Copyright 2002 Christian Loweth All rights reserved. You are granted permission to distribute this in any way you see fit as long as it’s in toto and this notice is included.

The poster is the author.

12.13.02
The Roman Catholic Church hasn’t learned a thing

Cardinal Law’s resignation was accepted by the Pope today. The Cardinal will be reassigned to another position. This is known in bureaucratese as a “lateral shuffle”.

This is the same tactic Cardinal Law used in dealing with alleged pedophile priests.

Despite their protestations otherwise, the Roman Catholic church clearly hasn’t learned a thing. When threatened it retreats, almost reflexively it seems, back into time honored behaviors. This latest episode demonstates that such tactics are endemic and pervade the Church to it’s very pinnacle.

To expect internal reform given recent events is laughable. Clearly, another authority needs to step in and grab the bull by the horns. Let’s examine this a bit closer.

The evidence clearly suggests crimes have been committed. Individual priests have allegedly engaged in sexual activities with minors. Those priests are members of an organization that supports them. In turn the priests engage in pastoral activities that support the organization.

Essentially this is the definition of racketeering. To elaborate:
The priests allegedly involved engage in illegal activities under the cover of their socially acceptable (pastoral) activities.
Their socially acceptable activities support a larger organization: The Roman Catholic Church.
The Church profits from the priests legitimate activities.
The priests allegedly involved are provided support for their illegal and legal activities by the Church.
Additionally, the Church provides solace and protection for the priests’ alleged illegal activities. This allows the furtherance of allegedly illegal activities by the priests.
That the priests engage in legitimate activities is only incidental to the issue at hand. Their legitimate activities have provided a cover for their alleged crimes.

Despite who or what organization is involved, whether secular or religious, regardless whether there are state/religious issues involved, crimes have been committed against the citizens of the United States. It’s clear at this point that Federal Prosecutors are obligated to step in and utilize the provisions of RICO. (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970)

There may be several reasons why prosectors may not be very enthusiastic about pursuing these cases. First: it would be enormously difficult. When motivated, this hasn’t been a factor in the past. Second: separation of church and state, a specious argument. This was never intended to cover criminal activities. And finally, it wouldn’t be very popular in certain quarters. Again, a specious argument. Crimes have been committed. Prosecutors are obliged to pursue the criminals. The alleged criminals in this instance include not only individuals, but the organization they support and that supports them. Only then can real reform occur.

I am in agreement. That organization is unethical and ultimately unlawful.

YEA people are afraid to testify. Seperation of church and state NEVER meant Unlawfu activity