This column is grotesque. It is adolescent. I can't believe a grown woman could write this "kinda" drivel and display her shocking ignorance regarding what Pope Benedict has said and done concerning these abuses, ever since 2001, when the CDF got provenance over these cases, and certainly as pope.

Staggering ignorance. It's almost unbelievable. Clearly this writer gets her information not from reading actual facts and documents but by digesting headlines. I am astounded that Newsweek printed this. As a woman I am ashamed that a woman wrote it.

Truly, grotesque.

Thomas Paul Moses Baum,

"First off, what I believe is what I believe for me, I am not here to tell anyone else what to do or not to do, what to believe or not believe, that is up to them."

You also claim to have met your god, on more than one occasion, and that you are a messenger for your god. Does he not tell you what to believe? As a messenger, should you not tell everyone what he wants them to believe?

"Then you consider a botched abortion human but a successful abortion medical waste or maybe "material" for research."

This is an example of you believing something rather then knowing something.

"I read a story about the lady that survived a "saline" abortion and I believed it, I never met the lady nor was I there to "know" if it were true, therefore I could either believe or not believe the story."

This is another example.

There are many things in this life that people either believe or not believe based on other people's first hand knowledge or in the case of things in science, other people's discoveries, in the case of history, that it is indeed a fact and not a forgery nor a distorted view which in history is pretty prevalent whether recent or not."

And many people believe what they are told to believe.

"Example, do you "know" that man went to the moon?"

I know within a ~99% certainty.

"Were you there to see them?"

No, I have never been to the moon.

"I believe man has been to the moon but I do not know it and very few people know it."

There are people who know that with 100% certainty.

"You may think that this is semantics but considering that you wrote, "First, I believe nothing.", I contend that there is plenty that you believe and not just you but most people."

You contend incorrectly: I believe nothing.

"Believing is not just believing in something that is beyond our senses to "prove" but is very much a part of living in this world."

Not for me it isn't.

Don't worry, be happy.

Insincerely, Peregrine Bartleby Rumpelstiltskin Solus

PSolus

You asked, "Now it’s your turn; which of the following do you believe:

First off, what I believe is what I believe for me, I am not here to tell anyone else what to do or not to do, what to believe or not believe, that is up to them.

- Masturbation is a "sin"., No.

- Sex outside of marriage is a "sin"., Sometimes.

- Sex without the intent of procreation is a "sin"., No.

- Sex while a woman is pregnant is a "sin"., No.

- Birth control use is a "sin"., No.

- Pregnancy is a gift from "sin"., your correction was gift from "God", as you can see I took the liberty of capitalizing God, everything is from God, without God there would be nothing and we would not be having this exchange.

- The second a woman becomes pregnant, she loses her freedom of choice regarding her pregnancy., I didn't say a woman did not have a choice, what I said was a human pregnancy is human.

- "Babies" that are operated on in the womb shake the doctor’s hand to thank him/her for his/her services., no, I don't think that but I also don't think a newborn that grabs someone's finger is thanking them either, could be as simple as one human touching another.

You also wrote, "Third, a newborn infant is a human being."

Then you consider a botched abortion human but a successful abortion medical waste or maybe "material" for research.

I read a story about the lady that survived a "saline" abortion and I believed it, I never met the lady nor was I there to "know" if it were true, therefore I could either believe or not believe the story.

There are many things in this life that people either believe or not believe based on other people's first hand knowledge or in the case of things in science, other people's discoveries, in the case of history, that it is indeed a fact and not a forgery nor a distorted view which in history is pretty prevalent whether recent or not.

Example, do you "know" that man went to the moon? Were you there to see them?

I believe man has been to the moon but I do not know it and very few people know it.

You may think that this is semantics but considering that you wrote, "First, I believe nothing.", I contend that there is plenty that you believe and not just you but most people.

Believing is not just believing in something that is beyond our senses to "prove" but is very much a part of living in this world.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

Correction:

- Pregnancy is a gift from "god".

Thomas Paul Moses Baum,

"What I wrote had absolutely nothing to do with any "belief system", it had to do with the "saline" method which some, at least one that I have heard of, survived, with life long injuries however and also the "suction" method which if I have heard right, sucks the brains out of the child or whatever you wish to call it, is this or is this not a couple of methods used?"

If you really wanted to verify the validity of what you have heard or believed, you would not be asking me.

"I was speaking about methods of abortion and whether or not what I have heard of them is accurate, are they?"

See my comment above.

"As I have said before, there are some things that I believe and there are some things that I know."

Are you sure that you can tell the difference, or that you really know what you think you know, or just believe what you think you know?

"By the way, do you believe that a new-born infant is human?"

First, I believe nothing.
Second, it wouldn’t matter what I believed or didn’t believe (if I were to believe anything).
Third, a newborn infant is a human being.

Now it’s your turn; which of the following do you believe:

- Masturbation is a "sin".
- Sex outside of marriage is a "sin".
- Sex without the intent of procreation is a "sin".
- Sex while a woman is pregnant is a "sin".
- Birth control use is a "sin".
- Pregnancy is a gift from "sin".
- The second a woman becomes pregnant, she loses her freedom of choice regarding her pregnancy.
- "Babies" that are operated on in the womb shake the doctor’s hand to thank him/her for his/her services.

Don't worry, be happy.

Insincerely, Peregrine Bartleby Rumpelstiltskin Solus

PSolus

I wrote, ""Either you do not know the simple truth about different methods of abortion or this is just simply a lie on your part or I have been misinformed about some, or at least one, having survived the "saline" solution and the procedures used in the "suction" procedure.""

You replied, "You have been taught to believe what the leaders of your belief system want you to believe."

What I wrote had absolutely nothing to do with any "belief system", it had to do with the "saline" method which some, at least one that I have heard of, survived, with life long injuries however and also the "suction" method which if I have heard right, sucks the brains out of the child or whatever you wish to call it, is this or is this not a couple of methods used?

I then wrote, "Ignoring the truth or dressing it up in "sanitized" dressing does not change the truth, it merely tries to make it more "palatable".""

You replied, "You are confusing your ignorant superstitious beliefs with "the truth"."

I was speaking about methods of abortion and whether or not what I have heard of them is accurate, are they?

As I have said before, there are some things that I believe and there are some things that I know.

By the way, do you believe that a new-born infant is human?

