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	Benedict XVI Central to Priest Sex Crime Epidemic, at Least since 1962, Reveals Research Published Today by Scholar Jay Nelson By Kay Ebeling City of Angels April 11, 2008 http://cityofangels4.blogspot.com/2008/04/jay-nelson-publishes-research-revealing.html Jay Nelson writes: "With Pope Benedict XVI days away from arrival in this country, now is an auspicious time to announce that I have discovered some of the secret history behind the scandals. And that Joseph Ratzinger is central to it. No, this is not a joke nor hyperbole but the fruit of deep, serious, historical research, and undoubtedly these are the most important pieces I've ever written." Jay Nelson reports: "Carefully coded language (in 1962)reveals that 1) priests will no longer be punished for sexual transgressions but treated 'with fraternal charity and magnanimity' and 2) celibacy is not necessary for the priesthood but would still be demanded of Latin-rite priests. "This sets the stage for the great clergy exodus." Here are excerpts from Jays work, which can be read in full at renegadecatholic dot com, linked above the headline here at City of Angels Blog. Around 1565: the confessional booth is invented in Milan by St. Charles Borromeo, as a screen between two chairs. The idea is to prevent sexual contact between priests and penitents. Within half a century, the Vatican would order them installed in every church in the world. 1836 "Maria Monk," an alleged escapee from a Canadian convent, is the first to break silence about sexual and other abuse in nunneries. She is nearly universally reviled and disbelieved 1947 The Servants of the Paraclete, a religious order dedicated to helping fallen priests, is established with headquarters in Jemez Springs, New Mexico by Fr. Gerald Fitzgerald. 1954 An American ex-Franciscan, Emmett McGloughlin, in his autobiography first reveals the existence of the Jemez Springs establishment as one "ecclesiastic prison" among others where priests are sent without trial for sexual offenses, alcoholism, and insubordination. On March 16, 1962, Cardinal Alberto Ottaviani, the head of the Holy Office, presents Pope John XXIII with Crimen sollicitationis, in English, Instruction on the Manner of Proceeding in Cases of Solicitation (pdf). This is a highly secret document containing instructions for bishops on how to proceed trying cases of sexual abuse and homosexuality among clerics. Jay Nelson's published research continues: Heated discussions over celibacy and the clergy also consume the Council. Finally in the Decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests, carefully coded language reveals that 1) Priests will no longer be punished for sexual transgressions but treated with "with fraternal charity and magnanimity" and 2) Celibacy is not necessary for the priesthood but would still be demanded of Latin-rite priests. This sets the stage for the great clergy exodus. Jay Nelson's research continued: On December 7, 1965 the very last day of the Council, the reform of the Holy Office is announced. It will henceforth be called the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF). Some secrecy will be ended, priests would be given certain rights of appeal and representation, and the Index of Forbidden Books will be discontinued. Ominously, the CDF is given the power of questioning faith and morals anywhere in the entire Church. Only the Pope retains more power. Nelson's research can be read in full at renegade catholic dot com Jay Nelson is a victim and scholar of sex crimes in the Catholic Church living in New Mexico. *I still can't figure out how to put links inside with the blog copy. . . Onward. . .
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