jim wrote in message
...
But, to find out that the Catholic church has long
known about the child abuse... and their policy has been to cover it up,
I
would expect many Catholics to re-consider their position.

or to re-affirm their belief's and help make sure it doesn't
happen again.


Only those at the top can ensure that "cover-ups" are not the church policy.
Unless those who decided on or agreed such a policy are removed from the
church, then it will certainly happen again.

With the present pressure for churches to embrace modern ways of life, and
hold modern (man made) standards above the standards of christianity, it is
doubtful if some of the main religions will kick out those who's ways of
life and beliefs are incompatible with someone who is preaching and teaching
the morals in the Bible.

Unless they are willing to do as the Bible says, and remove such people from
the church, then public trust and belief could drop further. To stop the
churches from doing their duty, people will try to claim that it is "unfair"
to discriminate against some people, but the Bible says that they should,
and are even helping such people by expelling them.
Even clubs discriminate, as they are for certain types of people. For
example, can just anyone get into the Magic Circle? I don't hear people
screaming that all clubs should be open to anyone.

Would you accept religious advice from someone who does not even follow the
ways set out by their guide (The Bible), and may even believe that the
religion (or even God) should change to suit him?
Would you be happy letting a child or Grandchild of yours be in the choir of
a church known to allow or even cover up abuse?


all faiths run through trials and come out stronger.
sadly some zealots take it to an extreme...


Each religion seems to believe that their members will go to Heaven, while
those outside their church will go to Hell. As I am sure Chuckie will
agree, going to church makes no difference to whether someone will go to
Heaven.
Going to church, giving yourself a label, or following other men will not
get you to Heaven. People need to get past this labelling scheme, and see
the real issue - who are they following, a priest, a vicar, the pope, Mary,
or Jesus. If they are christians, then they should be following Jesus - no
other division or label is needed.

Following church leaders too closely is like driving too close to the car in
front. You are fine as long as they know their way, are going where you
want to go, and keep going in the same direction... but can you guarantee
that? If they drive off a cliff, you will not see it until it's too late -
and you follow them.




Regards,

Peter.
--

Expel the wicked:
1 Corinthians 5v13:
Divisions among followers:
1 Corinthians 1v10 - 13