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

You might enjoy what I have written on why I have nothing to fear from the likes of Dawkins, Dennet and Hitchens, since their concern is for the faithful that they think are being abused. While their manner is hardly loving, their motivation clearly is out of love. Like it or not, their motiviation puts them within the orb of the Holy Spirit, who is Love itself.

Since this is where they are coming from, we need to listen to them to hear the promptings of the spirit. Of course, their knowledge of law is a bit shoddy - especially in regard to diplomatic immunity and their acquaintance with the facts of then Cardinal Ratzinger's record on this issue is fleeting at best. The fact that they counsel urgent action, however, comes right from the voice of God.

Thomas Paul Moses Baum,

"Either you do not know the simple truth about different methods of abortion or this is just simply a lie on your part or I have been misinformed about some, or at least one, having survived the "saline" solution and the procedures used in the "suction" procedure."

You have been taught to believe what the leaders of your belief system want you to believe.

"Ignoring the truth or dressing it up in "sanitized" dressing does not change the truth, it merely tries to make it more "palatable"."

You are confusing your ignorant superstitious beliefs with "the truth".

Don't worry, be happy.

Insincerely, Peregrine Bartleby Rumpelstiltskin Solus

PSolus

I wrote, ""Actually what Cthulhu3 wrote is various true descriptions of what is entailed in some abortions, is it not?""

You replied, "It is not."

Either you do not know the simple truth about different methods of abortion or this is just simply a lie on your part or I have been misinformed about some, or at least one, having survived the "saline" solution and the procedures used in the "suction" procedure.

Ignoring the truth or dressing it up in "sanitized" dressing does not change the truth, it merely tries to make it more "palatable".

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

Does a philosophy that says the following sound sick and perverted to you:

Save the trees
Kill the Children.

It should sound sick, perverted and twisted. But that is a major belief of the current DEMOCRATIC Party.

The Bible teaches us the Earth will be destroyed ( we are on a sinking ship). So in vein we save the trees? This is wisdom of SATAN...are you awake Christian? Be a good stewart of what God has condemned us too for our sin (thats right, we are here on earth because of ORIGINAL SIN, otherwise we would be with GOD and not need a savior, Jesus Christ...Christians would know this, phonies pretend like this place is eternal..a mark of satan...remember when Peter told Jesus, Lord I will defend you to the bitter end...and Jesus told Peter "get behind me Satan"...remember that? Jesus said that because Jesus' coming arrest, beating, torture, crucifiction, death, ressurection, exhaltation and glorification was IN THE FATHERS WILL...and Peter wanted to stop that.

God has told us this earth WILL BE DESTROYED, and a new Heaven and Earth will replace it...so is NOT the act/philosophy of the DEMOCRATS an act AGAINST the WILL of GOD dear Christian? Let him who has ears, hear.

With respect to "kill the children"...God has commanded us to go forth and MULTIPLY. Why has God commanded us so, Dear Christian? is it not to fill the earth with the number of believers to fulfill his will? Isnt it the DEMOCRATS who tell us, that the 1st and 2nd trimester fetus is NOT a life? This too is in complete rebellion to God. Christian...why are you a democrat? Maybe the truth is your REALLY a DEMOCRAT, but not a Christian, as you cant possibly believe what God has commanded you and support the blatantly SATANIC philosophy of the Democrats.

Wake up you sleeper.

Wow,

Look at all the moonbats in here, falsely claiming to be christians. How do I know? Simple. Jesus told us that those that are his hear his voice.

Not only are the comments in here unjust (which makes them PAGAN and un-christian), but they are vicious and wacky. See true believers dont speak with vile and sin on their tongues, thats somethings phony baloney good time rock n' roller pretend christians dont seem to realize hoists up a huge banner for REAL christians to see and smile at their lame attempts to be believable.

Donna Freitas is just such a scam artist. Real christians read their bibles daily, and know immediately that she is nothing more than a wolf that has tried to enter the sheep pen through some other means than through the gate. (this is code that only the discerning Christian will GET). remember Jesus said many false followers would come in his name...but they will not fool the elect. Do they have you fooled by their hate mongering of christians.

Top say that the pope should be arrested and jailed for the acts of peodaphiles within the church is like saying Barak Obama should be arrested and jailed every time a teacher molests a student...which happens EVERY week. But the moonbats would consider what I just said as ...ridiculous...how could Obama be responsible for that? Well he is the head of the Government and the Government RUNS education..thats how. So now Mr/Mrs/Miss Moonbat, whats good for the goose is good for the gander, arrest the pope, but dont stop there, arrest Barak Hussein Obama as head of all secular teacher peodophiles in the United States of America. Hmmm.

God will NOT be mocked by the fools such as you. You have no cover, you fool nobody, except maybe yourself when you start thinking you have fooled the masses. NABAL! Look that one up...a real christian wouldnt have too. Oh but thats right, you just play one here at the Washington Post.

NewsBusters| Liberal Media-Speak: When a 'Stubborn Catholic' Loves Atheist Rants Against the 'Rotten Edifice' of Her Church
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tim-graham/2010/04/18/liberal-media-speak-when-stubborn-catholic-loves-atheist-rants-against-r

Zygotes, ova, embryos, and fetuses in the womb?? Hmmm, what are these but early- stage babies?

from answers.com

"The zygote carries within its single cell continuing threads in the immemorial lifespan of the human race, as well as the mixed-and-matched microscopic material from which will stem the intricacies common to all human bodies, yet with the remarkable uniqueness of a particular person."

"embryo

Early stage of development of an organism in the egg or the uterus, during which its essential form and its organs and tissues develop. In humans, the organism is called an embryo for the first seven or eight weeks after conception, after which it is called a fetus. In mammals, the fertilized egg or zygote undergoes cleavage (cell division without cell growth) to form a hollow ball or blastocyst. During the second week following fertilization, gastrulation (cell differentiation and migration) results in the formation of three tissue types.

These three types of tissue develop into different organ systems: the ectoderm develops into the skin and nervous system; the mesoderm develops into connective tissues, the circulatory system, muscles, and bones; and the endoderm develops into the lining of the digestive system, lungs, and urinary system. In humans, by about the fourth week, the head and trunk can be distinguished and the brain, spinal cord, and internal organs begin to develop. By the fifth week, limbs begin to appear and the embryo is about .33 in. (.8 cm) long. By the end of eight weeks, the embryo has grown to about 1 in. (2.5 cm) long and all subsequent change is limited primarily to growth and specialization of existing structures. "

Thomas Paul Moses Baum,

"Actually what Cthulhu3 wrote is various true descriptions of what is entailed in some abortions, is it not?"

