St. Pat Msgr. Hits Gays On Scandal / Blames woes on 'disorder,' U.S. immorality

New York Daily News ^ | 4/22/02 | NICOLE BODE and GREG GITTRICH

[kattracks]

Edward Cardinal Egan's stand-in at St. Patrick's Cathedral pointedly blamed the priest sex abuse scandal yesterday on homosexuality, a "sex-saturated" society and a constant assault on celibacy by liberals.

In a 15-minute homily from the most prominent Roman Catholic pulpit in the city, Msgr. Eugene Clark labeled the United States "probably the most immoral country" in the Western hemisphere. He also called homosexuality "a disorder" and said gay men shouldn't be allowed to become priests.

Clark, 76, a longtime key player and conservative voice in the Archdiocese of New York, delivered his stinging homily as Egan and other U.S. cardinals left for Rome to meet with the Pope about priestly pedophilia.

After preaching about forgiveness, Clark detailed reasons he believes some priests victimized children. He appeared to place most of the blame on homosexuality, saying the theory that people are born gay "is not true."

"The tendency to homosexuality is a disorder, not a sin," he said. "But the practice of homosexuality is truly sinful."

Some parishioners in the packed pews shifted uneasily, others nodded in agreement and a few walked out. But Clark continued, arguing that it was a "grave mistake" to allow gays in the priesthood. He blamed American society for being "very protective" of homosexuality.

"Homosexuality became in the American exchange of views a protected area," he said. "And unfortunately ... homosexual students were allowed to pass through seminaries. Grave mistake. Not because homosexuals in anyway tend to criminality, but because it is a disorder."

'The Most Immoral Country'

Clark also criticized what he called "the campaign of liberal America against celibacy."

He theorized that priests who have a tendency toward sexually abusing children — a group he pegged at 3% of the nation's clergy — were affected by a barrage of sinful images in society.

"Liberated sex is offered to people all day long, all evening long," he said. "There is nothing quite like it."

"We know — we won't mention it outside the cathedral — we are probably the most immoral country certainly in the Western hemisphere and maybe the larger circle because of the entertainment we suffer and what it's done to our [country's] morals ...," Clark said.

Christine Schubert of St. Paul dashed out of the cathedral midway through the homily. "I left because I realized I have no desire to be connected with the institution of the Catholic Church," said Schubert, 27. "I thought, wouldn't it be great if the entire church walked out?"

But few did. Most parishioners stayed, and many applauded Clark after his sermon.

Marianne Duddy, executive director of Dignity/USA, the nation's largest organization of gay Catholics, called Clark's comments linking the sex scandal with homosexuality "incredibly horrifying and irresponsible."

"This is a poor attempt to deflect attention away from the church's culpability for the sexual abuse of minors by priests and its attempt to cover it up for decades," she added.

But Catholic League President William Donohue praised Clark. "He makes a great deal of sense and to have this said so articulately by one of the brighter priests in the New York area is very encouraging," Donohue said.

"The internal problem in the church is a lack of governance and due to diligence," he added. "But there is no question about it — this is a societywide problem that goes way beyond the Catholic Church."

With Gretchen E. Weber

[Stone Mountain]

"Do you believe in God, in the Birth of Christ and the resurection of Christ?"

Watch how they answer this question. You will be amazed at how many will admit right up front that they dont'. If they say yes, have them sign a pledge that if you find out later they lied about these critical foundations, they will be terminated for cause with no parachute package. If they don't sign the pledge, they are out of consideration.

How would you determine that they lied about this? Also, what if they believed it at the time they signed it, but later developed some doubts?

[Grampa Dave]

If they developed doubts about the basic tenants/faith of the Christian religion, they have zero business representing God as a priest or minister.

What was amazing in both of the interview sessions where I asked this question was the number who said that they didn't.

Also, I spent a lot years interviewing people for clearances in the military in the recruiting stage, and I became very adept at spotting most liars. Those skills were polished in business in interviewing future employees. Were they perfect no, but I got pretty good at it.

Do you support a priest or minister who does not believe in god, the birth of Jesus, the Death of Jesus and his ressurection? I feel that is the ultimate in being dishonest and being a thief!

[Stone Mountain]

Do you support a priest or minister who does not believe in god, the birth of Jesus, the Death of Jesus and his ressurection? I feel that is the ultimate in being dishonest and being a thief!

Sure, I certainly believe that anyone who doesn't believe that has no business becoming a priest. What I meant by my first question is that when you said, "if you find out later they lied about these critical foundations, they will be terminated for cause," I just couldn't see any way to find out if they were lying...

[Stone Mountain]

What was amazing in both of the interview sessions where I asked this question was the number who said that they didn't.

That really is bizarre. These were people who were already clergymen? What's the point?

Also, I spent a lot years interviewing people for clearances in the military in the recruiting stage...

You didn't mean that you asked that question to people you were investigating for military recruitment, did you?

[Lancey Howard]

Clark has the guts to stand up and speak truth.
It's about time somebody made people "shift uneasily" in their pews.

If there were more people like Clark around, the Catholic Church would not have any of their parishoners voting for scumbags like Clinton and the rest of the scumbag liberals. I fear it may be too late, though. One lone voice is not enough.

[Grampa Dave]

This was at a seminary, and they weren't priests yet!

My comments about interviewing in the military and in business was the development of the ability to spot variances re his/her background, educational, lack of a police record and employment history in the interview process. Then having it confirmed with the data from the back ground checks. It had nothing to do with religion.

If a priest or minister becomes a non believer and states that later. He/she has no business being a priest or minister! End of discussion, end of employment.