So writes Colleen Carroll Campbell on the op-ed page of today’s St. Louis PD.
As a new mother gazing into the innocent eyes of my two babies, marveling at their wide-open smiles and implicit trust, I feel revolted by the thought that someone could violate that trust in such unspeakable ways. Looking at them, I don’t much care about caveats or context. I don’t want to hear apologies or complaints about media bias or comparisons to the equally abysmal records of other institutions. I’m glad there is zero tolerance for pedophiles, but I want something more.
I want outrage.
I want to know that the righteous anger I feel toward these predators in cleric’s clothing is shared — by the many good priests smeared by the sins of a few, by the bishops forced to deal with such predators, by the pope who knows more than anyone the length, breadth and depth of this plague.
I’d encourage you to read her entire column. Campbell — who has worn many hats, including a stint as one of a group of speechwriters for former President George W. Bush — is a frequent, consistent apologist for the Church and its teachings. As such, her counsel should (in a logical world) carry some weight. When your closest allies tell you you’re mismanaging the situation, it’s not a conspiracy, your Holiness.
—————
Do you have a reaction or related information to share on the subject of this post? Email me at [email protected]. Please write “TMV Comment” in the subject line, and please include a link back to this post in your message text. I can’t respond to all emails, but I will occasionally publish follow-up posts, featuring the reader feedback that I find the most germane, compelling and/or persuasive, including feedback that disagrees with my perspective.