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ByzCathCantor
Guest
For what its worth, this thread is probably more appropriately lodged elsewhere in this forum. I bring this up not to be overly administrative, but the subject matter is very serious and some contributors who might be able to speak very well on this subject (certainly better than I) may not be easily directed to the “Eastern Catholicism” sub-forum.
That said, that which has been posted here is very concerning on several levels.
With all due respect, no one wants to see kids harmed, especially in this way. I’m a father of two outstanding boys, and I could not even fathom how I might react if they were ever harmed in this way. But there is a right way to go about this. Ukrforever’s friend needs to be supported to have the courage to come forward and report the abuse. The fact that he has reached out to Ukrforever is an encouraging first step in his healing process. Support can and must come from many, including his friends and his own pastor (assuming he is still tied to the Church, and has not been driven away as a consequence of the abuse). The Catholic Church in the US has set up systems, in accord with agreements with civil authorities, to protect all once abuse is even alleged. Public disclosures are required, even at the accusatory stage.
However, to suggest that the sanctity of the confessional should be broken in this, or any other instance, is truly disturbing. We could write volumes on the potential consequences.
And as for the “red tape” characterization, by one professing to be Catholic “by the book - no exceptions”, here’s the book (Code of Canons):
I apologize, as I normally do not become this “directed” in posting on this forum in terms of responding to other posts. But to suggest we dissolve an entire sacrament of the Church for any reason is beyond belief. Justice is a two-way street. We do want to protect our children from all forms of harm. The abuses of this nature surfacing from the Church itself are a shame we all must bear and work to resolve. But how can we suggest this is the way to do it?
@ Ukrforever - I have read your posts on other threads, and do believe you are a pious individual who is trying to defend a friend, protect others from potential harm, and protect the sanctity of the sacraments. This much is clear from your OP. However painful it is for us to accept, we cannot stand in judgment of those who disgrace themselves and the Church by approaching the Holy Eucharist while being unworthy. Judgment is reserved to Christ alone. We must however do what is prudent to ensure earthly justice can be used to protect individuals and the Church from harm.
I hope we can continue this important dialogue by providing more insightful and charitable advice to Ukrforever.
In the meantime, we pray from this moment for his friend, our Church and those who may have been harmed by the same individual who are not yet known to us.
We know all to well that the victim count in such cases normally exceeds one. One simply has to turn on the news these days. Look what happened at Penn State University. Yes, it was a failure of individual conscience and institution (at least two, if not more) that contributed to this tragic situation, and more victims become known as time goes on. We can be appalled, or we can do something about it. But I don’t think we should be running to find Joe Paterno’s priest, suggesting he be compelled to testify in court as to what Joe Paterno may or may not have confessed. That is between him and God alone, and THAT is why the sacrament is so constructed. And Christ will judge accordingly …
For these reason, we must help this wounded soul, and use the means at our disposal to do so, including the mechanisms set up by the Church and civil authorities for these cases.