[servantboy777]

I think the thing that is puzzling is that the catholic church allows pedophile priest to repent and come back to the table, but those abused in many cases cannot.

When a child's innocence has been stolen by someone they trust, especially a clergy member, their life is sent into a downward spiral.

I've known many that held the secret for decades. Gone through self medication with alcohol/drugs to kill the pain, multiple marriages/divorces, addiction to pornography, anger and trust issues.....leaves that person deeply wounded.

The abusing priest gets shuffled to another diocese, goes though counseling and many times restored to his ministry....the abused is left to struggle a lifetime of emotional, spiritual dysfunction.

[TSgt]

The core doctoral issue of forgive and forget has been explored many times here on FR.

Victims are supposed to forgive and forget while supposedly rehabilitated priests go on to offend or are quietly retired.

And they wonder why their credibility is shot.