It is not.

"It is true that Cthulhu3 gave his/her opinion that this is abuse, actually the word "abuse" in describing what takes place in some abortions is rather mild, don't you think?"

The opinion, and the use of the word "abuse", are based on the ignorant superstitious beliefs that the person has been taught to believe by his/her particular belief system. Other belief systems teach other beliefs.

Do you think that it is an "ignorant superstition" or quite the reality what Cthulhu3 describes as what happens during some abortions?"

Ignorant superstition.

"Have you ever seen the picture of the little baby being operated on in the womb that grabs the doctor's finger?"

I've seen pictures of fetuses that are being operated on in the womb, and it sometimes may appear that things are happening that are not really what many people want to believe them to be, based on the ignorant superstitious beliefs that they have been taught to believe by their particular belief system.

"Science has done some amazing things and documenting life in the womb is one of those things."

Correction: "Science has done some amazing things and documenting the development of zygotes, ova, embryos, and fetuses in the womb is one of those things."

Don't worry, be happy.

Insincerely, Peregrine Bartleby Rumpelstiltskin Solus

One of the reasons for England's wars with the Catholics? Henry VIII, founder of the Epicopal/Anglican Church:

•Best Known As: The king of England who had six wives. Henry VIII ruled England from 1509-1547 and remains one of that country's most famous and controversial kings. Henry's hearty appetites and fickle passions are legendary, and his demand for a male heir led him to marry six different women. (Two of those wives, Anne Boleyn and Katharine Howard, were executed on his order.) Henry's divorce from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, led the king to split with the Catholic Church and found his own church, the Church of England, which in turn set the stage for the English Reformation and for religious battles which lasted for centuries. (It also led to his famous clash with Sir Thomas More, who was tried for treason and executed.) Henry is also known for his great girth; his obesity probably contributed to his death at age 56. "

ref.: answers.com

*sigh* Always back to abortion. Apples and oranges, my dear Elder One. Nice try at misdirection. Almost as good as the Vatican blaming the Jews for their pedophilia problem.

Frankly, if he visits England, just hold up pictures of Pedobear with a Roman collar as the Popemobile passes by.

Why is he going to England, anyway? Didn't they fight a war or three back in the day to get rid of the Catholics?

Well now US Bishops are going to track "foreign" pervert priests throwing a little racist xenophobia into the scapegoating. What about the white American ones? Will they "track" them, too.

Report suspicious sexual behavior by priests, preachers, rabbis, monks, teachers, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, atheists, humanists, secularists, agnostics and/or pagans to the FBI, the US Attorney or the National Child Abuse Hotline:

http://www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD

Obviously ordination in any religion is not assurance of good behavior !!!!!

Neither is coronation!!! e.g. Henry VIII, King David.

Neither is marriage as 50% of those men convicted of pedophilia are married.

Neither is being elected president of the USA!! e.g. Billy "I did not have sex with that girl" Clinton, John "Marilyn Monroe" Kennedy"

Neither is possessing super athletic skill!!! e.g. Tiger "I am so sorry for getting caught" Woods

Neither is being an atheist, pagan etc. since pedophilia is present in all walks of life.

And let us give credit where it is due:

Father James J. Scahill - who has been speaking out, and taking action in regard to sexual predation by Catholic priests since 2002 at least, and who has publicly called for the Pope to resign:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/04/13/amid_furor_priest_gets_support/
-----------

Bishop (now Cardinal) Wilton J. Gregory, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, who recommended that the church employ transparency and full disclosure in dealing with clergy sex abuse - the only ethical approach possible, but his views did not gain universal acceptance, especially by large, powerful dioceses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilton_Daniel_Gregory
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/special/probpriests.nsf/0/266E7887BCF0AC8286256B870070D45C
-----------

The nuns, priests, & brothers who educated me. Their dedication, sacrifice, and exemplary conduct are in stark contrast to the unspeakable behavior that has brought shame to the Catholic Church, and in my eyes, destroyed its moral credibility for generations to come.

Out of respect for them, and them only, I stifle the urge to become stridently anti-Catholic.

APN3206 writes:

"Instead of arresting him {the pope}, he could simply be declared persona non grata and not allowed into the country. Local church leaders found to have covered up instances of child abuse should, of course, be subject to the laws of the country in which they reside."

An entirely sensible, achievable, and _appropriate_ measure. The Catholic hierarchy needs to be rattled, shaken, and brought up short: children are not objects for the sexual gratification of _anyone_, much less a priest. For how many millenia has this bestial conduct been tolerated?

And lest this debate remain conveniently impersonal, let us remember at least one particular victim of clergy abuse. His death by misadventure was almost certainly a result of his molestation by a Catholic priest - a crime _so_ _monstrous_ that nothing short of Medieval punishment could effect expiation for the perpetrator, and cleanse our world, though there is little we can do for the victims in general, and nothing for Patrick McSorely - his life destroyed by the ministrations of his priest, and the collusion of the spineless "Cardinal" who, holding the power to intervene, chose rather to aid and abet.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/06/13/mcsorleys_death_recalls_a_life_long_lost/

They are still defending the child rapists and their leaders who covered it up. They derail all meaningful discussion on the subject by making Taliban-like statements about fetuses and their hateful bigotry against gay people.

They should not be treated any differently from any other pedophile ring. There needs to be immediate, thorough, and global prosecution, all the up to the top perpetrators and those who covered it up.

Report suspicious sexual behavior by priests, preachers, rabbis, monks, teachers, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, atheists, humanists, secularists, agnostics and/or pagans to the FBI, the US Attorney or the National Child Abuse Hotline:

http://www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD

Cthulhu3 wrote, ""How odd that while, by the millions, we rip the limbs off of babies in the womb; burn them with saline solution; puncture their skulls and suck out their brains; crush their organs, legs, limbs, ribs, skulls, necks, and spines with forceps, we do not call this in any way a kind of abuse to the most vulnerable among us. In fact, we legally protect this kind of abuse in our society and rage at anyone who dare questions our personal right to do this. Dogs and cats have more rights.""
-------------------------------

How odd that Catholics care so much about the unborn while being so complacent and subservient to the Church and the Pope as thousands of young boys have experience painful penetration, rectal bleeding, humiliation, mental and emotional trauma and the risk of AIDS and other STDs from pervert priests.

