WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, phr. Roman Catholic priests in Boston.
     - The New Millenium Devil's Dictionary

Huge ongoing scandal in the New England states. The reports are just like yours.

Fortunately all churches are not like this. http://www.fccb.org

I just can't say how much I appreciate hearing that someone tried to "do the right thing" long before it became the socially acceptable thing to do.

Forgive me if I'm wrong but, it seems that you have not turned your back on God-- although naturally your beliefs have probably changed since "believers" so blatantly dropped the ball this time. If you still love and enjoy Jesus' company, perhaps another body of believers would give you some of the social encouragement that is important to the Christian faith. I just don't think Christianity was meant to be practiced alone. (Even the Lord's Prayer is a corporate prayer.)

But there are other people who love Jesus, too. Orthodox, Episcopalian, Lutheran, (and the rest of the myriad Protestant denominations.) I just think you might feel better in some church body that shows vigilance when it comes to child molestation. Because, let's face it folks, some predators choose churches and church-related organizations, specifically and deliberately so that they will have access to children, AND be "above suspicion" if charges come up.

I also, have been a Christian for almost all of my life and I have seen numerous, sometimes galling, failings on the part of the church. If I were in your position, I think I would never return to "The Church" but there are many other little bodies of who might be willing to share your hurt, and walk with you.

if I don't go to church all the time. I'm too cynical now. Oddly enough I still practice some Christian beliefs, and I do regard the Ten Commandmants very very highly. (shame more people don't!). If I am asked to put my religion on paper for anything I still put "Anglican", we still say "Grace" before meals, and occasionally attend church. One of my favourite programs on television is "Songs of Praise" and I just love walking into churches, particularly the old ones. So I am not "lost" completely.

I never meant to say that you were!

I just meant that I wish you a clear, consistant, faith that makes sense for you. And, hopefully, that Jesus would be a real and vibrant part of your daily life.

For some people, not attending church every week makes it more "special" and less of a rote action.

And I know what you mean about how beautiful some of the old churches are!

God Bless. Good Journey.

I would certainly have yanked my child out of that school. Children are so vulnerable to these kinds of predators and adults have to do everything possible to protect them.

Tottie. it is so sad that these things happened, and that they are still happening today. I'm glad you spoke up, in spite of the fact that your efforts seem not to have been well received by the majority of the people. I expect that there were a few who actually admired you for your stand, but who were too timid to speak up themselves.

Then comes a dilemma. If all the people who WILL stand up, leave the church, who will be left to teach the younger generation? Maybe this type of ostracism is included in Christ's admonition that we would be persecuted for His sake, but that we are, nevertheless, to persevere. But does He expect us to expose our children to persecution if they are not old enough to decide for themselves. Hmm. That's a subject for a whole blog by itself. Anyway, don't let one congregation sour you on churches, in general.
I hope you find the very best.

It's to bad that there are some sick people that take advantage of Christianity and use it to do horrible things like this.