Ireland: Catholic Church pays for decades of abuse

By aidanki on | From aidanmaconachyblog.blogspot.com

Up until fairly recently the Catholic Church undertook a type of faith-based welfare in Ireland. It ran schools, children's homes and orphanages.

In addition to brain washing the children in its care, the decades of Catholic control has resulted in a catalogue of crime as victims of sexual abuse and other violations have come forward with the truth of what they had to endure.

In 2002, the Church paid 128 million in cash and property to the State, but the total is more likely to be between 1 billion and 1.3 billion euros. Prior to the 2005 deadline, a staggering 14,500 applications were made by individuals for sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

In Canada, the Catholic Church has also been responsible for a catalogue of crimes against native children.

It was frankly nauseating to listen to the media fanfare for pope Benedict as he made his rounds in the United States. Despite his claim to be "ashamed" of the crimes committed against children, he hasn't lifted a finger to discipline any of the bishops tainted by the scandal. Moreover as a BBC documentary makes clear, there is reason to believe he was instrumental in creating the climate of secrecy that enabled priests to avoid prosecution.

The long shadow cast by the Church in Ireland has left wounds that will never be healed. There was talk of bankruptcy prior to the 128 million pay-out. Frankly, they should lock their own doors and toss away the key. They have betrayed their mission, and in the process have destroyed the lives of untold numbers of individuals in their care.

Tags: Ireland, Catholic Church, child abuse, Pope Benedict <$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>"><$BlogSiteFeedUrl$>" title="Atom feed">Site Feed