and simply ships him off somewhere else to molest more children. This has happened thousands of times all over the country. If the school board did that we would be outraged. Does anyone care to respond to this? No one went near it the first time it was posted. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 25, 2008 10:27 AM:

    " To blame the parents of those poor children that were abused is insane.My parents taught me at a very young age, that no one has the right to touch my person.That just because people in power(preists,principles,teachers,
    church leaders,friends parents,etc)command respect,they were no better than I and were not allowed to hit me,or touch me in any way.Some people were just naive.No concept that the world had predators to protect their kids from. The above post is very cruel.It is very hurtful to both the parents & those who were abused.Stop re-abusing those who have all ready been hurt. "

    Kim wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:59 AM:

    " As a Catholic I was brought up to respect all religion. Whether or not you fellow christians agree, documented history shows that the Catholic Church was the first christian church.All other christian religions are off shoots of the original Universal church,because someone obviously disagreed with the church's doctrine.
    That is why most Catholics around the world don't usually criticize other denominations. At the core religion is all the same.That bein said, one should be realistic and know that evil resides everywhere not just in the Catholic Church.Catholics share the same core value, that Jesus is our Savior. "

    just wondering wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:57 PM:

    " to King David's supporter--I guess what you are really saying is that since David was forgiven, then Bakker, Swaggert, AND any molesting priest/layperson will be forgiven as well. Thanks for helping me understand. You're so scholarly! "

    Knows wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:43 PM:

    " Yes, Pentecost marked the beginning of the Christian Church. That was the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and other disciples, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magellan, etc…. Then the Apostles branched out to all corners of the Earth to spread the Good News. St. Peter, the leader designated by Christ, went to Rome, the center of the known world at the time. Ever since then, the Pope has always been the Bishop of Rome. The word “Catholic” means “universal”, and the Catholic Church is largest institution of any type around the whole World. "

    Knows wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:19 PM:

    " Also, I am not saying that “Catholics are going to heaven and the rest of us will burn”. God will judge each one of us equably. We are not “holier than thou”. It is simply, when any consentience person really understands the history of the Church and it’s precepts as Jesus taught, he or she will, in all honestly, have to be a Catholic. "

    Knows wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:05 PM:

    " You’re absolutely right! King David sinned, priests sin, you sin, and I sin. What SOME priest did was outrageous, but those were a VERY SMALL fraction in comparison to the hundreds of thousands of holy and dedicated Catholic priests. The important thing is that we will all be judged by God. Those who repent will be saved and those who don’t……well…… No, WE cannot judge individuals, but we CAN judge behavior just as you are judging the actions of those few priests. "

    To Knows wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:54 PM:

    " Don't you know that you are passing judgement? The only one to pass judgement is Jesus himself when we die. No one has a right to judge others lest he be judged. "

    Ashamed Of You Adults wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:49 PM:

    " Does it really matter what "religion" you are? There are child molester in all walks of life. Yes, Priest are suppose to be "God-like" in his sexuality and I don't condone anyone for molesting children or anyone for that matter. Because some priest chose to bring shame to their calling don't give all of you the right to condemn all catholics. Shame on you. You are showing your children a different kind of hate. Why do people have to get so nasty when they address comment in the forum? It doesn't matter what the subject is about, people get nasty! "

    Hey Knows wrote on Jul 24, 2008 11:31 AM:

    " Are you trying to say that Catholics are going to heaven and the rest of us will burn? LOLOLOLOLOL "

    to Proud Catholic contd wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:57 AM:

    " And that church that was created on the day of Pentecost was not in Rome and was not called Catholic. So for anyone to assert that the only way to salvation is by Catholicism is seriously misguided by either their warpped understanding or being lead like sheep by the Catholic church. "

    to Proud Catholic wrote on Jul 24, 2008 10:56 AM:

    " To answer your question concerning Swaggart and Bakker, I offer up the book of Samuel w/ King David and Bathsheeba. King David sinned w/ Bathsheeba and had Uriah killed, but God's atoning forgiveness shined down on David. He is now remembered as one of the greats in the Bible and will reign w/ Christ in his coming. So therefore, I believe in forgiveness for all, for we all fall short of God's grace. So drop the holier than thou Catholic garbage that is being spouted in the forum, as the first church was founded on Pentecost. "

    Knows wrote on Jul 23, 2008 8:54 PM:

    " All of the anti-Catholic hatred spouted on this forum is disgusting. The one or more of you who are writing these things can get your shots in now, but you will really be surprised when Jesus says to you (as he said in Bible He would) "Depart from Me into everlasting fire, I do not know you!" "

    agrees with Grandma wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:16 PM:

