POPE Francis has made strong statements and actions to apologize on behalf of the church as an institution for the abuse of children and youth by clergy and bishops. He took responsibility for the child abuse crimes of the past and asked for forgiveness from the victims and survivors. Asking forgiveness is an admission of guilt but a heavy burden, undeserved, for Pope Francis.
But most victims want justice and strong action against all abusers, whether they be clergy, parents, or members of any profession. Hundreds of priests have been fired others jailed in recent years. Guidelines are in place to stop the abuse and church authorities must act quickly to secure the evidence against any alleged abuser and bring him to justice as the evidence so warrants. They must never cover up a crime.
Jesus was clear about this while preaching forgiveness and compassion for the repentant sinner. He also said that the guilty should be given punishment. The Gospel of Matthew 18; 6 refers to tying a millstone around the neck of the child abuser proven guilty and thrown into the deepest ocean. I am not advocating the death penalty but the end of impunity for many child abusers especially clergy and those who protect them. Good non-corrupt Investigators, prosecutors and judges can do justice for the children. The corrupt authorities are bribe-takers and let them go free to abuse more children. It will be bad for them who cause such injustice against children and the innocent, Jesus said. Hell on earth or in the afterlife waits for them he warned.
Jesus of Nazareth died so that there would be a just society and where protection, dignity and justice for all and especially the victims of abuse and oppression would be respected and upheld. The authorities could not accept the truth he spoke that they were oppressing and exploiting the poor and vulnerable people and so they had Jesus falsely accused, arrested and executed. It was murder arranged by false allegations. Throughout history, the corrupt rich are doing the same. Hundreds of human rights advocates and defenders, pastors, priests, and social workers, have been assassinated for following the example of Jesus of Nazareth. In the catholic Philippines hundreds including priests have been shot dead for taking a stand for social justice and human rights.
We have to think of these realities of life today when we look at a crucifix. It is not a piece of jewelry but was a cruel instrument of death and is now symbolic of the murder of good people working for justice. Yet just as he overcame death his message lives on so too the death of his followers today will not be forgotten but will inspire many more to step into the gap and continue working for equality, freedom, justice and human rights for all. That’s the meaning of Easter and the resurrection. (preda.org)/PN