How convenient of Catholics who "do not call this in any way a kind of abuse to the most vulnerable among us and use "Cannon Law" to legally protect this kind of abuse in our society and rage at anyone who dare questions our personal right to do this. Dogs and cats have more rights"

"Christ's Church" indeed. If I were poor old Jesus, I would change my last name for the atrocities and criminal racketeering Catholics and other "Christian" religions have done in his name.

Meanwhile may all you weak, sniveling apologists, especially those of you who demonize victims by calling them "gold-diggers" and Jew-haters", be reincarnated as lonely, awkward 14-year-old-boys who are befriended by seemingly kindly priests who then brutally rape you while "Christ's Church" covers it up and passes the pervert to another parish to rape again. You all are truly offensive to the victims and deserve no less.

At least listen to your Pope's most recent sniveling and "repent"

So the Pope has broken his silence saying the Church is under attack and Christians need to repent.

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/15/AR2010041502491.html?hpid=topnews

As one who has experience the "love of Christ" at the hands of a pederast priest, I agree with the victim advocate:

"When the Pope can't bring himself to utter the words 'pedophile priest' or 'child sex crimes' or 'cover-ups' or 'complicit bishops,' it's hard to have faith that he is able to honestly and effectively deal with this growing crisis," Serrano said in a statement.

Nothing short of coughing up a thousand or more practicing pervert priests for civil prosecution will be enough.

But we have had enough Catholic sniveling, weak apologizing, demonizing the victims and lame whining "Others do it, too"

Know and recognize the symptoms of a priest "grooming" or molesting children:

http://sexual-abuse.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_pedophiles_groom_victims

Report suspicious behavior by priests to the FBI, the US Attorney or the National Child Abuse Hotline:

http://www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline

1-800-4-A-CHILD

DO NOT report the problem the the diocese, Catholic DAs or police departments with Catholic lieutenants, captains and/or chiefs.

It's time we put this church on notice that their pervert molesters and their criminal accomplices will now be reported to and investigated and prosecuted by US Justice and the days of the Church handling these matters "internally" are over. It's time to take a stand and say enough.

PSolus

Cthulhu3 wrote, ""How odd that while, by the millions, we rip the limbs off of babies in the womb; burn them with saline solution; puncture their skulls and suck out their brains; crush their organs, legs, limbs, ribs, skulls, necks, and spines with forceps, we do not call this in any way a kind of abuse to the most vulnerable among us. In fact, we legally protect this kind of abuse in our society and rage at anyone who dare questions our personal right to do this. Dogs and cats have more rights.""

You replied, "What you typed is simply the ignorant superstition that you have been taught to believe by your particular belief-system."

Actually what Cthulhu3 wrote is various true descriptions of what is entailed in some abortions, is it not?

It is true that Cthulhu3 gave his/her opinion that this is abuse, actually the word "abuse" in describing what takes place in some abortions is rather mild, don't you think?

Do you think that it is an "ignorant superstition" or quite the reality what Cthulhu3 describes as what happens during some abortions?

Have you ever seen the picture of the little baby being operated on in the womb that grabs the doctor's finger?

Science has done some amazing things and documenting life in the womb is one of those things.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

"HISTORY IS OUR-JURY!", Judge and Witness. & in 'IT' We Trust" ;

Under U.S. RICO acts (Criminal & or Civil)

I see Congress saying/signaling or Directing the U.S. JUDGEships to find for "ANY" violations or wrong doing KNOWINGLY.

I See; The U.S. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH as Enriching itself , while Covering-Up/Hushing-up their own Eternally Caused/generated perpetrated ATROCITIES (Pedophilia for Example) , while accepting, Applying for and Accepting "Uncle-Sam & Aunt-Liberty"s "Tax-Money to Build said "Property's or helped Aquire such Church Infrastructure, includes 'Subsidizing their Schools/Colleges/Churches and the [Pedophile/Homosexual] "PRIESTS/FATHERS/ELDERS.." of the RCC Empire.

I See; that the U.S. Federal Government (D.O.J., I.R.S., et al) have grounds to SIEZE or CONFISCATE All Illegally Acquired Property's 'Subsidised' by Tax-Money [RETROACTIVLY] going back since the 1950's and or During or since the "American High 60's, Impatient 70's until today.

I See; where Each Crime of (covered up ) Child Abuse, Corporal Punishment, endangerment, Murder, Rape etc.. beingf revealed/uncovered which was committed (directly or indirectly) by the RCC LAITY/CLERICS contrary to U.S. Constitution; Local, State & Fed Laws, in This blesseth U.S., HOLY-LANDSCAPES These Propertys must be Controlled or held as unholy collateral or Bond, by the U.S. Federal Government (for ever) via an Appointed but Rotating Secular-"MASTER" for this purpose.

Note: The Roman VATICAN-BANKERS (kept Secret) Own, Via The Vatican-Empire-THEOCRACY, directltly or indirectly, 45+% of "BANK OF AMERICA"!? And

The London CROWN'S-BANKERS of ENGLAND (kept secret) Own, Via The QUEEN-Crown-MONARCHY, directly or indirectly, 54% Of "J. P. MORGAN CHASE."

Since These Multi-National MegaChurches have godless prongs in our U.S. Based "CHURCH"S (Sinogogues, Mosques, Temples, Places or spots of Worship or Learnings THEN; The U.S. Federal Government (of our REPUBLIC, not Democracy) Must make special provisions for Local & National "Church Based Property Receprocity Law"s that will Allow our Government to Deposit, all Their Corporate-Stock Certificates in the U.S. TREASURY or with the Office Of The Budget etc.. . [Similar] and that will makee ALL Churches Net-Worth PUBLIC! It is Prescribed by Common Law anyways. RECOMMENDATION:

VOTE: Abolish THEOCRACY & MONARCHY Forever, Off The Face Of This Holy Cosmic, NEBULA-BUILT, Miraculous, Sin-Curse Free, S.pace-S.hip Earth! This is Our Real Polution, hence the Solution; For Posterity Sake! The PERPS Should be classified as "Civil-Terrorists, and therefore Tried in a Federal Court; not via a Military Tribunal!

The RCC Global? net Worth is +/-: $1,000,000,000,000! (U.S.). Remember: Christianity, Judaism, Islamicism etc.. are All IMPORTED here (not Made in America). This alone should make the FEDS more Vigilant. NO?

