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Accusations of Abuse in
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The Press
July 6, 2002
Church
Letter to the Editor
by D J Round, Diamond Harbour, July 2
Fresh from
crucifying Peter Ellis, we now embark on another witchhunt, one fuelled just as
much by anti-Catholic feeling, and Press language more appropriate to Steven
King novels, as by evidence. Crimes against children are inexcusable, and
publicising them may well be necessary. That does not justify attacking the
structures of the Church and misusing these tragedies to promote other agendas
regarding clerical celibacy and the ordination of women. Many Catholics
strongly support the Church's teaching on these issues, and they should be
debated (if at all) on their own merits.
Justice towards the Church as a whole requires that it not be judged by the
human failings of some of its members. Innumerable New Zealanders, myself
included, are eternally grateful to the religious who gave their lives to
educate them and care for them in various ways. As the welfare State declines
we might even need them again.
The Press
July 6, 2002
Church
Letter to the Editor
by Sean J Moore, June 30
Cate Brett
(Mainlander, June 29-30) tries to reassure readers of The Press that her
newspaper is not anti-Catholic. It is, and virulently so. Through innuendo,
half-truths, and hearsay she and others attempt to find guilt through
association while indulging in their own prejudiced view of the Church that
Christ founded. In all likelihood they neither care, nor want, to face the
serious issues of the day and use the smokescreen of scandal to divert
attention elsewhere. The poor and oppressed of this world have found a champion
in the Holy Roman Catholic Church -- they will continue to do so despite their
real oppressors.
The Press
July 6, 2002
Church
Letter to the Editor
by Leon Scott, Mairehau, July 3
It was with
disappointment that I read Cate Brett's article, "It's not a case of
Catholic bashing" (Mainlander, June 29-30). Due to our isolation and
secularisation it is sometimes easy to mistakenly consign to the ashes, as she
did, the Church.
When one travels overseas and experiences the depth and life of the institution
that spans 2000 years and guides 1 billion people, such statements appear a
little narrow-minded.
Next month a million youth will gather in
The
Press
July 6, 2002
Church
Letter to the Editor
by Stan Fitchett,
I was abused when I
was a teenager, and my life since that traumatic event nearly 50 years ago has
been sheer hell. It occurred when my platoon sergeant bawled me out in front of
the rest of the platoon, and called me an indolent individual born out of
wedlock - or words to that effect.
Although I have suffered intolerable mental anguish from this abuse, it will
surprise you to learn that I have received neither an apology from the army,
nor a lump-sum compensation payout. I have remained silent all these years, but
now I think I will join the gold rush like all the others claiming to be
victims of abuse.
The
Press
July 6, 2002
Church
Letter to the Editor
by Ken Clearwater Manager Next Step, July 3
I would like to
take this opportunity to thank Matt Conway, Yvonne Martin, and The Press for the
courage that was taken to expose the evil side of the Catholic Church and
religious orders.
I, like many, know of the good work that is done with care and commitment from
the Church and it is gratefully appreciated, but that does not mean we can continue
hiding the horrific incidents that have been committed against innocent young
children.
The only way we can solve a problem is to know we have a problem and face it,
and that is what is happening now, through the courage of the survivors who
have stood up.
For those who have not been a victim of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse,
it is probably hard to come to terms with the issues, for those who have
experienced such atrocities it is all too clear every day of one's life.