    " It seems like everyone is always picking on the Catholic church. Why? Because the Catholic church is the strongest, largest, and most influential religion in the WORLD. I see that no one has responded to Proud Catholic and the questions about Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggert. Priests work hard and if you'd spend as much time getting to know your church parish instead of bashing priests, then maybe you'd be as proud as we are. Go on and keep on supporting your flamboyant pastors and their frilly made-up wives and living in your shacks. "

    to WHEWWW wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:03 PM:

    " You obviously didn't read all the posts because I was responding to a post of July 21 at 2:11. They brought up money. Molestation is no small thing, but not all priests are bad. Just like it's done to blacks, hispanics, etc., some people judge a whole group by a small minority. Yes I am a proud Catholic. I respect the way MY RELIGION can be traced back to ancient times in history books. If you study history, you will see where all these other MAN-MADE religions came from--not from Jesus Christ. "

    to Grandma wrote on Jul 23, 2008 6:08 PM:

    " I understand your assertion that the Catholic church is working on its problem, but your statement about abiding in Church law is the underlying problem w/ that church. The laws made by this or any other church are contrary to the Bible, which states that we are saved by grace. Works are nothing in the sight of the Lord. If Catholics and all of the other churches that work in law would come to realize that, the more in line w/ the Bible they would be. "

    Contemplating wrote on Jul 23, 2008 5:54 PM:

    " Every now and then I contemplate on leaving the Catholic Church for many of the reasons you all have listed. However, I look at what we as Catholics have. Put aside all the bad feelings you have for priests, etc. What other church has mass everyday? What other church has communion everyday? We as Catholics believe that the host and wine are the body and blood of Christ. There are bad people in this world period, not just priests. There are molesters in some peoples families. Just talk to your children and tell them to tell you EVERYTHING. "

    Rabby Dabby wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:50 PM:

    " This is for the person who posted as "To Concerned." Yes, Fr. Gauthier was arrested for his crimes. He was arrested in the town of Henry for molestations that happened there. This was a long time after leaving New Iberia. I know of his bosses being confronted by parents of his victims here, and they shuffled him off to Henry. How can anyone defend such actions. "

    Grandma wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:45 PM:

    " I say this with caution because expressing one's opinion on religion is like stepping too close to a wasp nest.

    Catholics already know that the church is recognizing past errors and are fixing them.
    Those ex-Catholics who refused to abide by the Church laws and think they have found the perfect church in one of the many do-it-yourself congregations seem to reserve a special hate for the Catholic faith. I think something must be bothering them. Like guilt? "

    tree of knowledge wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:40 PM:

    " When Catholic Bishops and Pope decided to cover-up sexual abuse by Priests for sixty years and moved those Priests to prey on more children, were they "under the guidance of the Holy Spirit" and inspired by the Holy Spirit to do that immorality and sin against God? Holy Spirit calling Vatican, "Can you hear me now?"

    I don't see Popes and Bishops wearing rags. They wear very expensive robs and live in lap of luxury. Mother Theresa lived in a garbage dump with the poor. She was living as Jesus would. "

    God Fearer wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:43 PM:

    " Okay, one priest, Fr. Gauther, is the exception to the rule. There were tens of thousands of children molested by priests. Not just Fr. Gauther. Ironic that they counsel on staying away from Pentecostal church, but can't counsel themselves on staying away from children. Shame shame shame!!! The devil, him, at least you know who he is. "

    Christian wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:41 PM:

    " Go ask your priest if he knows who in his church is sick. Go ask him if he knows who in his church needs help. I bet he don't even know most of their names, much less their issues. He don't care, either. He a part-time worker who more interested in his so-called position than in helping his church members. I went to Catholic church for 33 years and the priests did not know my name. Went to other church and pastor know my name in one day. Priests don't care. "

    Former Catholic wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:16 PM:

    " At least they EARN their suits and cars. Priests EXPECT to be given these things. Someone needs to tell priests that "minister" is a verb, as well as a noun. We are not "poor" or "misguided", and I wonder of what you are proud. And don't go claiming that Jesus founded your church, because He did not. Jesus belonged to the Jewish faith. Yeah, yours was the only church for a while, until your leaders tried to keep the public from reading the Bible. What did they think they had to hide? "

    to deluded Proud Catholic wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:37 AM:

    " The Catholic church has enough money to support peodophilia, as it is the richest "church" in the world.

    As for your assertation that my pastor wears designer suits and drives Volvos, you are sadly mistaken. I now attend a demoninational church where the pastor does not act like "God on earth" like the "fathers" in your church .

