The priests who sexually abused children? Should they be executed?

[Georgia]

I would support life without parole for any pedophile. They simply cannot be cured, so society will not be safe when they have access to victims.

As for the bishops, I do think some should be held criminally liable. Transferring child molesters is providing them with new targets. There is no real difference in culpability from the transfers of abusing priests and the getaway drivers for bank robberies. Both got the offenders to and from the scenes of crimes.

 

[JanetF]

I’m opposed to the death penalty. We have no right to take another person’s life because they committed a heinous crime. “Thall shalt not kill” pretty much sums it up for me.

Life in prison, and obviously they should be defrocked.

 

[JReducation]

JR - with all due respect, I disagree. While the Church, primarily through Pope JP2, has made the statements that you have made, I don’t believe it was always so. I recall reading in older pre-V2 books that the Church didn’t condemn the death penalty in such a sweeping manner.

Even pre-16 acknowledged that we can have differing opinions on the death penalty (as opposed to abortion, etc). This does not reach the level of dogmatic/doctrinal status, although it is worthy of serious considerations by people that have the opinions I do. And yes, I have modified my thinking to a degree. (FWIW, if I were murdered, I would not want the killer(s) executed…)

I don’t want to sidetrack the thread into a DP debate, but I think that it’s important for all to understand that.

Given how the DP is used in other countries (eg China executing the head of the dept responsible for the poisoning in foods - tried, and then shot), I think our system is nowhere near that. The popes aren’t only speaking to the US in their statements, but we do tend to think the world revolves around us.

I’m sure that what you say is true. In fact I know that what you say is true. The Church did not oppose the death penalty in sweeping terms as it does today. The reason is that today we have other means to protect society that were not available.

The issue here is that we have to protect society, not execute people. This brings us right back to this thread. Will executing any pedophile cure mental illness? Pedophilia is a mental illness that does horrible harm to the victim, his/her family, the community, the pedophile, the family of the pedophile and many other people. Like all crimes, it has broad effects. But the point is that executing a pedophile does not protect society. It protects society from that one single individual, not from the many who are still out there.

Since the idea of execution is to protect society, it raises the question, is it justifiable, since it does not elliminate the problem, only one problem person?

I’m also curious to know why the OP chose to tarted pedophiles who are priests for execution. What about all the other pedophiles? This sounds like more anti-Catholic propaganda. “Only Catholic priests are guilty of this.” Which is nonsense. The percentage of Catholic priests who are pedophiles is actually smaller than that of teachers and coaches.

The very idea of executing a Catholic priests falls by its own weight, because it targets one group within the entire population of people who are pedophiles. Take all these priests and execute them and they will be replaced by other pedophiles from many walks of life. Did you solve the problem? No.

For any Catholic who is really interested in protecting our childrenan and has the time, there is a wonderful training that is given across the country in every diocese. It’s called Virtus. Call your chancery and find out when the next one will be and where. It’s an on-going training. You go to a workshop that is very intense. Than you have to continue doing assignments on the internet at their website. It’s an awesome program. I just went through it and learned a great deal. I thought I knew about protecting children. I came away wanting more of this course. That’s how good it is.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[centurionguard]

The Catechism answers this best.

Basically, “no” we should not kill anyone unless there is no other choice. All humans should have a chance at redemption. That is what Jesus would do.

WWJD

Being a heterosexual man gang-raped and tortured at gunpoint by two men and one woman. I never knew the actual identity of my savage aggressors. Two other men suffered the same fate as myself at my side with one commiting suicide one week after the horrid incident.

Who ever these inhumane animalistic aggressors were I have forgiven their injustices.
They are now held accountable in Gods justice as are all rapist.

All humans should have a chance at redemption.

Even for priests who fall to Satans temptations and sexual deviancies that include raping a child…

 

[maggiemay2u]

What are your view on all the priests in Ireland who abused children for decades.
What is a just punishment? What does the bible say?
I think they should be executed:thumbsup:. What are your views?

