I don’t really appreciate how you trot this out.
Since I don’t enjoy delving into such a disturbing and despicable topic, I don’t appreciate having to make the point, myself. But needs must.
As the saying goes: those in glass houses.
It isn’t that there weren’t serious problems with the Catholic Church. But there were problems with all churches. In fact your Episcopal church has plenty of pedophiles in it.
I’m quite aware there are problems in TEC. My head is not in the sand.
The difference is I do not go into a specifically Catholic thread, and then make a show of deriding a particular bishop or pope. Even the ones who I believe hold anti-Christian attitudes and opinions about gays.
In short: bad form.
It isn’t nearly as large as the Catholic Church so the numbers aren’t as big in absolute terms. But that doesn’t mean TEC escapes criticism for the exact same problem.
Escapes criticism? Be serious. There is not a thread on this board that, when TEC is even mentioned in passing, doesn’t get singled out for criticism. It’s so predictable now, Pavlov’s hounds seem amateurish by comparison.
Let’s see, since I’ve been here, I’ve had rainbow vestments pics lobbed about as sport, various charges of evil, heresy, anti-Christian motives, deliberate ensnarement of souls (to hell), lots and lots of cheap shots taken regarding Hank VIII, etc. Getting told on a daily basis how defective our orders are. Oh, and clown masses.
The point is Catholics in this board almost never miss an opportunity to disparage my faith tradition. Or to mock it.
Lutherans, I’ve noticed, are also frequently subject to similar treatment.
So don’t talk to me about how TEC needs to take criticism. Not until some twinkle toe Catholics around here also learn to take it with a stiff upper lip. As far as I can tell, the concept of charity towards other faiths is an individual virtue that some Catholic posters here practice, but many others seem to consider optional to their witness.
And by the way - I have frequently defended the CC and its theology on this board and off it. I have always tried to show respect even in disagreement. Which is why I will listen to a Catholic bishop preach, even while maintaining he is gravely wrong on certain subjects.