Fair and balanced articles give us no concern. Attacks on the church, whether subtle or blatant, concern us deeply. Often the attacks result simply from the failure of writers to verify "facts" before including them in articles.
What to look for
As you read a newspaper and happen upon an item concerning the church ask yourself questions such as:
- Did the reporters get their facts straight?
- Did they check with any Catholic authorities for verification?
- Were the stories balanced? (There is almost always more than one side to a story.)
- Were negative aspects emphasized and positive aspects ignored?
Where to look
Attacks on the church can regularly be found in editorials, opinion columns, cartoons (in comic sections as well as on the editorial pages) --- and in "news" articles.
Sexual abuse scandal
GET THE FACTS! If you care to inform yourself about the nature and quantity of sexual abuse of minors and adolescents by priests in the United States look at the study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice entitlted
The Nature and Scope… Every act of abuse is abhorrent! BUT, more than 95% of our priest did not do this! It is NOT fair to tar them with the same brush! Support your local priest. He has given his life, in a desire to bring God’s word to all, to our church. He has given up family and progeny to help others. He is entitled to your love and support.
Politician Scandal
When prominent, Catholic people, politicians, community leaders etc. take a public position on moral issues such as abortion which is contrary to church teaching they give great scandal. If left uncorrected they will mislead the faithful. The Catholic Parents OnLine web site presents a very good analysis of recent abuses and reaction by Catholic bishops. See “
A Primer on Canon 915” at their site.
AbortionGay MarriageAre Catholics “Homophobic”?
Discussion.