I am a Catholic and I dearly love the Church, but I disagree with some things, including the spending of Church moneys to settle sex abuse cases out of court. I strongly believe that the abusers should get as much punishment as anyone else would if not more, and really don't like the idea of money I put in the collection plate for the essentials of my parish and charity going to help some child molestor. How can I be sure that my parish and diocese are not using alms to screw over the "justice" system?
2006-12-19 05:42:00 · 8 answers · asked by Rat 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I often worry about such things (though I am not Catholic)
After reading God's word and some advice from my wonderful husband, here is the conclusion that I came to.
God tells us to give, He loves a cheerful giver- He gives us instruction on how to give- at no point does he tell us to give unless the receiver is abusing or not a good steward of the gift.
Our giving is about our heart attitude- use discernment, tithe, give your offerings, when you know it is the right thing to do- whether you give according to God's laws or not is something you and you alone are accountable for- once you have given- it is out of your hands- it is no longer yours and no longer your responsibility. The receiver is completely accountable and responsible for his heart attitude and what he (or she) does with what has been given- that is between them and God and you are no longer responsible.
Pray and use discernment to decide whether you are going to give where you are giving or not- if red flags are going up then pray for direction- don't use what is being done with the money as an excuse to break God's commands. but ask Him where he would have you plant your tithes and offerings. After that, let it go- Let God deal with the stewardship of the receiver
You will be blessed according to your obedience and giving and the receiver will be blessed or dealt with according to the way they handle the gift- Trust God for both ends of the situation and don't try to be in control of it.
2006-12-19 05:56:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being an active member of your church will help. You will be on the "inside" so to speak. Maybe you could help out at the church by taking a role in the accounting and financing. Even just start by counting the money, and help out where ever possible.
Also, just talking about it with other members will help you grasp what type of community you are in. If you find that most share the same views, the church should be representing them.
2006-12-19 05:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by Sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a catholic, as well, and certainly think that pedophilic priests need to face the music they've composed, but don't you think the Church should always help those in need? Sometimes spiritual needs are far beyond help and there is a need for people to feel vindicated. But, being a catholic and knowing the Church's 2000 year history, I can't help but think that she'll see this storm through...
2006-12-19 05:45:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-03 14:39:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus said to forgive 70 times 7. The church is built upon this. A true christian will forgive. Granted the sexual abuse needs to stop and apparently God is doing this because these men are getting caught. Ask your priest this question.
2006-12-19 05:47:42 · answer #5 · answered by Jesus junkie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont' think you can.
Once you've given the money to the church, it's thiers and they'll do what they please with it.
You could try discussing your concerns with your church, you probably are not the only one that feels this way. Perhaps there's a specific fund (or you could spearhead creating one) that is contracted to not be used to settle sex abuse cases.
2006-12-19 05:47:23 · answer #6 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps you could give your charity to other places? I try to donate to local organizations where I know the money/items are going directly to the people that need help.
2006-12-19 05:47:05 · answer #7 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
~~~ from a former catholic,,,"As long as you're a catholic you never can be sure. The Vatican pulls the strings. You obey."
2006-12-19 05:59:30 · answer #8 · answered by Sensei TeAloha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