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Re: On the other hand....

Posted by Donna on March 07, 2004 at 06:21:18:

In Reply to: On the other hand.... posted by Randy( the heretic) on March 04, 2004 at 08:37:00:

Thanks for posting both articles Randy. I had seen the one by Greeley, but not the one by Carroll.

I think Greeley comes a little closer to the heart of things although even he still misses a big point - at least in my opinion.

The priesthood, more than anything, suffers from extremely poor management. No one seems to want to recognize that the priesthood is a vocation AND it is a man's chosen profession. It is his livelihood. His career. His life's work. And just like any other career, he is going to seek many of the same rewards. Obviously, priests are not in it for the money; however, there is a lot to be said for receiving feedback from your boss about your performance. How about annual performance reviews? How about being mentored? How about having opportunities for advancement? How about continuing education opportunities? How about scheduled meetings with peers to exchange ideas or concerns?

Where is their support from their higher ups? I could guarantee you that the bishops could increase their credibility not only in the public eye, but in the eyes of their priests, simply by getting up and showing some real anger over the priests who have abused others. No one has to condemn anyone, but it would be nice to hear somebody of some authority show a little emotion in condemning the action. If a priest goes to his bishop and reports that another priest is abusing others, is he going to get any support from his bishop, or has the whole management system been structured to encourage a "go along to get along" mentality?

Regarding the sex abuse, the celibacy rule is so irrelevant as to be a non-issue. Assuming celibacy is the only factor in priests abusing others sexually one would also have to assume that a man who is normal in all other respects lost control of himself simply because of a lack of sexual activity and assaulted a child or weaker person.

Studies of sexual abusers and predators do not bear this out. More often than not the abuser was himself abused in the past, has impaired psychological and sexual development, and a host of other emotional problems that have nothing at all to do with celibacy. It also doesn't say much for the male population in general if we're to believe that normal men will remain emotionally and mentally stable ONLY if they can remain sexually active. Guys, is this the sum total of your persons? Without the sex, nothing else about you is worthwhile? Maybe it's true, but I think I'd be insulted.

The priesthood is fine. It's the management of the priesthood that needs the overhaul.

Replies:

well said... Randy ( the heretic) 13:38:49 3/07/04 (24)
- Re: well said... Donna 05:32:40 3/08/04 (23)
  - Re: well said... Mark S. 10:58:15 3/08/04 (2)
    - Re: well said... Gabby 18:27:09 3/14/04 (0)
    - Re: well said... Donna 12:54:11 3/08/04 (0)
  - Re: well said... Mike J. 07:45:06 3/08/04 (19)
    - Re: well said... Donna 09:40:50 3/08/04 (18)
      - Re: well said... Mike J. 21:08:32 3/08/04 (17)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 08:40:29 3/09/04 (16)
        
        Re: well said... Mike J. 18:35:34 3/09/04 (15)
        
        Re: well said... Gabby 18:36:06 3/14/04 (0)
        
        Re: well said... Paedophilia has NOTHING to do with homosexuality. 20:50:05 3/13/04 (5)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 11:10:42 3/14/04 (4)
        
        Re: well said... Agreed. 15:19:45 3/14/04 (3)
        
        Thank you...Re: well said... Randy (the heretic) 08:18:42 3/17/04 (1)
        
        Re: Thank you...Re: well said... I had to be. 13:54:28 3/17/04 (0)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 21:52:10 3/14/04 (0)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 05:48:48 3/10/04 (7)
        
        Re: well said... Mike J. 18:28:47 3/10/04 (6)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 21:31:47 3/10/04 (5)
        
        Re: well said... Mike J. 00:02:23 3/11/04 (4)
        
        Mikey, consider this test Wag 14:43:58 3/13/04 (0)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 08:08:00 3/11/04 (2)
        
        Re: well said... Mike J. 18:29:31 3/11/04 (1)
        
        Re: well said... Donna 20:27:40 3/11/04 (0)

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Comments:
: Thanks for posting both articles Randy. I had seen the one by Greeley, but not the one by Carroll. : I think Greeley comes a little closer to the heart of things although even he still misses a big point - at least in my opinion. : The priesthood, more than anything, suffers from extremely poor management. No one seems to want to recognize that the priesthood is a vocation AND it is a man's chosen profession. It is his livelihood. His career. His life's work. And just like any other career, he is going to seek many of the same rewards. Obviously, priests are not in it for the money; however, there is a lot to be said for receiving feedback from your boss about your performance. How about annual performance reviews? How about being mentored? How about having opportunities for advancement? How about continuing education opportunities? How about scheduled meetings with peers to exchange ideas or concerns? : Where is their support from their higher ups? I could guarantee you that the bishops could increase their credibility not only in the public eye, but in the eyes of their priests, simply by getting up and showing some real anger over the priests who have abused others. No one has to condemn anyone, but it would be nice to hear somebody of some authority show a little emotion in condemning the action. If a priest goes to his bishop and reports that another priest is abusing others, is he going to get any support from his bishop, or has the whole management system been structured to encourage a "go along to get along" mentality? : Regarding the sex abuse, the celibacy rule is so irrelevant as to be a non-issue. Assuming celibacy is the only factor in priests abusing others sexually one would also have to assume that a man who is normal in all other respects lost control of himself simply because of a lack of sexual activity and assaulted a child or weaker person. : : Studies of sexual abusers and predators do not bear this out. More often than not the abuser was himself abused in the past, has impaired psychological and sexual development, and a host of other emotional problems that have nothing at all to do with celibacy. It also doesn't say much for the male population in general if we're to believe that normal men will remain emotionally and mentally stable ONLY if they can remain sexually active. Guys, is this the sum total of your persons? Without the sex, nothing else about you is worthwhile? Maybe it's true, but I think I'd be insulted. : The priesthood is fine. It's the management of the priesthood that needs the overhaul.

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