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When Tim Gunn, Lady Gaga, Sir Isaac Newton or Leonardo da Vinci declares themselves celibate, no-one fears that will make them a danger to the public.
History tells us and research shows that many people live perfectly happy, healthy lives, relating well to people of both sexes and all ages, without having sex for many years or even for life, and without abusing anyone.
Yet as the recent Activity Report by the Catholic Church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council noted, some survivors of child abuse, victims’ groups, Catholics and others are wondering about the relationship, if any, between the promise of celibacy made by priests and religious and the sexual abuse of children and young people by some of their number.
In summarising honestly what some have been saying, the Council showed the determination of the Church to get to the truth of the paedophilia problem.
But it did not amount to the Church in Australia repudiating two millennia of honouring celibacy – a state embraced by some Christians “for the sake of God’s Kingdom”.
Most Catholics recognize that celibacy amongst priests and religious (nuns and brothers) has been a great grace for the Church, occasioning real dedication, generosity and spiritual fruitfulness.
Some question whether this discipline should continue to be required of all priests. That conversation continues.
But linking celibacy and paedophilia does justice to neither and may be a dangerous distraction.
The all-too-common abuse of children and young people, and repeated failures of leaders adequately to respond, must be faced head on.
We must avoid glib explanations or simplistic solutions. And we must each take a stand.
I, for one, fully appreciate the significance of the problem of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
That these crimes were committed by people in positions of authority, who claimed to follow Jesus Christ and care for the vulnerable, sickens and shames me.
As I have said before, there must be no more excuses, no more cover-ups. Continue reading
- Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP in MercatorNet
Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP is Catholic Archbishop of Sydney.
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