Pope blames American values

[That Was Jonathan E. Then]

That was brave, Tom, to tell your story. Yes, times change and so does the concept of what is acceptable behaviour. Most of what I learnt in those times, just a little later than you, might as well be neolithic these days. However, hypocrisy is always hypocrisy — and in my experience, the Jesuits, the pope's special order of intellectual stormtroopers, were truly superb at being hypocritical.

And wasn't that a nice little PR exercise today, meeting with five — count them five! — people who had been abused back then? And saying all the right things again and again. If one didn't know what it means to close the barn door after the horse has bolted, one should now.

[Spartacus]

[Sentence removed, since another post was removed - but the sentiment remains :) ]

I've calmed down now. As I said, for some reason, considering all the other pains this world suffers, this one got to me.

Peace.

[Tom McPhillips]

Or perhaps not, on second thoughts...

[kevin]

When I was younger I lived in a community where the Catholic church was King.

I was educated by The Christian Brotherhood and although I was a good and bright pupil I was hit every day (usually with a strap). When my brother went to school without his glasses he was made to wear a placard around his neck saying "TAKE PITY ON THE BLIND" and on Friday if you didn't have a penny to give to the "black babies" then woe betide you.

Like a lot of bullies this behaviour was designed to maintain control but thankfully the parish priest's word is no longer law and although I am unsure whether it is a good or bad thing I now have a very cynical view on all organised religions.

I hope I haven't offended anyone.


Kevin

[Joe Cushley]

I've always thought that it was distinctly odd, perverse even, to hear lectures on sexual do's and dont's from men who are not allowed to have sexual relations.

I'd take issue with the 'monotheism' of the Catholic church as well. Mariolatry and the cult of saints always struck me as borderline 'polytheistic' at the very least... for what it's worth...

[Dayna]

I hope I haven't offended anyone.

I've never been a Catholic myself & haven't beleived their teaching on a lot of things.

No, it's not offensive to feel the way you do. It's offensive what so many people have done that are supposed to have higher standards & teaching others what they should do, & then they turn around & do the opposite by hurting vulnerable children.

[Hugh Weldon]

Kevin is right about the Christian Brothers, thankfully they'd toned down a bit by the time they got their hands on me in the seventies, but tales of their proficiency with the strap were a sort of dark local folklore.

On the other hand, they were able (in the days of the 11 plus) to take poor kids from the backstreets of Bootle and get them into Oxford. So like most things it wasn't all crud - though in my case Oxford wouldn't have me. I don't think I missed anything much though.

[That Was Jonathan E. Then]

I've been a bit exercised the past day with my opinions about the Catholic church. However, I wish to point out that this

is what I believe as both practical necessity and philosophical ideal. I bought the bumper sticker, but this
is what's on the back of my car.