To the Editor:
There has to be an open, nothing-off-the-table
approach by church authorities to the causes and cures of the sexual
abuse of minor boys. As a priest for 65 years, I come to this problem
with no personal agenda.
Clergy of other denominations have the
benefit of a wholesome home life environment to discipline, comfort and
inspire them. Comparatively, the Catholic priest is adrift as a bachelor
in a nonmonastic world.
Vatican authorities must reconsider the
celibacy law. Celibacy sanctifies many, but not all who feel called to
the priesthood are psychologically suited to the burden of celibacy.
Celibacy, I have observed, makes some and breaks many.
An
intransigent protection of the celibacy rule by Vatican authorities has
prevented bishops from dispensing with it. Instead, they have had to
depend on inadequate therapy with disastrous results. Until the Vatican
authorities allow an unrestricted study of celibacy, the problem of
abuse will not be solved.
(Rev.) Connell J. Maguire
Riviera Beach, Fla., March 28, 2010
Note from KBJ: Let me get this straight. If the Church allows pedophilic priests to marry, they will cease being pedophiles?
Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D. 