Giving Alms Should Cover Several Bases

Daily Press
March 8, 2019

https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/opinion/editorials/giving-alms-should-cover-several-bases/article_c9b2e715-8fd6-52f7-bd71-25d9ef740339.html

For members of Roman Catholic and mainline Christian churches, Lent began March 6 with Ash Wednesday. And this year, it came on with a bit more controversy than usual.

As more news emerges about child molesters among the clergy, church members are increasingly reluctant to "give alms" to bishops who enabled the predatory priests. A Washington Post column appearing in the Daily Press - written by a Catholic - made that point. In his way of thinking, tithes are directly controlled by the bishops, and a number of these men have blood on their hands.

Many people are outraged by how children have been systematically taken advantage of. They argue the mandatory celibacy of priests is a factor, because it attracts candidates who are sexually "disordered." And although certain church officials may refer to LGBT people that way, it is certainly not the intent in this context. Sexually mature individuals, whether gay or straight, feel compelled to enter into relationships. It takes a special person to commit to permanent celibacy, and as we've seen, many priests and bishops in recent history may have indeed been "special," but not in a good way.

Outside observers may not believe it, but Pope Francis has done more than any pontiff in modern history to acknowledge this scourge. An important element is the willingness of law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial bodies to put pressure on church officials. When children are being harmed, no member of the clergy has a right to hide behind "freedom of religion" to wriggle out of legal ramifications.

There are few these days who believe anyone can be "cured" of pedophilia. Pedophiles are born with their "preference," and they can no more change that predilection than gay or straight folks. And the suggestion that homosexuality is related in any way to pedophilia is repulsive and ignorant - the kind of ignorance that touts a flat earth or draconian forms of public execution. Also outrageous is the willingness of some Catholics to wear blinders when it comes to pedophilia, while zealously demanding the eradication of abortion. Aren't the young victims of predators entitled to the protection of pro-life advocates, or do only "pure" fetuses deserve that honor?

But when it comes to denying money to the church in retribution for the horrors committed by an alarming swath of the clergy, other considerations must come into play. For one, the church does exceptional work with the poor, unwed mothers, handicapped individuals and other social justice issues that many Americans consider important. For another, the "church," regardless of denomination, is actually the people who are members, not the clergy itself.

Catholic clergy aren't the only ones preying on children. That happens in any vocation, or any church, where contact with youngsters is expected, and easy. Singling out Catholics is failing to acknowledge predators who lurk elsewhere. And punishing the offending clergy by withholding alms or tithes will harm "the least of these," while it will tar with the same brush untold numbers of fine priests and bishops who have faithfully served their parishes and dioceses.

So if you're giving alms this Lenten season, you should still think of the church you attend. And at the same time, there are several other good suggestions: Help In Crisis, CASA, Hope House, Habitat for Humanity, the Men's Shelter, Zoe Institute and its day center for homeless, Humane Society and others. The best suggestion is to share the wealth, and help as many organizations as you can.