Christian ‘values’ we could do without

THE statement from Pope Benedict that a lack of respect for the human person and a weakening of faith contributed to the abuse of children is an interesting explanation for the greatest act of evil ever inflicted on the Irish people.

I have heard some argue that a lack of faith among worshippers led priests into temptation, resulting in the rape of children. In short, it is the worshippers’ fault that priests raped children. Is the Pope concurring with this argument?

In recent years some have lamented Ireland is losing its Christian values. If it was a Christian nation, then those values allowed, tolerated and covered up the rape of children, in which case we should be thankful we are losing those values.

On the other hand, the Pope stated that a lack of faith caused child abuse. Since clerical child abuse has been occurring since the foundation of the State, we must never have had Christian values, so how can we lose what we do not have?

In June 2012, Ireland will host the 50th International Eucharistic Congress when tens of thousands of Catholics from around the world will come here for a week of spiritual renewal. It will be difficult to obtain that renewal in a host country whose lack of faith caused its priests and religious to bugger hundreds, if not thousands, of children and its bishops to cover it up.

Given the Pope’s statement, will he be apologising to the Irish people or expecting an apology from the Irish people?

Jason Fitzharris

Rivervalley

Swords

Co Dublin