PHILIPPINES
Philippine News
Ludy Ongkeko, Aug 31, 2005
Before proceeding any further, I would like to make this clear: I am a Catholic.
Therefore, this columns is not one meant to put down the faith nor the creed all practicing Catholics are bound to uphold.
Since the sex abuse “scandals” broke out, I have been asked to write about the controversy facing my Church, and causing divisions among my friends. One Catholic I know now calls himself a “dropout,” no longer “practicing,” and thinks the cover-ups are “unacceptable.” Another Catholic who remains a “practicing follower” said the sex abuse behind the pulpit has a history that goes back centuries ago.
Some of my relatives have fallen off the wayside, so to speak. They proclaim themselves “no longer practicing Catholics.” Although I was initially appalled by their disclosures, I respect their belief and decision. Until the Church accepts full accountability for all its offenders, the issue will not disappear, they say.
I believe that “accountability” should extend to those who have stood by silently and knowingly and not done anything. The news stories about the “good ol’ boys’ cover-up” are totally inexcusable; it has caused untold suffering for the many scarred victims.
The amounts of “settlements” the Catholic Church has had to cough up have been staggering, and yet they can never erase the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the victims. Those diocesan headquarters whose priests lost their cases had to make payments, no matter what their financial situation is. It was pathetic to see old churches and rectories close down because money had ran out.