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	What Should Pope Benedict XVI Do? By Abdul Rashid Ottawa Citizen April 3, 2010 http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/What+should+Pope+Benedict/2760035/story.html CANADA -- I assume the question relates to the current scandalous affair about the abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests. Let me say at the outset that this abuse is a religious sin in all faiths, a violation of human dignity and a criminal act. In Islamic theology, sins are classified into two categories: minor and major. Our Prophet, peace be upon him, warned that the minor sins of those in authority become major sins because of their wide impact on society. The disgraceful behaviour of these priests has been known for quite some time. It has been condemned universally and has elicited apologies from various church authorities. The name of the Pope has now been dragged into this reprehensible situation. I am quite sure the Pope has far more capable people who can and probably do advise him on what to do. However, I can humbly make the following comments in answer to your question. First of all, these abuses should be investigated thoroughly and those responsible in perpetrating these crimes should be exposed, charged and punished under criminal law. Secondly, my understanding is that the Pope has issued both a condemnation and an apology. I think that is about all he can do. His continuous linkage with this affair in the media will only harm his high office. In any case, whatever the Pope says, there will always be some who would find it deficient. I am also concerned that the wicked deeds can sully the entire priestly vocation. There must be hundreds of thousands of priests, pastors, clerics and spiritual care givers honouring their profession with dignity, respect and compassion. A few miscreants must not be allowed to denigrate the entire profession or community. Abdul Rashid is a member of the Ottawa Muslim community, the Christian-Muslim Dialogue and the Capital Region Interfaith Council.
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