Okay I read the CBS report. I forgot new members can’t post links.
So, first off, welcome to CAF! Hope you enjoy your time here.
Now as for the article. It does look ugly, indeed. However it is a year old and there have been some changes. First off, in New York I believe they did extend the time period during which individuals can sue. So luckily that went through. Other states did the same and others are pushing for more states to do it.
Second, I know in some cases like this, the Church has taken a stance against what seems like well intentioned legislation for the simple reason it would only apply to religious institutions and not public schools, where abuse is more prevalent. It might seem like a petty game of ‘what about them’ but there is a principle behind it (I hope, and not simple opportunism).
Third, and this is just my personal opinion, it doesn’t surprise me. Even if the second point above is just an excuse the Church makes to avoid paying for its crimes, I’m still not surprised. Two things to remember are a phrase attributed to a saint I believe that the road to hell is paved with the bones of priests and bishops (I believe that’s how it goes). Second is that in the Inferno Dante places many priests, bishops, and religious and even a Pope in hell. Specifically in the circle where the sodomites are punished he mentions in passing that there’s many clergy therein.
The Church has always been human, all too human. There have always been horrible people within it. I know that’s not uplifting but it’s how I see things.