Cornbread asked me: For instance, without consulting a catechism or other source, can you tell me -- definitively -- if Catholics are required to believe in the existence of the devil and angels?

I think the answer to this may not be straightforward. The doctrinal beliefs most essentially relevent to salvation would be those mentioned in the Nicene Creed. Orthodox Catholic belief is certainly in the reality of angels, the nature of which is pure spirit, and of the devil, also an angel, but in rebellion against God and "seeking the ruin of souls" as the St Michael prayer puts it. A better question is, do Catholics have to be good theologians? A person can be a poor theologian or be confused or poorly informed, without being a heretic, that is, obstinately opposed to some Catholic belief that must be accepted. Catholics are obligated to take action (within their capacity) to form their conscience in keeping with the teaching of Scripture and the Church, and to be formed in other matters of faith. Somebody who does not seek to grow in their understanding of their faith is probably committing at least a minor sin.

It seems to me that a lot of people, both who believe in the devil and in angels and who disbelieve, have rather different ideas about what these are, than what Catholic teaching has to say about them. Is somebody whose notion of "angel" is something like a religious-flavored fairy, guilty for disbelieving in angels for the same reason they disbelieve in fairies? I doubt it!! But this isn't what I believe as a Catholic, rather I understand an angel as a "ministering spirit" created by God, which communicates the spirit of God like a messenger. I think St Thomas Aquinas says "spirit is their nature, angel [meaning messenger] is their office." The devil is therefore a spirit with an evil message, in opposition to the Spirit of God, the devil tempts us to sin. The right response is to ignore it and do good!

Everything you ever wanted to know about angels and demons can be found at:

http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/angels_demons.htm

Some excerpts:

"Angels and Demons in Christianity

According to a March 2004 Gallup poll, belief in spiritual beings is on the rise, at least in America. In 1994, 72% of Americans said they believed in angels; in 2004, 78% indicated belief in angels. Belief in the devil has risen even more dramatically, increasing from 55% in 1990 to 70% in 2004. {1}"

"In any case, the Catholic Church unequivocally teaches that angels and demons are real personal beings, not just symbolic devices of literature and myth (see Fr. John Corapi's article).

The Catholic Church has a cadre of exorcists which perform many exorcisms each year, even now in 2004. The exorcists of the Catholic Church teach that demons attack humans continually and that Christ came to deliver us from Satan's evil rule by power in this fashion.

According to the Catholic Church, demonically afflicted persons can be effectively healed and protected either by the formal rite of exorcism, authorized to be performed only by bishops and those they designate, or by prayers of deliverance which any Christian can offer for themselves or others."

elizdelphi:

Aside from the articles of faith listed in the Apostle's Creed, I'd be willing to wager that most Catholics cannot tell you what else they're required to believe. For instance, without consulting a catechism or other source, can you tell me -- definitively -- if Catholics are required to believe in the existence of the devil and angels?

accessory after the fact - a person who gives assistance or comfort to someone known to be a felon or known to be sought in connection with the commission of a felony

Obstruction of Jutice: A criminal offense that involves interference, through words or actions, with the proper operations of a court or officers of the court.

RACKETEERING ACTIVITY - (A) any act or threat involving …dealing in obscene matter, ……, which is chargeable under State law and punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; any act which is indictable under the following [sections] of 18, U.S.C.: …..1461-1465 (obscene matter), 1503 (obstruction of justice), 1510 (obstruction of criminal investigations), 1511 (obstruction of State or local law enforcement), 1512 (tampering with a witness, victim, or informant), 1513 (retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant), ….. 2251-2252 (sexual exploitation of children), ..|”

The Twenty (or so) Worst Things People Have Done to Each Other:

Rank Death Toll Cause Century

1 55 million Second World War 20C
2 40 million Mao Zedong (mostly famine) 20C
3 40 million Mongol Conquests 13C
4 36 million An Lushan Revolt 8C
5 25 million Fall of the Ming Dynasty 17C
6 20 million Taiping Rebellion 19C
7 20 million Annihilation of the South and North American Indians 15C-19C
8 20 million Iosif Stalin 20C
9 19 million Mideast Slave Trade 7C-19C
10 18 million Atlantic Slave Trade 15C-19C
11 17 million Timur Lenk 14C-15C
12 17 million British India (mostly famine) 19C
13 15 million First World War 20C
14 9 million Russian Civil War 20C
15 8 million Fall of Rome 3C-5C
16 8 million Congo Free State 19C-20C
17 7 million Thirty Years War 17C
18 5 million Russia's Time of Troubles 16C-17C
19 4 million Napoleonic Wars 19C
20 3 million Chinese Civil War 20C
21 3 million French Wars of Religion 16C

There is nothing noble, funny or cute about anyone seeking the arrest of anyone else except for provable commissi0n of a crime by the arrestee. I thought that we were over bringing the power of the civil authority against those with whose religions we disagree.

No, I think it was a Coca-Cola executive. The bishop complaining about Catholics who are like "flat Coke" was memorable. Either way, you will understand the story. :-)

B202 wrote: "reminds me of what really impresses me about modern-day Catholics: their seemingly bottomless, limitless capacity for cognitive dissonance. Invariably, it takes the form of something like "while I disagree vehemently with everything the Vatican does, says and stands for, I am still a proud Catholic"."

Our bishop quoted one time something an executive at Pepsi Cola said to him, that if they have a batch of cola that's flat, worse, if it happens repeatedly, people would stop buying Pepsi because the product is disappointing and inconsistent. It's not what soda is supposed to be. They'll turn to the competition. This was analogized to Catholicism denatured of its real teachings on faith and morals. Has no fizz. The scripture reference here is Jesus' saying, what good is salt if it loses its saltiness? Then it's good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

B202 is right. There are a lot of nominal Catholics that reject or are even noisily opposed to essential Catholic beliefs. They are like flat soda, or salt that's not salty.

"Fully incorporated into the society of the Church are those who, posessing the Spirit of Christ, accept all the means of salvation given to the Church together with her entire organization, and who--by the bonds constituted by the profession of faith, the sacraments, ecclesiastical government, and communion--are joined in the visible structure of the Church of Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the Bishops. Even though incorporated into the Church, one who does not however persevere in charity is not saved. He remains in the bosom of the Church, but 'in body,' not 'in heart'."
(from "Lumen Gentium", Vatican II's "dogmatic constitution" on the Church)

Oh, the catholic girl swooning for the faithless bad boys. How delightfully stereotypical.