    Keep depending upon your church for your salvation. Last I read, Jesus was the way, truth and light and not some man-made religion as Catholicism. "

    Whewww wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:36 AM:

    " Hey Proud Catholic, your response to this is that the Catholic Church does not require you to tithe? Let's see, one church requires followers to tithe, and that is worse than priests molesting children, the powers that be in the Catholic church knowing about it and simply sending the molester to another church to molest more kids? And this is done many times all over the country. WOW!!! I had no idea that tithing was so evil. Thanks for the heads up. "

    proud Catholic wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:28 PM:

    " You poor misguided former Catholics. Don't you realize there's good and bad in every church. Sure some of you left to go to those man-made churches. They tell you what you want to hear so you will tithe. The Catholic church does not require us to tithe to support lawsuits. We give because we want to. Our "pastors" don't get rich off of us. They don't wear designer suits and drive Volvos. You lost souls are so desperate and don't even know it. Ever heard of Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert? "

    To Concerned wrote on Jul 22, 2008 6:23 PM:

    " I'm sorry, but you stand corrected. Fr. Gauther, who was at Perpetual Help Church here in New Iberia was arrested for his acts of molestation. In fact, he has been arrested on numerous occasions and he was plastered all over the news. "

    To Single Man ATNT wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:04 PM:

    " You are a single man than can freely choose to date women, legally go out west to the "bunny ranch" and so on. A priest has no "outlet" for any of this "energy." "

    To ATNT wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:58 AM:

    " You are right to an extent. But when you take a man, and tell him to supress ALL of his sexual urges, AND give him little boys to hang around with all day, well I see that as a recipe for disaster. Priests long ago were allowed to get married, and when he died all the land and belongings went to the eldest son. Also, a long time ago priests had much land and belongings. The church stopped allowing priests to marry so the church would be able to keep the land and money. This is factual, look it up. "

    ATNT wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:26 AM:

    " I'm sorry, I must respond to Frank Rizzo's comment...so basically, because I'm a single man, I turn to pedophelia. Do you have any idea how many "happily married" men molest their own children and others? A pedophile is a pedophile is a pedophile, period. Time and time again, studies have shown these men cannot be rehabilitated, priest or no priest, married or not married, they need to be dealt with immediately and in the harshest of manners. "

    CONCERNED citizen wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:09 AM:

    " Let me answer some of the questions about this topic.The reason priest don't get charged with the crime they commit is becuase they are under a different nation which i think is a crock.They should be sent to prison like everyone esle that commits a crime. They are no better than you or me they are not GOD just a messanger. "

    Frank Rizzo wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:31 PM:

    " If they would wake up and let those poor priests get married (which is Biblical) it would solve a lot of problems causing them to turn to molestation. "

    to really.... wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:02 PM:

    " You are blinded by the sins of the "church" that you defend. As a former Catholic who finally realized that this "church" was nothing more than a cult leading millions to damnation, I find it appalling that you defend an organization that covers up sins of unimaginable proportions. This "church" you defend w/ its man-made rules is in direct opposition to the Bible; you might realize this if you open your eyes, take your head out of the sand and quit defending a "Pope" who is nothing more than an ordinary man. "

    Face The Facts wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:01 PM:

    " Abusers are in all walks of life. But let us imagine that a teacher molests a student, and other teachers know, so does the pricipal, the superintendant, and the school board. And instead of having the abuser prosecuted, they simply send him to a different school to molest more kids. The church has done this over and over and over again all across the country. If the schools did this we would be going nuts, but when the church does it, well, no big deal. Ladies and gentlemen, we are talking sexual abuse on a wholesale level. "

    Former Catholic wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:11 PM:

    " Yes, I'll admit that after spending my entire lifetime giving faith, hope, blood, sweat, and tears to the Catholic church, I am resentful that they have let so many of us down. Go see the pews full of former Catholics at any non-catholic church in the area. And then some of you just bend over and take it and take it. Your hard earned money is being used to pay off lawsuits caused by your church's mishandling of its priests molesting little boys. Go ahead and call me angry. I can take it. "

    xxx wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:27 PM:

    " As evident by the Pope's admission the coverup ran deep. All the way to the top. It is that chain that will burn with the devil for their hyprocisy. "

    Really wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:30 AM:

    " There will be judgment for those who do not repent, but there will be a special place in the after life for YOU who harbor all that hate and resentment. "

    jackson wrote on Jul 21, 2008 9:19 AM:

    " You are so right. "

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