I heard an interesting statement the other day: “The Church is a divine institution entrusted to sinful people.”
Nowadays, it’s unfortunate that few people would disagree with the claim that the Church has been entrusted to sinful people. The sex abuse scandal, which was uncovered two decades ago and seems to continue without end, plus many troubling financial scandals at the Vatican and elsewhere, make it clear that quite a few Church leaders have used their positions to gratify selfish desires. In other words, they are sinful. Which makes them similar to the rest of us.
Hey, what do you mean, “the rest of us,” Dunn?
Nowadays, it’s unfortunate that few people would disagree with the claim that the Church has been entrusted to sinful people. The sex abuse scandal, which was uncovered two decades ago and seems to continue without end, plus many troubling financial scandals at the Vatican and elsewhere, make it clear that quite a few Church leaders have used their positions to gratify selfish desires. In other words, they are sinful. Which makes them similar to the rest of us.
Hey, what do you mean, “the rest of us,” Dunn?
Well, just look around at some non-religious institutions, such as politics or business, healthcare or labor unions. There are a lot of selfish and power-hungry people in those fields, too. Look at people in your community, neighborhood, place of work, or family. I hate to say it, but take a look in the mirror. I guarantee there are plenty of sinful people no matter where you look.
The reason I can guarantee it is because St. Paul said so in the Bible: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And when Paul said “all” have sinned, he meant “all y’all” – that is, everybody.
It would be great if every leader of our Church was like St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa: completely selfless and concerned only about the wellbeing of others. But that’s not the case. There are, of course, countless holy priests, and even many bishops, who are moral and decent people. They dedicate their lives to serving others and spreading the good news of the Gospel.
But it just seems that the farther up the company ladder someone advances, the more ambitious and ruthless and hypocritical they tend to be. This is true in politics and business, and it’s often true in the ecclesiastical world.
So, we are part of a Church with people in charge who are sinful to one degree or another. What should we do, quit the Church, as so many have done since the sex abuse scandal made front page news? Should we try to find another church, or stop being involved altogether because one of America’s most powerful clerics, ex-cardinal McCarrick, was revealed to be stunningly evil? (Or on a lesser scale, because Fr. McGillicuddy was rude to me last Sunday?)
The reason I can guarantee it is because St. Paul said so in the Bible: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And when Paul said “all” have sinned, he meant “all y’all” – that is, everybody.
It would be great if every leader of our Church was like St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa: completely selfless and concerned only about the wellbeing of others. But that’s not the case. There are, of course, countless holy priests, and even many bishops, who are moral and decent people. They dedicate their lives to serving others and spreading the good news of the Gospel.
But it just seems that the farther up the company ladder someone advances, the more ambitious and ruthless and hypocritical they tend to be. This is true in politics and business, and it’s often true in the ecclesiastical world.
So, we are part of a Church with people in charge who are sinful to one degree or another. What should we do, quit the Church, as so many have done since the sex abuse scandal made front page news? Should we try to find another church, or stop being involved altogether because one of America’s most powerful clerics, ex-cardinal McCarrick, was revealed to be stunningly evil? (Or on a lesser scale, because Fr. McGillicuddy was rude to me last Sunday?)
Well, if the Church was merely a man-made institution, then maybe leaving would be the right thing to do. But please be aware, if you leave the Church because it’s full of sinners, whatever other organization you join is going to have the same problem. It’s simply human nature.
However, the Church is not a man-made institution. The Church was founded by Jesus Himself, and it was given the monumental task of spreading the love of Christ to all the world. Don’t forget, the original group of Church leaders weren’t exactly perfect, either. Peter, the first pope, denied Jesus and put his foot in his mouth more often than Ralph Kramden. James and John were self-centered hot-heads who wanted to call down fire from Heaven on people they didn’t like. Thomas was a pessimistic doubter. And among the first 12 Church leaders appointed by Jesus was Judas Iscariot, and we all know how that turned out. (As Peter Kreeft observes, Judas was the first Catholic bishop to receive a government grant – 30 pieces of silver – and every time since, when the Church does the government’s bidding in return for money, the results have been similar.)
It’s very discouraging when news stories break about yet another Church leader who got caught doing sinful and illegal activities. But we have to respond the same way Peter did when Jesus asked, “Do you also want to leave?”
Peter replied, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).
However, the Church is not a man-made institution. The Church was founded by Jesus Himself, and it was given the monumental task of spreading the love of Christ to all the world. Don’t forget, the original group of Church leaders weren’t exactly perfect, either. Peter, the first pope, denied Jesus and put his foot in his mouth more often than Ralph Kramden. James and John were self-centered hot-heads who wanted to call down fire from Heaven on people they didn’t like. Thomas was a pessimistic doubter. And among the first 12 Church leaders appointed by Jesus was Judas Iscariot, and we all know how that turned out. (As Peter Kreeft observes, Judas was the first Catholic bishop to receive a government grant – 30 pieces of silver – and every time since, when the Church does the government’s bidding in return for money, the results have been similar.)
It’s very discouraging when news stories break about yet another Church leader who got caught doing sinful and illegal activities. But we have to respond the same way Peter did when Jesus asked, “Do you also want to leave?”
Peter replied, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).
Eternal life in Heaven is available through Jesus Christ. And the best way to get in a saving relationship with Jesus is through the Church He founded.
Yes, it’s very frustrating at times. But we should never lose sight of this one simple fact: “The Church is a divine institution entrusted to sinful people.”
There is a good solution here. It's been I long time since I was catholic or a believer but I do know that the catholic church has always taught that conscience is primary. You have not only a right, but an obligation to follow your own conscience.
ReplyDeleteSo If you have reached a point where you no longer feel ab le to be complicit in enabling pedophilia, you may leave the church and there are a few good options.
1-The orthodox church. This church is also founded by christ and has valid sacraments and the real presence.
2-You can, in good conscience, pick a different christian church.
3-You can stop attending and supporting the catholic church, but remain a private catholic, adhering to its doctrines and carrying on with your own spiritual life as before
Ruth O'Keefe