After latest abuse revelation, more than Catholics should be trying to fix the church: Readers sound off The scandal is a reflection on the entire nation, and we all must fight against bad actors to protect children

USA TODAY

Letter edited for length and clarity:

For years, we have lived through continuing media coverage about sexual abuse of children by Catholic clergy. It’s been so pervasive that it triggered responses by the pope. Yet, it is still a shock to learn this week from a grand jury report that more than 1,000 children were being abused by at least 300 priests in Pennsylvania. For more than 60 years, there was a coordinated effort to conceal this abuse. This situation should be revolting to everyone, Catholic or not! We cannot as a society continue to look the other way. It is everyone’s problem. Do we not have the backbone to hold these church leaders accountable? Go to church this Sunday and keep in mind politics and political correctness must stop at the door, and our kids must honestly feel the church is a safe harbor.

James W. Anderson; Talladega, Ala.

Facebook comments edited for length and clarity:

This is beyond revolting. The main priority is the church's image, which means its ability to keep collecting donations. Its tax-free status should be ended. That'll wake them up. I'll never donate another cent — no-one should.

—Callie Smith

This is well beyond comprehension how the church could turn its back on thousands of abuse cases at the hands of perverted priests. There should be a demand for thorough investigations, indictments and convictions. No settlements. Zero.

—Michael Anthony Shea

Is it any wonder that no matter a person's faith in God so many are leaving churches and religion behind?

—Robin Cox

A priest doing this does about as much harm to Christ's church as possible. These victims may be permanently turned off by Christianity, not able to separate the sin of one man from the church. Plus there is damage done to the church's image in a hostile, secular-dominated world. These priests should have been excommunicated and turned over to the police. Yes, church leaders must forgive priests if they ask, and God can forgive them in the hereafter if they're really contrite. But they still must be punished, to discourage future abusers and for the sake of the victims.

—Jack Maxwell

Some dioceses have made strides in ensuring that their clergy are honorable, decent and caring. They have purged the cancer that once lived inside them. The Vatican has been increasingly vocal and has initiated steps to see that there is no recurrence of these crimes. However, other dioceses have stonewalled and used legal maneuvering to avoid their responsibility and obligations to those who were victimized.

Time has not diminished these atrocities to any great degree, and restitution, holding the perpetrators accountable and public mea culpas are obligations in every diocese where these offenses occurred.

—Jim Peck

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