I am not a part of the Catholic faith, but have many respected freinds and collegues who are. My question is this:
With the settlement just made by the Catholic Religion for harms done to children and inappropriate behavior by their priests..etc.. what will be the fate of their individual souls?
Will they recieve absolution for their sins, and therefore being allowed into heaven? Will they still be allowed to carry their place and duties in the church? What type of disciplinary action is taken against the individual offenders?
This is an honest question and concern of mine. I offer no disrespect or judgement.
As usual, no bashing please, only considerate and respectful answers.
Blessings to all
)o(
Trinity
2007-07-23 02:05:05 · 8 answers · asked by trinity 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sentinal, I know this is not a strictly catholic issue. It happens everywhere, regardless. I was only curious as to how the Vatican would reprimand in light of the current settlement.
Yes, I also know that it is a well known fact that the perpetrators of such crimes as molestation were most likely victimized as well as a child. Sad but true.
As i stated before, i am not judging nor asking out of disrespect... I am just a curious person.
Blessings To All
2007-07-23 02:23:29 · update #1
“With the settlement just made by the Catholic Religion for harms done to children and inappropriate behavior by their priests..etc.. what will be the fate of their individual souls?”
God in His justice will deal with them.
“Will they recieve absolution for their sins, and therefore being allowed into heaven?”
Some may as Christ’s mercy for a repentant heart is limitless.
“Will they still be allowed to carry their place and duties in the church? What type of disciplinary action is taken against the individual offenders?”
No, many if not most of the accused offenders are dead but all that are alive have been removed from ministry, many without being able to defend themselves against the accusations. There is little doubt that many are innocent of the charges against them.
In Christ
Fr. Joseph
2007-07-23 02:28:12 · answer #1 · answered by cristoiglesia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a Catholic anymore but here is my two cents.
It is up to God to judge these men. They will be judged just like everyone else upon their death. Being a priest gives them no more absolution than anyone else for their sins.
It is hypocritical that the Catholic church would shield criminals from having inappropriate relations with children. The hierarchy of the church (this includes the pope and cardinals) also sinned in my eyes although I am not God.
As for them keeping their place in the church, they have so far. Some of these cases have gone back twenty years where the church leader knew of abuse and kept these priests in their positions. Is there any reason to believe that they will not keep their current positions?
The disciplinary action so far has been very lenient compared to the damage to their flock that they have caused. Most have been able to "get help" and continue preaching. Some have been defrocked.
I personally believe that excommunication and prison is the proper punishment. If I did what they did, I would be in jail deservedly so. They should be treated no different than anyone else.
2007-07-23 02:52:54 · answer #2 · answered by krupsk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No idea what will happen to their souls. As for what should be done with them on earth - it's kind of a tricky one - I mean were they child molesters who went into the Catholic Church, or were they normal people who made mistakes because of the requirements of the Church? I think the Catholic Church has a responsability towards them - to help them and rehabilitate them, but they certainly can't be placed in positions of trust with children again, which means that they can't really perform their role as priests. There is also the question of if they *could* perform their duties without ever coming into contact with children, should they morally be allowed to? I mean priests never claim to be perfect, but they should at least be upstanding members of the community and setting an example for others.
Part of me thinks they should be defrocked but helped and encouraged to remain part of the church. But another part of me wonders what good that would do, other than making an example of them to deter others. Given that the Catholic Church is in the business of saving souls, I think being cast out of the organisation that you've made your home for most of your life would be very damaging - and if you still had inclinations towards children, it could make them more of a threat to other children. They might be better contained by keeping them within the Church in some way.
Basically I don't know, and I'm glad it's not me that has to decide.
2007-07-23 02:15:11 · answer #3 · answered by Alex 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most of the priests that were involved in the abuse are either dead or retired. A few years ago, the catholic Church did a survey of all of their priests and removed from public ministry all priests that had even a single accusation against them.
If the priests who commited these crimes are truly repentent and ask for forgiveness, they will be forgiven by God.
2007-07-23 03:16:21 · answer #4 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes Priests who honestly repent of such behavior and never commit such terrible sin again will be forgiven by God, those who have been found guilty have been severly dealt with by the Vatican and reduced to lay status, however as most people think that these crimes are specific to Catholic Priests I suggest you check this website out;
www.reformation.com
2007-07-23 02:12:43 · answer #5 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus said judge not that you be not judged so I will leave the judging part to God. Regarding disciplinary action against them I am not familiar with the case so I cannot give you an answer there. Let us just pray for the victims and the priests involved.
Peace and blessings!
2007-07-23 02:14:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one really knows everything about them now or then (except the Vatacan that is). Some have already be removed from the church. Some are service jail sentences. Some are performing Mass on islands in semi-retirement drawing a pension. Some are in therapy. Some are on restricted duties.
2007-07-23 02:09:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every individual is allowed the opportunity to have a conversion of heart and to accept Gods grace through the sacrament of reconciliation. These individuals need to find perfect contrition and a firm amendment to change their sinful ways. Many of the priest were victims themselves in child hood and the evil was put inside them. Ignoring the graces God bestowed unto them enabled them to be weak.
Only God knows perfectly what is in there heart. As far as their future they will in most cases be excommunicated and hopefully seek counselling. It is imparitve the faithful pray for all priest to be faithful as the devil knows were to attack. blessings
2007-07-23 02:16:38 · answer #8 · answered by Gods child 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