Are they ever arrested and sent to prison?Are they considered untouchable by the law of the land?
2007-07-16 03:48:04 · 11 answers · asked by ? 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe in this case a deal is made to leave some alone, as others have died. Sometimes, in recent years, cases of adultery have been dismissed, as it is perceived by some courts as a "religious" believe. This just shows how messed up the court system is. Sometimes the statute of limitations is in effect. I think instead of all the technicalities, if intention or action is proved, then they are guilty.
2007-07-16 03:53:47 · answer #1 · answered by RB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one is untouchable by the law.
If there is enough evidence against an individual to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt within any statute of limitations, then I would imagine that they will be prosecuted.
However, I would doubt that this settlement deals with individual priests. This deals with the conspiracy that went on within the church to cover up the problem. However I doubt that there is any admission of actual guilt from the church in this.
I have a small level of sympathy for the church on this, in that the priesthood seems to attract these criminals, an how do you deal with information given during a confessional. However, that all evaporates in the anger I have that these people were not put in the back of some seminary where they would not be a threat to any other children, but moved from parish to parish where they were virtually free to attack over and over again.
For this I would like to see the Catholic church taken for every penny it has, every building and every square inch of land.
2007-07-16 11:04:23 · answer #2 · answered by Simon T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are arrested and tried just like any other criminal.
It is not often reported, but the Catholic Church has embraced a whole program now and requires that ANY adult that has ANY contact with youth be trained in how to avoid situations that could result in abuse and how to recognize abuse as well. It is something that is not tolerated.
It is sad that it ever happened in the first place and that some Bishops chose to sweep it under the rug instead of sending them to jail in the first place.
The fact that the Church has apologized and is making reparations, and has amended it's procedure does not take the pain away that the bad Priests caused, but it does show that we are determined not to have it ever happen again, and if it does, it will be handled differently.
Peace be with you!
2007-07-16 10:56:18 · answer #3 · answered by C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the statute of limitations. If the time has run out for a criminal complaint, they can't be charged criminally. However, many civil issues don't have a statute since the mental abuse is still on going.
Some priests have gone to prison, but many of the recent case involve people who came forward after the statute expired.
2007-07-16 10:54:55 · answer #4 · answered by TelulahB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Canada the victims, of such abuse by Catholic priests, are compensated by the federal government, leaving honest taxpayers to pay the tab.
The church should be held criminally responsible, for allowing these paedophiles to function in society. If, by paying fines, the church goes bankrupt, they should be shut down and sold in order to pay restitution.
2007-07-16 11:11:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, religious organizations often enjoy a certain cordial, even priviledged, relationship with the government.
For example, many Roman Catholic Churches will offer 'Sanctuary' to those who are being wrongly dealt with, and out of this courtesy, police will not enter the property... so the person is 'safe' as long as they stay put.
This cordial relationship needs to end, and all ministers, regardless of religion, held to the law of the land.
After all... "render unto Caesar..." and all that...
2007-07-16 10:53:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Priests as subject two sets of laws . .. the LAW OF GOD first and foremostly. Those who have brought scandal to the Church are typically defrocked. The other set of laws are the laws of men. In the country they are in, if they have violated the laws of men, they are subject to punishment by men. . .. of course JESUS tells us to visit those in prison. And we do see it is possible to be forgiven in CHRIST and not be guilty of a sin, or not to have committed a sin at all and be accused, convicted and condemned of a sin .. . JESUS was condemned by the laws of men . .. but GOD cannot be guilty of sin . ..
LOVE your neighbor as yourself.
Amen.
2007-07-16 10:53:19 · answer #7 · answered by jesusfreakstreet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just read the newspapers of the last days.
2007-07-16 10:51:37 · answer #8 · answered by kwistenbiebel 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If not they should be. Then they can get what they've been giving little kids for years.
2007-07-16 10:50:26 · answer #9 · answered by scheidemann2007 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
no,they go to prison.
2007-07-16 10:51:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