Why confine your question only to priests? Studies done by the NYT concluded priests offend at a lesser rate than the general population. What is true is that pathological predators are drawn to positions of trust, that were generally regarded as “safe” places for children. Teachers, coaches, firefighters, doctors and cops.The difference between priest scandal and others—deep pockets and no mega unions.

 

[StrawberryJam]

Why confine your question only to priests? Studies done by the NYT concluded priests offend at a lesser rate than the general population. What is true is that pathological predators are drawn to positions of trust, that were generally regarded as “safe” places for children. Teachers, coaches, firefighters, doctors and cops.The difference between priest scandal and others—deep pockets and no mega unions.

You must be kidding here?

Why are the archdiocises paying the trump for the legal defense team and the legal fees (paid by who?- I’ll tell you- in the chicago arch it has been from the sales of real estate, closing churches and schools)
Other archdioceses, have had to do the same.
They say it is not coming from free donations at Mass, but it is coming from the “saints” or soon to be after released from purgatory saints, that did pay big for those properties to be sold for the scandals.

 

[JReducation]

You must be kidding here?

Why are the archdiocises paying the trump for the legal defense team and the legal fees (paid by who?- I’ll tell you- in the chicago arch it has been from the sales of real estate, closing churches and schools)
Other archdioceses, have had to do the same.
They say it is not coming from free donations at Mass, but it is coming from the “saints” or soon to be after released from purgatory saints, that did pay big for those properties to be sold for the scandals.

I think that you’re both sayng the same thing. He’s sayign that they are targeting priests because the Church has big pockets and no organized protection such as unions etc. The Church has real estate and other assets. So why go after some poor soul who has only a house and a car? Go after the diocese. The diocese has properties that are worth millions today. They may have been cheap once upon a time, but no longer.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Kilo1Mike21]

What are your view on all the priests in Ireland who abused children for decades.
What is a just punishment? What does the bible say?
I think they should be executed:thumbsup:. What are your views?

Executed? NO! Excommunicated? Yes! Nobody should be put to death for a crime. Serve a prison sentance, yes. And one should find it in his or heart to forgive the criminal. That doesn’t mean a criminal shouldn’t be punished.

 

[tweetymom]

Also what about the Priests here n the USA and the Bishops that hid it for so many years? This isn’t just an I reland issue. I hate molestation but the offence of hiding this offence and moving Priests around to do it again is just as bad. They shoul all be excommunated.

 

[JacktheCatholic]

Also what about the Priests here n the USA and the Bishops that hid it for so many years? This isn’t just an I reland issue. I hate molestation but the offence of hiding this offence and moving Priests around to do it again is just as bad. They shoul all be excommunated.

In the USA the Catholic Church has done what no other group or business has done, they hired a 3rd party to come in and evaluate and advise. Currently the Catholic Church has some of the best (if not the best) solution to sexual predators (specifically Pedaphilia) in the world.

There was an article on this a few years back… don’t have it though.

So, there was wrong done and no one denied it and things should have been handled better in some cases. But, that is true with any church or organization. It is appalling at the abuse the Catholic Church has taken in this regards to a biased secualr media. I am glad something was done about it but the methods were unjust and unfair.

I am a soccer coach and have helped with boy scouts and do substitute teacher for Catechism. The Catholic Church has done more than any of these three to insure I will not cause harm to anyone (especially children).

I had a background check done and a class and methods are used frequently to avoid any possibility of a sexual crime. The awareness is very high in the Catholic Church.

 

[tweetymom]

In the USA the Catholic Church has done what no other group or business has done, they hired a 3rd party to come in and evaluate and advise. Currently the Catholic Church has some of the best (if not the best) solution to sexual predators (specifically Pedaphilia) in the world.

There was an article on this a few years back… don’t have it though.

So, there was wrong done and no one denied it and things should have been handled better in some cases. But, that is true with any church or organization. It is appalling at the abuse the Catholic Church has taken in this regards to a biased secualr media. I am glad something was done about it but the methods were unjust and unfair.

I am a soccer coach and have helped with boy scouts and do substitute teacher for Catechism. The Catholic Church has done more than any of these three to insure I will not cause harm to anyone (especially children).

