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I to have known many good seminarians and priests over the years (one of them my brother). I do believe that celibacy is not the cause of the abuse but might help contribute to the conditions for it. My brother was in the seminary and committed suicide, while going through his personal effects after his death I came across items that lead me to believe that he had been abused. This was before all the abuse reports started to be reported in the press. Do I blame the catholic church, NO. My brother choose to do what he did, as any person chooses to sin or not to sin. The cause of abuse in the church or out of it is directly linked to man being sinful. As I stated at the beginning of this post I have known many good priests and pastors for that matter, but I have also known several that were not good (that let sin rule their lives). The problem is sin and the only answer for it within the clergy or out is JESUS!!!

The problem is sin and the only answer for it within the clergy or out is JESUS!!!

Amen!!! That IS the point isn't it? Why some think going into the ministry will magically cure all their sinful desires, I do not know. It is not the "calling" itself, but the surrendering of the called to be completely yielded to God in ALL things. This is an aspiration for all Christians and not just in an open ministerial role.

I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I hope you and your family have found comfort and healing in the Lord.