BishopAccountability.org
	Bishop's 'Truth' Fails Test By Tracy McGillis The In-Forum October 23, 2011 http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/338075/group/Opinion/ I find it offensive that Fargo Bishop Samuel Aquila would allude to the idea that the Catholic Church will "have to stand for the truth" and "speak clearly to the truth no matter what the cost." Apparently this only applies when they are trying to suppress the rights and freedoms of women and homosexuals. In the "Aquila: Catholic freedoms attacked" article dated Oct. 16, Aquila was referring to the Catholic Church's choice to close Catholic adoption agencies in states that have legalized same-sex unions, the new government mandate to require private insurers to provide women with coverage for contraception and sterilization and a woman's right to choose. Sexual abuse within the Catholic Church has destroyed generations of individuals, families and communities. Just recently, charges of failing to report suspected child abuse were brought against a Kansas City bishop because he did not follow the church's own policies and procedures when child pornography was found on a priest's computer. That priest has been charged with possession and production of child pornography. The bishop was aware of the illegal behavior in December but did not report it to police until May. In fairness, there were restrictions placed on this priest, but he wasn't monitored and still managed to be in contact with children during this time. How does "standing for the truth" and "speaking clearly to the truth no matter what the cost" apply here? The truth seemingly has no place when referring to the sexual misconduct of the leaders in the Catholic religious hierarchy. The many victims who continue to suffer from the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse that has been rampant in the Catholic Church cannot find solace in Bishop Aquila's message on truth, and neither can I. In fact, I find the irony in his words appalling.
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