Why especially clergy, as opposed to teachers, coaches, parents, family friends, neighbors, random strangers on the bus, or fellow students?
Do you think it’s always wrong for a 17-year-old (assuming “minors” means under 18) to engage in sexual advances or sexual acts? What if one person is 17 and one is 18? What if one person is 16 and one is 19? What if one is 17 and one is 23? What if one is 14 and one is 12?
My point is that we make these sweeping statements, but when it comes down to the point, most people wouldn’t say that an 18-year-old boy shouldn’t try to touch or kiss a 17-year-old girl. And what if they’re the same sex? I think *any* sexual behavior aimed at the same sex is wrong, but expressing that opinion would get me thrown out of Canada, like Ann Coulter.
In my opinion, when we accept *any* sexual behavior outside marriage, we’re opening the door to be unable to articulate any firm standards at all.
Why clergy? Children who may have developed an inner sense that sexual molestation is wrong may not trust that instinct. And then you add in eternal salvation it is becomes much more complicated. Children then develop belief if they do not comply with criminal behavior they will then be denied salvation.