But what would it take to really sink your teeth in to the meat of a revolution, to repudiate the iconography and foundation of your entire faith?

The paradox you'll encounter is the comfort of tradition vs the hypocrisy of dogma, of generational continuity vs the nihilistic rejection of passivity, and embracing bold ambition and unapologetic progress.

What kind of patriot are you? One for the old guard or one for the revolution?

The middle-way is so razor sharp that sitting on the fence would split one in two. There is either accountability or there is not. There is no kind of, sort of...

You can lead an atheist to god, but you can't make him believe. At least not enough to give a criminal a pass without convulsive contrition. We mean it when we say we'd convict him.

The question is, are you for us or against us?

I can't believe you are still here? You are a tool! Now it's time to go home, bye.

Reading Ms. Freitas' byline "Still here. Not going anywhere." reminds me of what really impresses me about modern-day Catholics: their seemingly bottomless, limitless capacity for cognitive dissonance. Invariably, it takes the form of something like "while I disagree vehemently with everything the Vatican does, says and stands for, I am still a proud Catholic".

In other words, they agree that the old, entitled, clueless men there are laughably out of touch with modern life, and have little to no wisdom to impart upon real humanity. They generally disagree with them on everything from birth control to gay rights to the role of women.

But... they still count themselves as a sheep in the flock. I guess it's hard to go it alone intellectually and spiritually without a church to hide out in?

It all reminds me of the acquaintance of the Lincolns who, after listening to the First Lady shred a thespian performance at the theatre at length in scathing and unequivocal terms, asked her, "other than that Mrs. Lincoln, what did you think of the play?"

And so I ask, what's left for you?

Give the pope a golden parachute, suggests Charles Silver, a devout catholic and a highly respected management specialist. Octogenarians like Benedict, Mugabe and the Castro brothers are probably waiting for a chance to leave their demanding jobs. Can you imagine the pope's happiness if he is offered the appealing opportunity to have the rest of the century only for himself and his long awaited memoirs? How very happy would he be just to stay away from the other Vatican uninspiring and bejeweled octogenarians, like Bertoni, Re and Levada?

Provide the golden parachute to the Castro brothers too. They are making horrible ideological concessions, such as privatizing the barber shops. Imagine the pope discussing the socioeconomic advantages of contraception... It's about the same.

Offer Mugabe a parachute and send him to one of those Pacific islands where he can seek inspiration to write his love poems. Humankind cannot go on without the contributions of such a writer.

In law, one who "knowing that a crime has been committed aids, assists or shelters the offender with the intent to defeat justice" (Merriam Webster)is known as an accessory after the fact. Whether it is prudent to arrest the pope in a country with common law is one question. Another is whether he really is an accessory after the fact, as Cardinal Law of Boston probably was. It may be the case that the pope acted in a criminal manner at the time he was handling the abuse cases as a Cardinal.

“Persona non grata” simply means that the hosting country does not approve of something in the diplomat's home country's world view that it would not approve of. Exporting the Pope back to the Vatican as a “persona non grata” would be the equivalent to exporting Adolph Hitler back to Nazi Germany as a “persona non grata”. The Vatican folks would greet the Pope as a Hero, as would the Nazi folks greet Adolph Hitler as a Hero.

We are talking about 1800 years of the Roman Catholic Church's crimes against humanity. Adolph Hitler had 15-years at most for his criminal spree. The RCC crimes against Humanity were perpetrated and endorsed over a span of 1800 years by the Roman Catholic Church. The atrocities committed by the Roman Catholic Church make Adolph Hitler's atrocities look like child's play in comparison.

It is time for the top man in charge, the Chief Executive Officer, the Pope, to take full responsibility for the 1800 years of crimes against humanity, blasphemously perpetrated by his organization in the name of Jesus, a Jewish Rabbi who preached a ministry of love and peace.

The Roman Catholic Church perfected its torture operations inventing such torture implements as The Rack” to pull people apart, “red-hot pokers” to blind and burn, “disembowelment”, etc., to cruelly gain converts to their Jesus church, rob of ALL their GOLD, and send all of their GOLD and riches back to the criminals in Rome to enrich them even more. It is time for the Pope to personally experience the pain and suffering that his own organization caused to two-millenniums of humanity, and the pain caused by applying of some of the utensils used to inflict that pain directly to him.

The Roman Catholic Church has perpetrated more and worse crimes against humanity than Adolph Hitler could ever have imagined. Nazis to this day are being brought to justice for their crimes against humanity. On the other hand, Roman Catholic Clergy are just given more young children to, molest, savor, and sexually enjoy.

Can we arrest the WaPo writers instead for blatantly lobbying for whatever their cause is instead of reporting the news?

Book 'em Dan-o.

Arresting the pope would be the best thing for the Christian faith ever.

This sex scandal and cover up destroys all church credibility.

How can we take the church's stance on procreation and abortion seriously? Altar boys don't have babies.

Instead of arresting him, he could simply be declared persona non grata and not allowed into the country. Local church leaders found to have covered up instances of child abuse should, of course, be subject to the laws of the country in which they reside.

Pope Benedict XVI's prayer intentions for April, for anyone, Catholic or not, who would like to pray with the Pope rather than "mwa ha ha-ing" malevolently as he's unjustly attacked:

Fundamentalism and Extemism. That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by respect, tolerance and dialogue among believers.

Persecuted Christians. That persecuted Christians may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in witnessing to the love of God for all, even for those who persecute them.

Oh, please, people... let's consider that perhaps 1% or 2% of priests are Homosexual predators. Some more may be Homosexual, but are not abusing children. So in perspective, we are reading posts and articles and editorials which demand that the entire Catholic Church be figurtively "burned at the stake" for the horrible actions of a small minority. Remember, forgiveness is the message of Christ. How can anyone expect anything less from the Vicar of Christ?

Instead of arresting the pope, we should just start taxing their business offices (churches) here in the US. It escapes me why any church should be tax exempt, any more than other theme parks.

This endless child molestation story is just another reason why it's called "organized religion".

"Organized crime" was already taken.

Arrest the pope?

Execution would suit him better, Joey the Rat is total scum.

Arrest the Pope? Maybe but if they did they would also have to arrest the leaders of the Jehova Witnesses, the Southern Baptist Convention and various Jewish sects for doing the same thing i.e. hiding/not reporting pedophiliacs.

e.g.

