They probably were. Unlike you who live in fantasyland, I understand that humans will act like humans. All, and I mean all, human institutions are corrupt in small and big ways. Has been since the beginning of time. To believe that ones own institutions are saintly and infallible denotes a bit of immaturity.
Immaturity? You are too nice.
I would say: stupidity.
“To believe that ones own institutions are saintly and infallible denotes a bit of immaturity”
I never said that Tonto. I posted an article about the Catholic Church and slavery. The Catholic Church is made up of men, and as such made mistakes like anyone else. No one is perfect, but you want to tar and feather the Catholic Church for all the sins of the world.