Comments on: Why am I still here? In this Church, that is.

By: Mary DeTurris Poust

Mary DeTurris Poust — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:00:57 +0000

Dear Christine,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your pain, and your faith here.
Peace and blessings,
Mary

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:35:24 +0000

I praise God for the openness of this document and the courage of the victims who fought for justice. I thank God for NCR that publishes this information. I thank God for all the Bishops who have removed all priests with any trace of sexual abuse, and for those priest who are innocent and removed, I thank God for their willingness to suffer on behalf of this issue. I thank God for parents, victims and all who remain faithful to Christ in the midst of such sin. I thank God for priests who remain faithful in the face of such embarrassment. I pray that all will understand the innate power and role of human sexuality and treat it with the dignity that the Sacrament of Marriage provides. I pray for myself, that I, too, heal from the wounds of a sexualized culture and work to forgive, embrace and challenge all those stained by sexual addiction and all the victims of such abuse. I am a rape victim, and I am a wounded believer. We can overcome.

By: ElizabethK2

ElizabethK2 — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:12:25 +0000

I stay because I want to be part of bringing the Church into a better future. I have struggled with staying due to the abuse issue and other things as well. But then I remember that I, too, am the Church and the change needs to come from within. I stay because of the much greater numbers of very good people are that part of the Church, both laity and clergy.

By: Michele B.

Michele B. — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 10:07:53 +0000

I stay because I love all that the Church teaches to be proclaimed by God! I struggle to stay because it is difficult to find others (including priests!) to proclaim it to the fullest! Your post was spot on, Mary. And thanks to Blogs such as yours, we can be uplifted by the cyber community that reminds us that Christ already won the victory and we are fed by the beautiful truth our Church teaches. May God have mercy on us all!

By: BeHonest

BeHonest — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:25:55 +0000

Amen!

By: BeHonest

BeHonest — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:21:53 +0000

In reply to Maria Evans. Amen! I love Catholicism it is so rich! I feel everyone has valid points and they have a right to feel and be angry! But walking away wouldn't solve anything! I'm hoping and praying for all parties! Justice will prevail regardless of the matter...

By: BeHonest

BeHonest — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 08:09:49 +0000

I can you I am still Catholic cause I am cradle Catholicand I believe in the Laws of the Church. Regardless if some of the people and priest choices have me smh it is not my place to judge. Or to The wrongs of people who have done wrong through out the years. And I stay grounded and defend my Faith against ignorant fall away Catholics and ignorant Protestant who think they have a say. Yes the church has done some wrong that can’t be denied or ignored. However, that has nothing to do with my walk with the faith! And til the day I die I will be Catholic defend my Faith and let people to know to stay in their lane. Especially if they don’t know all aspect of the religion. But seem to know the wrong of the Church like the back of their/my hand. The devil is truly busy, I tell you… Stay in prayer! Reading your point of views are always very refreshing. Stay Blessed my Sister in Christ!

By: elizabethk

elizabethk — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 03:50:55 +0000

Have you read/seen this? — How does the liberalpress not shout this from the mountain tops?
http://www.channel3000.com/news/middleton-teacher-placed-at-new-school-amid-controversy/-/1648/24041480/-/y6qq1mz/-/index.html

By: Dennis Poust

Dennis Poust — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 01:10:05 +0000

Wow. Thank you for this perspective. Amen.

By: Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 23:38:17 +0000

I stay when I remember Jesus’ words, ” Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

I stay because I love the Church and all the good people who have been part of my life.

I stay because I love Jesus and this is His Body.