Dear Pope Benedict,
I approach this blog very carefully and humbly. I have not been a victim of clergy abuse, so I do not have the same moral authority to speak on the topic as those who have been devastated by such crimes. I would say though, that I have had friendships and deep heart-level conversations with some who have been abused– it is an vile destructive evil. Having said that, I still would like to add my two cents– carefully and thoughtfully– I hope. I would like to say that I, for one, appreciate Pope Benedict’s bold words on July 19th in Australia where he proclaimed
“I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured,” he said. “These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation. Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice.”
He followed those comments up with a personal meeting with abuse victims. A very powerful symbolic gesture for all who can hear it. Though some have criticized the Pontiff’s words and subsequent meeting as mere staging, I take his words and symbolic actions at face value– and suggest that this is a historic statement of guilt and frustration by the Pontiff. It is a good step in the right direction.
So– now having said that, I have some respectful advice. Since Australia’s senior Roman Catholic cleric, Cardinal George Pell said that the Church was open to “constructive, practical” suggestions, I would like to formerly request that the Church further the steps taken and initiate an open Truth Commission, similar to bodies set up in South Africa to give victims of Apartheid a voice; and is in the plan for Canada to give voice to the abuse of First Nations persons there. The goal of the Clergy Abuse Truth Commission would be to give frustrated, hurt and confused victims a real public voice– a public forum where they could tell their story, they could cry, where they would be persons of honor– not dishonor. No lawyers, no legal wordplays. Just harsh honesty. If done transparently and well, this would no doubt continue the healing process for the individuals and hopefully the church. It would seem to be the right thing to do.
There are– no doubt — significant organization details that would have to be worked out– including somehow vetting the participants without dishonoring any… but still, this should be done.
I think that would be a very messy, heart wrenching event that could go on for certainly weeks– maybe months- -but on the other hand, it would be wildly pastoral and healing. Commissions could be set up in areas most hard pressed. I know of rampant historic clergy-abuse in California, Philadelphia, Boston, Ireland and of course Australia. It is the truth that sets a person free.
This would be a very Christ-like thing to do that would serve the larger Church of Jesus Christ well and begin to restore some of the lost trust, which all of our various denominations share. These commissions would not slur the reputations of the vast majority of good Priests– in fact, this would provide the stage for them to powerfully and compassionately step up and be the good shepherds they are for their flocks through the event.
I am not a victim of clergy abuse, but I do understand the processes of forgiveness and reconciliation. This would be an amazing thing. No one then could accuse the Church of doing too little too late, or using staging, or cheap words. I would even volunteer the assistance of the local church which I serve. The good news of Jesus is much bigger than all of the spiritual abuse that has ever occurred. There is powerful healing available for victims and perpetrators. Let’s enter into the severe healing process together.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on my suggestion.
Respectfully,
Of course, I would love to hear the thoughts of victims of clergy and spiritual abuse as well. Does this sound like something that could bring you healing, hope and new life?