Q. So you want me to pray for paedophiles because it changes them?
A. Ummm… You could say that… But I’m more interested in it changing you.
Q. I’m not the paedophile!
A. Agreed!
Q. And the problem is with the paedophiles!
A. Correct.
Q. But…
A. But you can do something about it!
Q. I have! I’ve left the Church!
A. And how has that helped the situation?
Q. It’s helped me!
A. Hasn’t helped the situation, has it?
Q. And remaining in the Church would?
A. No, I did not say that.
Q. So what are you saying?
A. That I would like you to learn to do something about situations you don’t approve of rather than bailing.
Q. For example with paedophiles, what would you suggest?
A. I’d suggest, for example, that you do something about the parish priests that you actually know. The paedophile ones are not in your sphere of influence – your parish priests are.
And if you had children of your own, I would suggest doing something with them.
Q. What can I do about my parish priests?
A. Well if paedophilia is an ugly symptom, we find the cause and do something about it… Is it the loneliness of parish priests that leads them wayward? Is it what they are taught in seminary? Is it books they read? What do the other many good priests have that these bad one do not? What can we do to fill that gap?
Q. That’s a lot of work you guy.
A. I think it is worth all the scarred innocent lives – past or future.
Q. And I’m not even that close or open or even friendly with the parish priests in the first place…
A. Well now you have a reason to begin to get to know them. Or alternatively, speak with someone who already knows them well… maybe someone on the parish pastoral council.
2nd June 2019