Some of the reddit comments are pretty unintelligible and/or humerous! An interesting read for sure! I certainly would be concerned about someone who actively taught atheism as an acceptable alternative. I think common sense is required here as in most things. I was taught by several non-Catholic teachers in high school, but they all taught secular subjects. Divisive social issues didn’t come up in geometry and calculus. In elementary school, I was also taught by a few non-Catholics, but they followed the standard Catholic curriculum (I think based on catechesis of the Good Shepherd?). I mean in a first grade classroom you’re probably not teaching advanced theology. Obviously, if a teacher is telling children they shouldn’t be Catholic, it’s a whole different matter. But, my protestant first grade teacher was excellent, instilled a love for the Lord, and may believe differently but is still a sister in Christ. I do hope this document is really pastoral in nature, but I worry that based on recent news stories it will be used as more than a document for correction. If I was interpreted by anyone as saying that teachers should be able to do whatever they want, I really don’t mean this. I just worry that when we start to get dictatorial, even when perfectly legal, we have to be really careful to avoid hypocrisy. The sexual abuse example wasn’t meant as a “jab” at the Church. It just highlights ongoing concerns I have with clergy accountability. While several priests who I knew as a child did have credible allegations against them (two admitted to the allegations, including the priest who married my parents), none of my teachers were ever subversive or accused of abuse. It “felt” to me like we were trying to hold teachers accountable for sins that are less directly damaging to children, while diocese are still publicly shielding clergy. I mean one diocese recently “lost track” of a priest who was banned from active ministry by a judge but was found working with a youth group under the supervision the same bishop. I just want to see everyone held to high standards along with multiple attempts made to soften hearts before severing relationships. It is not to be disrespectful to the Church but out of concern over how power and control can corrupt institutions.
