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James Martin, S.J.May 11, 2010

Honest talk from the archbishop of Dublin on sex abuse:

Why am I discouraged?  The most obvious reason is the drip-by-drip never-ending revelation about child sexual abuse and the disastrous way it was handled.   There are still strong forces which would prefer that the truth did not emerge.  The truth will make us free, even when that truth is uncomfortable.  There are signs of subconscious denial on the part of many about the extent of the abuse which occurred within the Church of Jesus Christ in Ireland and how it was covered up.  There are other signs of rejection of a sense of responsibility for what had happened.  There are worrying signs that despite solid regulations and norms these are not being followed with the rigour required.

Read his talk "The Future of the Catholic Church in Ireland" here.

Also, Pope Benedict's words today en route to Fatima (see Kevin Clarke's post below) about the "terrifying" abuse scandal and the need for the church to look within (rather than blame its "persecutors," as some in the Curia have suggested) are bracing.  And needed.  Truth, transparency, honesty, forgiveness, justice, purification, and penance is the way ahead.  All of that and hope in Christ.

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david power
13 years 10 months ago
If ever a man needed our prayers it is Diarmuid Martin. He is up against one of the most jaded and unaware churches in the world.His candidness is a grace from God for all of those who are tired of the Church jargon,and prelates who still think the suffering of victims pales by comparison to what they have gone through.I met him recently and told him that every decent person in Ireland was rooting for him and it is my belief that God is too. He has had a few slip-ups and came in as an overcultured curial figure ,but has been transformed during the nightmare period which passes for a church in Ireland.He has been steadfast in the need for change and streets ahead of the rest in terms of frankness and truth.Anyway if anybody thinks they are overcome with the miseries of the Church I advise them to take a look at the daily grind of Diarmuid Martin and sigh a breath of relief they are not in his shoes.   
Kate Smith
13 years 10 months ago
It gets my attention when someone writing on the subject of clergy sexual abuse uses the words: '' The truth will make us free, even when that truth is uncomfortable.''
 
The Missouri Jesuit provincial who found me credible and removed the perp Jesuit from teaching and ministry said ''the truth will set us free''.
 
The current Missouri Jesuit provincial who failed to address any of the problems after the perp Jesuit returned to ministry and teaching despite prohibitions also said ''the truth will set us free'' - and continues to lie about it.
 
I think it's time the Vatican investigated the Jesuits, since the Jesuits don't do anything about their own lies and sins.  I have proof in letters to Fr. Nicolas that he ignored.  Twice in the past month, Jesuits have been outted for allowing perp Jesuits back into ministry.   There's a big problem.
 
 
Rory Connor
13 years 10 months ago
''The truth will make us free'' says Archbishop Martin. However he has supported one of the biggest fraudsters in Irish history - a modern Irish equivalent of your Maria Monk - while throwing falsely accused clergy to the wolves. To say that he treats his priests as ''guilty until proven innocent'' is putting it mildly as he invited a Bishop to resign even though NO allegation was made against him. (Bishop Martin Drennan.) He removed a retired Bishop from his role as director of the Archdiocese pilgrimage to Lourdes on the grounds that he had failed to apologise for his failings. Bishop Dermot O'Mahony HAD apologised and had sent a statement to the Communications Office which Martin had seen and suppressed. (The REAL reason was that Bishop O'Mahony disagreed with Martin's policy.) The Archbishop is our equivalent of the Red Dean of Canterbury, Hewlett Johnson who got his ''Progressive'' reputation by denouncing the evils of Capitalism while praising Comrade Stalin.My website is www.irishsalem.com and the article on Archbishop Martin is at http://www.irishsalem.com/individuals/Politicians%20and%20Others/archbishop-martin/index.php

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