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| St. James: a sword for Santiago's bishop? |
In view of
the previous post about the Bishop of Santiago, Spain ordaining a homosexual couple to the priesthood (Can these possibly be valid ordinations?), a July open letter from
sociologist Richard Sipe to Bishop Robert McElroy seems timely. Here are two important paragraphs from
Sipe's letter:
The number of priests and bishops having sex with minors was not the primary or central focus of the study [A Secret World; Sexuality and the Search for Celibacy]. But my calculation of 6% (six percent) clergy abusers as a base line has held up very well. [ the most recent validation is between 6 ½ and 9% in the U.S. Some dioceses have registered 23%. Some religious houses have recorded 25%.] Sexual violation within the RC clergy is systemic. I say that on the basis of observation and scientific conclusion. And I say that with empathy and concern.
Now that aspect of the sexual crisis is well known around the world. The crisis behind the scandal will be the next phase of reality with which to come to terms: Namely: the broad range and frequency of sexual behaviors registered in the clerical system. “At any one time no more than 50% of priests are practicing celibacy.” [emphasis by author]
