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You are correct- but I am beginning to think better of Martin Luther (that humorless zealot)- the Church in his time was even more corrupt than it is now. That said, I have not met a Priest who impressed me as a moral leader in at least the past 10 or 15 years. I HAVE met quite a few who looked and acted like refugees from a National Gay Day Festival. I also have deep suspicions about the Bishops who have failed to prosecute Priests who they KNEW were molesting children. What would a THOROUGH housecleaning turn up, I wonder?

I understand what you're saying. My basic problem with Martin Luther is that he was so full of pride that he assumed that the Church COULDN'T be reformed so he just walked out and went his own way. In fact, the Church was in the process of an internal reformation at that very time. I honestly believe that the Church is the Bride of Christ and that He will never abandon her.

As for your issues with priests, I can't say that I've had similar experiences. Sure, I've met the occasional one who's been a little too effeminate for comfort or a bit too disrespectful of his office, but most of the priests that I come into contact with on a regular basis are exemplars of the vocation.

Finally, I hope there IS a thorough housecleaning in the American Catholic Church. I know what they're likely to find in a lot of dioceses and it won't be pretty. But it IS necessary if future scandals are to be avoided and the Church put in the proper shape to address its primary mission: To spread the Gospel of Christ to all people.