The Global Abuse Crisis

Many of our partner organizations represented on our National Planning Committee have consulted with us and are studying the situation and considering statements and actions. The situation is difficult and exasperating, with news hitting us daily, coupled with the Pontiff’s response that this news is merely “petty gossip of dominant opinion.” We share the horror at the magnitude of the problem and the Vatican’s cavalier response, realizing that so many lives have been shattered and that recovery is long and hard.

Yet, we have hope for a new future for our Church. We continue to believe that the abuse crisis is a major symptom of the Church’s hierarchical governance system, its root cause modeled on imperialism and a pyramidal worldview. We now know with certainty that this symptom is not exclusive to the United States. It is symptomatic of the global church. This dysfunctional system was certainly not the practice of the early Church founded by Jesus Christ. The extreme centralization of authority, the lack of transparency, and claims of infallibility are relatively recent in the history of our Church.

From its outset, the ACC has sought to:

• Dialogue, Listen, and Educate;
• Study and scrutinize governing structures of our Church;
• Understand the consequences of those structures;
• Consider alternative structures grounded in Vatican II;
• Advance structural reform that can deal with the crisis and prevent such heinous acts in the future;

We are uncertain how this will all work out, but we do add our voice to those who call for thorough investigation, removal of all perpetrators and their protectors and enablers, public repentance, and assistance to survivors. As Catholics bound by conscience, we cannot do otherwise.

Do You Consider Yourself a Faithful Catholic?

For the last 20 years, sophisticated polling demonstrates a growing consensus about what Catholics believe and their commitment to Catholicism. Though most polls are “self-reported” and some responses can be biased and misleading, the scientific methods used suggest they are valid and reliable where substantial data converge on issues.

A “faithful” Catholic is one who regularly attends Mass, believes in and participates in the sacraments, supports a parish, and considers himself/herself a Catholic. Many participate in other parish activities and ministries and are committed to works of social justice and charity. There is little difference in polling numbers between “cradle Catholics” and converts, between those “highly committed” to Catholicism or simply “committed” to Catholicism. Post-Vatican II (younger Catholics) tend to poll higher in tolerance, lower on traditional doctrinal issues. The most amazing disparity is between the hierarchy and committed lay Catholics: the hierarchy almost always is substantially less tolerant of dissent, substantially more rigid on traditional doctrine, and less committed on matters of charity and social justice.

We have distilled polling data over the last 25 years conducted by the Pew Foundation as well as data from a group of sociologists at the Catholic University of America. Herewith an overview:

An Overwhelming Majority agree:

• We should practice ecumenism and tolerate other religions based on a belief that they are “just as good” or “nearly as good” in finding the truth;(80% and rising)
• Sacraments are an essential part of life; (80%, falling)
• Mary is the Mother of Jesus; (80%)
• Priesthood should be opened to non-celibate men; (77% and rising)
• Abuse of the young by priests and cover-up by bishops is intolerable and those involved must be removed from ministry; (85%, falling since 2003)
• Providing charity for the poor is an essential aspect of Catholicism; (82%)
• The laity should have a voice in parish and diocesan budgeting with full and transparent financial accountability; (90%)

– 40% are prepared to withhold contributions until these conditions are met;

– 45% believe their pastor is mishandling income;

– 65% believe that bishops are mishandling income;

• The laity should have voice in determining whether and which parishes should be closed; (80%)
• Most parish priests do a good job; (90%)

A Substantial Majority agree:

• Divorce and remarriage (without annulment) is acceptable; (65%)
• Celibate women should be eligible for ordination; (64% and rising)
• More government funds should go for health care; (70%)
• Contraceptive birth control is acceptable; (73%)
• Homosexual relationships are not sinful; (72%)
• Sex outside marriage is permissible in some circumstances; (70%)
• Bishops are not interested in the laity and are more inclined to consider personal advancement over the good of their dioceses and “flock;” (75%)
• Laity should have input in selecting parish priests; (72%)

A Majority agree:

• Magisterial teaching authority claims are exaggerated and often wrong; (58%)
• The death penalty should be abolished; (54%)
• Married women should be eligible for ordination; (54%)
• The choice of abortion is sometimes acceptable; (56%)

–in the first trimester when mother’s health is at risk or child is likely to be born deformed/diseased (70%);

• Same sex marriages should be permitted; (60%)
• Bishops are “on the whole” not doing their best, are not “humble men of faith” nor wise and competent; (54%)
• Jesus is “really present” in the Eucharist (54%)
• The military budget is too high; (54%)
• The number of nuclear weapons stockpiled should be reduced; (59%)