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Jesus wept

These past few weeks have been, to put it bluntly, devastating for the Catholic Church. Not only has it been discovered that high ranking prelates have been perpetrating and covering up abuse, there have also been unprecedented allegations against Pope Francis, accusing him of covering up for McCarrick.

Regarding the latter, I think it is important to make some distinctions. First of all, the letter is a compilation of allegations, not, as some would imply, a "grand jury report" similar to the one in Pennsylvania. It is not infallible. However, that does not exclude it from containing truth. Much of this situation has come down to party lines within the Church, with progressives and conservatives viciously combating each other across news outlets and social media platforms. This is no help. After reading the takes of both the "right" and the "left", I have found there to be a third option to take regarding this mess. However, this will require a degree of compromise from both sides. What is so often left out of the arguments, debates, and general vitriol is the search for truth. None of this matters unless the truth is sought out and found. If, or rather, when that happens, proper punishments and sanctions should be laid out by those who are guilty. Truth ought to take precedence, not only for the sake of justice, but also because truth is intimately connected with love in the person of Christ.

It would be appropriate, therefore, to take some of these accusations as any other, albeit carefully. As I mentioned before, Vigano's letter is not infallible. There are parts which are vague and generally based on emotion. However, there are also parts which ought to be taken seriously and in a respectful manner. It would be important, even prudent, to at least look into the allegations made, for the sake of truth and not for political gain or the lust for power. This contrary to common conception, is possible. The responsibilities of the laity don't stop at attending Mass and participating in the sacraments. As baptized people, we are also called to be priests, prophets, and kings, albeit not in the most literal sense. In the current age, with the Church in crisis, the role of prophet is desperately needed. Prophets, contrary to popular belief, do not "see" into the future as some psychics would claim to do. Rather, they read the signs of the times. This can be done by contributing towards the investigations into abuse and coverups perpetrated by clergymen. Forensic investigation, interviews, and testimonies can all contribute to finding the truth in this mess.

It is unnecessary and unhelpful, therefore, to pin the blame solely on the right or the left. Both are in error, either in assuming guilt wholesale or in assuming the extreme opposite. You don't have to search very far to find this. One side may claim that Vigano and those deemed "conservative" are conspiring against Pope Francis, undermining his ministry for the poor and marginalized. While these may be true in some cases, it is certainly not the rule. On the other hand, some of those on the right may immediately pounce on this, seeing this as a political opportunity. Some also assume guilt without putting much thought into it, hoping for top prelates, including His Holiness, to resign. All of these assumptions are founded on just that, assumptions. Each side is guilty of purveying anger and hate for the other, blinding themselves to what is true. The allegations against the Pope has not been sufficiently substantiated to make any decision, whether it be guilt or innocence. It is important to take all of this into account as we address the current problem facing the Church, for if we continue our partisan quarrels, truth will be pushed aside in favor of pride, conceit, and lust; with no room for love, truth, or beauty.

In my eyes, it is wrong to paint conservatives guilty in conspiring to get rid of the Pope. It is also wrong to place the blame entirely on progressives for the abuse crisis. The problem is much more complex than partisan differences. The problem is a complex one, and the blame cannot be entirely on clericalism or homosexuality; but they should nonetheless be taken into account, as both have, in one way or another, contributed to the crisis. How it is done via clericalism is easy enough, which emphasizes a culture of silence and moral superiority. Clericalism acts as a catalyst, worsening other problems faced by the Church. Homosexuality, on the other hand, is not to be blamed wholesale. It is true that some within the Church have used their sexual orientation to coerce, blackmail, and manipulate others for personal gain. It is not true that there is a problem with gay priests. Therefore, gay priests should not be outright blamed for the crisis. The problem lies in those who, either through ignorance, poor catechesis, or malevolence, act on their sexuality in a way which is a degrading violation of the office of priest as well as being extremely harmful to others. Ultimately, the solution cannot come from one faction bashing another. That will not only perpetuate division, but abuse as well. Horrible takes on both sides do nothing but create division, with politics seemingly taking on the most importance rather than truth or justice.

Finally, I'm writing all of this in response to numerous pieces I have read regarding the issue, from both the "conservative" and the "progressive" wings of the Church. I have no desire for the Pope to step down. I love Pope Francis. He is the primary reason behind my own conversion and one of few people that have sparked my interest in Theology. It was him, as well as many good and holy priests, bishops, and laypeople who led me to where I am today; spiritually and intellectually. This is why much of the "dialogue" about this crisis, as well as the crisis itself, sickens and disheartens me. One of the most stark commonalities is the tendency to demonize the other side. The utter lack of a desire for truth on all sides is something which has personally been difficult to cope with. The almost continual ad hominem attacks which do nothing but hurt the Church. Our arguments are all littered with character assaults and a lack of charity so astonishing, it will likely push many into dark corners, scheming to get back at the other. This, on top of the scandal, is so repulsive, so utterly lost and lacking in charity and all things good, that it would make Christ and His Mother weep for the state of the Church. Nothing so clearly demands adherence to Christ's call for unity in pursuit of perfection, truth and love.

“I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which thou hast given me in thy love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known thee, but I have known thee; and these know that thou hast sent me. I made known to them thy name, and I will make it known, that the love with which thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” - John 17:20-26

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