The op-ed entitled “Integrity of Catholic Church under fire” (April 29) was replete with presumptions and allegations with no evidence to support such an opinion. We want to inform readers of nothing less than the truth. The article attacked the Catholic Church for three main reasons. First, it stated that these clerical scandals have “marred the assumed purity” of the Catholic Church. Christ told St. Peter to build a Church, the Roman Catholic Church. There has been an unbroken line of Pope’s for 2,000 years who have guided the Church with truth in a hurting world.
Second, it suggested that “the Catholic Church needs to readdress the issue of celibacy.” The scandals of clergymen are evil and disgusting and are never to be excused. But those accused of pedophilia make up only 1.7 percent of Catholic clergy, while 10 percent of Protestant ministers are guilty. It is not a Catholic problem.
Lastly it questioned the infallibility of the Pope, and assumed that all Catholics claim to be infallible too. Catholics certainly know that they are fallible human beings just like everyone else, which is why we have the Sacrament of Confession. But when the Pope teaches on matters only on faith and morals from the chair of St. Peter, he is always infallible. Pope Benedict XVI has declared the Church to be ashamed, has encouraged open discussions, and has done it all with effectiveness, courage and dignity.
Giselle Bertino-Clarke, a PCC student and Catholic, recently visited Rome. Her view reflects the one billion Catholics when saying, “The Pope is like a Father to me, rather than a man that sits behind a big desk in a foreign country. Your article is extremely offensive to me because you insult my Father.” The Catholic Faith is beautiful and we love our Pope!
Celine Talbot and
Augusta Talbot
- EDITORIAL: Apologize about the real problem - April 23, 2014
- STATEMENT: District apologizes to Oscar winning alum - April 21, 2014
- EDITORIAL: The Forgotten Students - March 26, 2014