I had a background check done and a class and methods are used frequently to avoid any possibility of a sexual crime. The awareness is very high in the Catholic Church.

Yes the Church has done great things in the last few years to combat this issue. I appauld her for rhat. And yes at our CC all who work with children have to under go such as you have. I still have a big problem why was it hidden for so many years and not addressed when it happened. As I have said in an earlier post I too was molested as a child( not by a Priest) and it was covered up for years. I have had to go to therapy etc. I am thankful that God has brought me thru this. And because of the cover up many more children were abused because of the same man. This is why I have a BIG problem with the Church keeping this under wraps for so many years. anyway God Bless you in your journey with our Lord:tiphat:

 

[praise_Jesus_1]

What the priests did was a deplorable criminal offence. They should be punished as per the laws of the country.

 

[JacktheCatholic]

Yes the Church has done great things in the last few years to combat this issue. I appauld her for rhat. And yes at our CC all who work with children have to under go such as you have. I still have a big problem why was it hidden for so many years and not addressed when it happened. As I have said in an earlier post I too was molested as a child( not by a Priest) and it was covered up for years. I have had to go to therapy etc. I am thankful that God has brought me thru this. And because of the cover up many more children were abused because of the same man. This is why I have a BIG problem with **the Church **keeping this under wraps for so many years. anyway God Bless you in your journey with our Lord:tiphat:

See what I bolded?

It should read “with those people” and NOT “the Church”. The Church is the Body of God and no fault can be found with this Spouse.

I do not know how you meant that but as a Catholic I have learned that “Church” is NOT the same as Non Catholics use the Word.

The fault was of fallible men, for whatever reasons, good or bad. Sometimes even good intentions lead down a road of destruction. But we should not confuse The Church with the individuals regardless of their position.

 

[JacktheCatholic]

What the priests did was a deplorable criminal offence. They should be punished as per the laws of the country.

And as a Catholic we see God’s laws as greater than man’s laws no matter how strongly we feel one way or another.

 

[lakotak]

Life without parole. They will have to face God on their judgement day and He will decide what is just.

Hi,

I agree with you. God’s justice is far superior to man’s and leaves no room for error.

 

[tweetymom]

See what I bolded?

It should read “with those people” and NOT “the Church”. The Church is the Body of God and no fault can be found with this Spouse.

I do not know how you meant that but as a Catholic I have learned that “Church” is NOT the same as Non Catholics use the Word.

The fault was of fallible men, for whatever reasons, good or bad. Sometimes even good intentions lead down a road of destruction. But we should not confuse The Church with the individuals regardless of their position.

Oh brother!!!

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Oh brother? So you’re going to hold the 98% of priests who neither participated in the abuse nor had any knowledge whatsoever of the abuse as being just as guilty as the ones who abused?

Or are you going to say that because 1, 2, or some minority number of bishops may have for whatever misguided reason decided that they would ‘risk’ the abuse happening somewhere else, even if they could not know for certain that it would. . .that somehow the ‘whole Church’ is responsible?

With due respect. . .wouldn’t that be a tad unfair? If you think it fair, exactly what are your reasons?

 

[JacktheCatholic]

Oh brother!!!

Need I also remind you that as a Christian Jesus calls us to forgiveness.

We all should keep this in mind when we go to receive the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”.

 

[tweetymom]

See what I bolded?

It should read “with those people” and NOT “the Church”. The Church is the Body of God and no fault can be found with this Spouse.

I do not know how you meant that but as a Catholic I have learned that “Church” is NOT the same as Non Catholics use the Word.

The fault was of fallible men, for whatever reasons, good or bad. Sometimes even good intentions lead down a road of destruction. But we should not confuse The Church with the individuals regardless of their position.

Did or do not Priest Bishops represent The CC? And I am glad that yoy have learned what you have. We all need a bit of training. God Bless you in your Journey with Christ:thumbsup:

 

[JacktheCatholic]

Did or do not Priest Bishops represent The CC? And I am glad that yoy have learned what you have. We all need a bit of training. God Bless you in your Journey with Christ:thumbsup:

Did Judas Iscariot represent Jesus?

God Bless you as well on your journey.