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"Many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy and pedophilia. But many others have demonstrated, I have been told recently, that there is a relation between homosexuality and pedophilia. That is true. That is the problem."
~ Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
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When I read this statement by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's secretary of state, I was beyond outraged. His statement, that the sex scandals haunting the Roman Catholic Church are linked to homosexuality and not celibacy among priests, is nothing more than the latest perverse strategy by the Vatican to shirk its ethical and legal responsibility.
I am exploring employment within my church - an administrative staff position. The single issue I've spent the most time considering is my responsibility to the church. Becoming a staff member of any religious organization requires constant vigilance - not just within the work place, but in every aspect of one's life. There is an expectation from the church body that those on staff are held to a higher standard. The church body looks to all staff members - not just pastors - for leadership and accountability.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's second-highest authority, has a great deal of responsibility and power. Millions of people look to him for guidance. When Cardinal Bertone says that homosexuality, not celibacy, is the cause of pedophilia issues throughout the Roman Catholic church, he is abusing that responsibility and power.
For the record, there is not a single, reputable study that links homosexuality and pedophilia. THAT is true.
I am exploring employment within my church - an administrative staff position. The single issue I've spent the most time considering is my responsibility to the church. Becoming a staff member of any religious organization requires constant vigilance - not just within the work place, but in every aspect of one's life. There is an expectation from the church body that those on staff are held to a higher standard. The church body looks to all staff members - not just pastors - for leadership and accountability.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican's second-highest authority, has a great deal of responsibility and power. Millions of people look to him for guidance. When Cardinal Bertone says that homosexuality, not celibacy, is the cause of pedophilia issues throughout the Roman Catholic church, he is abusing that responsibility and power.
For the record, there is not a single, reputable study that links homosexuality and pedophilia. THAT is true.
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