A Brooklyn Diocese claimed “no other institution has done more than the Catholic Church to combat and prevent sexual abuse.”

The Diocese of Brooklyn is angry at comedian Pete Davidson’s comments on last week’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode and has demanded an apology. In the skit, Davidson compared the sex abuse scandals presently rocking the Catholic Church with the sexual abuse allegations made against R. Kelly. The comedian’s comments were made on March 9 as part of the program’s “Weekend Update” segment. He described R. Kelly as a monster and hoped the singer would be in jail until his death. Davidson then said those who continue to support the Catholic Church are in the same league as an R. Kelly fan. The only difference, he felt, is R. Kelly’s music is much better. The Diocese of Brooklyn described Davidson’s comments as “disgraceful and offensive” and asked for an “immediate public apology” for his utterances.

In its statement, the Diocese said the sole acceptable bias during the present time is speaking badly about the Catholic Church. It said the Church faithful are disgusted by the continued harassment perpetrated on the church by people associated with entertainment and news. It claimed the SNL sketch offended millions and the mockery of the Church during such trying times serves no purpose.

The Diocese of Brooklyn, in its statement, admitted although the sex abuse crisis by the clergy is a blot on the Church, it should not be the reason to get laughs at the victims’ expense. All of those who suffered at the hands of the guilty clergy should not hurt again. The diocese said it strives every day to make sure sexual abuse incidents do not get repeated. The Brooklyn institution firmed up what it has written by claiming it has taken such a crisis seriously and has instituted many changes as demanded by Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Such changes include zero tolerance policies where any member of the clergy, if credibly accused of sexual abuse of any minor, will be removed permanently from ministry. The Diocese of Brooklyn then wheeled out the action it has earlier taken by sharing all files and allegations made against its clergy with the Brooklyn and Queens District Attorneys. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio put in a reporting line in 2004 which sends all reports directly to the law enforcement authorities.

Sounds like if Pete Davidson can single out the Catholic church, he should include colleges that have covered up pedophile coaches and the entire USA Gymnastics Team. I don't appreciate my faith being compared to one predator just because Pete likes his music. #RKelly #snl — Laura Kelly (@aurackel) March 10, 2019

The Diocese of Brooklyn statement ends with the claim that “likely that no other institution has done more than the Catholic Church to combat and prevent sexual abuse.” It then castigated the insensitivity of the SNL producers, writers, and the cast regarding this painful subject.

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