"Brad Hirschfield: When Priests And Rabbis Commit Sexual Abuse

Mar 29, 2010 ......

www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi.../when-priests-and-rabbis-c_b_516386.html

“The words used by Pope Benedict and others in responding to the Church's ever-deepening sexual abuse crises reflect a sickness that is not unique to the Catholic community. In fact, that sickness creeps into all religious communities of which I know, and leaves a trail of victims in its wake every time. I refer to the way in which religious leaders and the communities which they lead wear the mantle of victimhood to cover their naked moral failings."

And from: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1855948_1861760_1862212,00.html#ixzz0jg0lEyZj

“Facing calls to curb child sex abuse within its churches, in June the Southern Baptist Convention — the largest U.S. religious body after the Catholic Church — urged local hiring committees to conduct federal background checks but rejected a proposal to create a central database of staff and clergy who have been either convicted of or indicted on charges of molesting minors. The SBC decided against such a database in part because its principle of local autonomy means it cannot compel individual churches to report any information. And while the headlines regarding churches and pedophilia remain largely focused on Catholic parishes, the lack of hierarchical structure and systematized record-keeping in most Protestant churches makes it harder not only for church leaders to impose standards, but for interested parties to track allegations of abuse. "

THE POPE IS DOPE ARREST HIM ASAP!!

Nice idea. Not gonna happen for a variety of legal and political reasons.

It was Dawkins who said, quite eloquently, that Ratzinger should remain pope because he so perfectly symbolizes the RCC's complete, festering corruption. We'll have to settle for that, I'm afraid.

But I'm betting this pope is a little more careful than the last about where he goes and how much he stays inside the bullet-proof pope-mobile. There are an awful lot of people who would like to see him pay for his crimes and for the crimes of his church.

"How odd that while, by the millions, we rip the limbs off of babies in the womb; burn them with saline solution; puncture their skulls and suck out their brains; crush their organs, legs, limbs, ribs, skulls, necks, and spines with forceps, we do not call this in any way a kind of abuse to the most vulnerable among us. In fact, we legally protect this kind of abuse in our society and rage at anyone who dare questions our personal right to do this. Dogs and cats have more rights."

What you typed is simply the ignorant superstition that you have been taught to believe by your particular belief-system.

However much Hitchens and Dawkins might like to see expanding publicity over this issue, this threat is not just fun and games. And anyone who makes light of it does not have the proper regard for the safety of infants and children from the predation of people with power.

Do it, then trade him for Roman Polanski and a pontiff to be named later.

On my warm & fuzzy feelings toward Hitchens and Dawkins

Have you heard? Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins want to arrest the Pope when he visits England! I know it's more or less a publicity stunt and that theoretically I should be shaking my head in disapproval because it sounds so off the charts outrageous to do such a thing.
----------------------
Donna, the number of signatures of those who do not wish the Pope to set foot in the British Isles is now upwards of 16,000.

They don't quite see why, under the circumstances (a) he should visit and (b) they should pay for it.

His visit will cost more than twenty-two million US dollars. Given Vatican Bank's money laundering profits, real estate holdings, etc., the Pontiff can surely pay for his own trip. Moreover, the Brits feel they have paid enough in their human suffering at the hands of the Vatican.

Main, point, though, they just don't want to see his face. This has nothing to do with face.

Oh. On Richard Dawkins and Christopeher Hitchens; Both are bloody "ENGLISH" and subjects of the CROWN and are CITIZENS thereof.

These Two bloody chaps Should Campaign to Abolish Both "THEOCRACY" + "MONARCHY" in ENGLAND or in EUROPE 1st & then the Whole WORLD (by Example) instead; before they (God Chasers) can get a Warrant For The POPEee's Arrest/Head. But

but on the Other Hand; They can Demand that the POPE Be Arrested and confined to It's own "VATICAN-PRISON" (a Prison Within The Vatican City) while The English Barristers or Crown Contemplates the Evidence, or pending on what it wants to do with the 1-Billion+ Man-Army; Pope B. XVII (He's a Good Mafia like Soldier or Nazi-Hero who Does-n-Denys or keeps Silent like a Lamb).

This case is delicate , because in EURO Court, You are Guilty Before Trial. And In England One is Not-Guilty After Trial? Note: Pleading Guilty should not be allowed, in Either Case. If Your Found Guilty, Then Shut-up and do the Time. No Excuses. No Exceptions. Punish Him [Cold] the same a Trator of a Police or Military Officer. And This should apply to any [Elected?] heads of State (Vatican Included).

ABOLISH "Theocracy and Monarchy" forever Off The Face Of This Planet & prepare true Peace-On Earth for our Generations to Come.

The New Song is; "WE can never be fooled again; WE Are Bored with God (not Angry With God) From someones Old-Time Religion Systems; and those Religions needs a Reconstruction or Corrections of Their Own SINS as therein godlessly inscribed; by god or by man, anyways; it must be rebuilt. So

"NEW RELIGION is what We Thurst. NEW PHILOSOPHY and NEW SONG (story) is what WE want to Hear and See!"

HOW LONG, Can The POPE (Theocracy) and the CROWN (Monarchy) Pretend that Their God is still alive when It Died Not Long Ago? Is it as difficult as weaning a reluctant baby (for Its Own Good or Maturity sake) Bay off that Baby-Bottle; or that "Security-Blanket"? How Can We have Them [Voluntarily] Abdicate the Theo and Majestic Palaces/Castles/Fortress's...

I find it shamefull that you would participate in trying to bring down the Catholic Faith...
Keep in mind...
The church is about My Lord Jesus, The Christ, The Son of the Living GOD...
it's not about any Priest or Pope or you...
It's about my Saviour...

JPII was so concerned with being arrested he and future Pope's received pardon's from GWB II. Please do say they not violated US laws. They have violated the RICO statute. Head of an organization that has committed thousands of felonies. For those who are outraged with abortion, where is your outrage for the death penalty? Life is life. Otherwise you are a hypocrite.

Look, this is ridiculous. Donna Freitas says, based on an AP article that misinterprets a document the Vatican posted on its website as an "idiot's guide" to its already-existing policies, for the benefit of laypeople and non-canon-lawyers: "the Vatican just the other day announced that if bishops receive reports of abuse they should automatically tell the police is shockingly late to the party."

