French Intellectuals Pen ‘Appeal to Truth’ In Support of Benedict XVI

Andrew Cusack ^ | March 31, 2010 | Andrew Cusack

[Desdemona]

APPEL À LA VÉRITÉ

The cases of pedophilia in the Church are, for all Catholics, a source of profound grief and great sorrow. From members of the Church hierarchy were, in some cases, serious deficiencies and failures, and we welcome the Pope’s wish to shed light on these cases.

With the bishops, and as members of the Church, lay Catholics bear the brunt of the crimes of certain priests and failures of their superiors; they fall firmly, as Christ taught, on the side of those who suffer most from these crimes, the victims, while praying for the culprits.

As for us, we hope with all our hearts that the whole truth comes out and all in the Catholic Church that could enable these offenses brought to Christ should be discussed calmly and amicably amongst all men and women of good will.

At the same time, we regret the runaway and provocative press that accompany these cases. Beyond the legitimate & democratic right to information, we can only note with sadness, as Christians but also as citizens, that many media in our country (and in the West in general) treat these cases with bias, ignorance, or delight. Shourtcuts in generalizations, the portrait of the Church which is currently done in the press does not match the experiences of Catholic Christians.

While reiterating our horror at the crime of pedophile priests and our solidarity with the victims, we urge the media to an ethic of responsibility that would undertake a more ethical treatment of these cases. The effects of runaway media are, by far, reserved to the Church, but we are tired of and battered by this thrashing. We think of so many priests who courageously, and sometimes in solitude, bear the message of Christ.

We are with them.

[Desdemona]

another interesting statement. The full article gives the list of signatories.

[RobbyS]

Not that it matters that much, but pederasty not pedophilia is the problem. Pederasty is homosexual behavior, pure and simple.

[Global2010]

My archaic browser would not allow me to access that page.

Can someone cut and paste the article to me in FRmail so I can read it. Please.

Thanks! Global and KV