Again, the idea that this is a new dictate of the Church is RIDICULOUS, completely a misunderstanding. The document supposedly giving this "new" rule is actually not a rule in itself, but a summary of old rules. What the document actually says is that "Civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities should always be followed". The document (http://www.vatican.va/resources/resources_guide-CDF-procedures_en.html) is based on existing Church law and guidelines ( including "the Motu Proprio Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela (MP SST) of 30 April 2001 together with the 1983 Code of Canon Law")

I was already aware on the basis of being involved in my own parish and diocese and hearing it stated directly, that the Church already requires Church personnel to follow "mandatory reporter" laws.

Its beyond me why anyone thinks putting people through the criminal justice system solves anything.

I'm Sorry. I Meant to post on Rev. T.B. Sevenson's Post. Please ignore.

Thanks.

DWIGHTCOLLINS:

John The Revelator, was sentenced to PATMOS Prison, not by Jews, but By Roman Empire PAGAN (wannabe Jews via Rabbi Jesus) Judges. He Died in a Pagan Prison, not Christian. And John The Baptist got his Head Chopped-Off by PAGAN Romans, not ABRAHAMIC Jews; way before Abrahamic Christianity or even Abrahamic Islam or Abrahamic Mormons came around or even Existed..

It would be nice to Have a "Ancestry" DNA/RNA Religion test done to deteremine what your Great Grand Father or Great Grand Mother Believed-in or what their Belief was, Around Jesus Life or times. How about Alexander The Great Times (believed to be the
Son Of Man" back then) around 250 BC.?

Note: Today; People of the GLBT like Singer (Revrend) Elton John, has lately been singing that JESUS IS FAY/Homosexual (now), and That his enterouge also now believe that Alexander The Great is/was Also Fay/Homosexual. Note again: Ann Koltour uses word "FAY" instead of "GAY".

How odd that while, by the millions, we rip the limbs off of babies in the womb; burn them with saline solution; puncture their skulls and suck out their brains; crush their organs, legs, limbs, ribs, skulls, necks, and spines with forceps, we do not call this in any way a kind of abuse to the most vulnerable among us. In fact, we legally protect this kind of abuse in our society and rage at anyone who dare questions our personal right to do this. Dogs and cats have more rights.

I wonder how many on this board with whom I share the outrage over the Church's cover up of child physical and sexual abusers would stop at the door of an abortion clinic and say, behind those doors, you have the personal right to do as you wish--burn, crush, and kill--with the child in the womb, Hitchens and Dawkins included? We are truly a supremely self-deceptive society. We are proverbial "whited sepulchres" who enjoy pointing out the moral failures, corruptions, and injustices committed by others while our own corruptions we hide, or worse, praise as a sign of our commitment to liberty. Our moral outrage is hollow until we admit how much outrage should be leveled at us as a society and a nation.

The "Problem" stems from the illusion that the Pope, and lesser Church Officials, are ordained to represent God, and Actually represent God (infallibly?).

Truth . . . they are mere men . . . nothing more - nothing less.

As someone who attended Catholic schools K-12 then Catholic collegs... I think religion, particulary organized religion is nothing but a group of snake oil salesmen selling the "afterlife" to a bunch of ignorant people who are terrified of the unknown and seek comfort in myths their ancestors created as a way to explain that which can never be known.

That being said, I'm an Agnostic.

I don't see how politicians don't have to distance themselves from the Catholic Church.

Think of it this way, if the Catholic Church were a "Country Club". All of it's members would have to resign their memberships to this "restrictive club" that not only persecuted Galileo, turned blind-eye to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade (and slavery in general), failed to speak out against Hitler and Mussolini, and has for decades covered up and concealed the rape & torture of the "club's" most vulnerable members: its children, by a it's most esteemed members: those that were suppose to be the very embodiment of Jesus.

So I ask: where are the resignations? Why haven't any politicians resigned their membership in such a corrupt organization? How do non of them feel shame, in belonging to such a group?

And don't say: Freedom of Religion.
We have Freedom of Speech, yet we except that there are indeed limits: you can't yell "fire" in a crowded theatre.

Well, Ms. Freitas sure gets her jollies in a weird way. Never mind the abused victims, she gets titilated over the thought of arresting the Pope, never mind that he is a head of state. Sounds like Ms. Freitas is seeking her own publicity.

The pope did not violate English law so where are they coming from?

Even if, by some long shot, there weren't any cases of priests raping & torturing children within the jurisdiction of England, I believe the Pope could still be arrested in relation to the charges in the other nations because of various treaties of extradiction.

That's why Roman Polansky could never travel to Enland: because England by Treaty would have had to extradicted him to California.

However, to arrest Joey the Rat.zinger and to then extradict him, I would assume one of the nations who have original jurisdiction would have to issue a warrant: which they haven't.

Perhaps he could be arrested by and tried in The Hague in some other fashion.

Why arent there mass protests from the Catholic faithful? Where is this "moral" majority when it comes to confronting their own religion?

U should be ashamed

If this were a secular organization its members would be locked up but Catholics give such deffernce to religion its enough to make me sick.

Its taken until 2010 for the Catholic hierachy to have to clearly point out that matter so f chid rape should be first put to police? Come on.....

I have to go with what Dawkins wrote about this pope recently, in the name of civility though I might not agree with his physical despription of the man.

Really, this pope's complete blindness to the fury generated not only by the molestations themselves, but by the cavalier attitude of his church's apparachiks in dealing with it - I can call the sheep fools all day long, they can ignore that because I'm just an atheist, but when they ask themselves why they are following a man such as this pope despite the stunning evidence of his complicity in child molestation ... well, I don't have to say much do I?

You do it, Catholics. You ask yourself why you are following a church, a religion which allows this kind of behavior. And remember that child molesters are beaten and killed in our prisons, but in your church they are protected.

Ms. Freitas: my word for this is: Kangaroo Courting, a ritual for angry atheists....my comments are meant in the same good nature as yours LOL.

fr usapdx:

>The pope did not violate English law so where are they coming from?...

benny most certainly DID violate the law by covering up child molestation, and allowing the perps to continue working with kids, just in different parishes. benny and his bff roger mahony of the LA Diocese need to come clean with their crimes against children. mahony needs to be arrested, defrocked, and led out in handcuffs. He needs to face trial for his part AND CONVICTED.

The pope did not violate English law so where are they coming from? Why do you think that the Vatican is a STATE? Now if BEN/16 was in Germany and the cover up of a crime of sex abuse of a child was a crime, then it be a different ball game for BEN/16. Why have not the bishops on U.K. soil that did cover up crime of sex abuce of children not been arrest and have their day in court?