Dear Children,

Like you, I have been profoundly distressed by the current turmoil about sexual abuse. There is much about which to be distressed.

Some priests violated the sacred trust placed in them by the Church and its faithful followers. Some abuses were isolated incidents, moral slips by men who otherwise have lived good lives. Tragically, some were repeated violations that evidence a deeply flawed character. Perhaps the former can be healed and returned to useful service; for the latter, we require a strong criminal-justice system.

A few bishops failed to properly address the problem in their dioceses. I shudder to think that any did so willingly. More likely, they acted on the advice of “experts” who advised on the medical or scientific beliefs of the time. Some of these crimes happened years ago and we have learned a few things since then.

The media have pounced on the situation and there is a growing feeding frenzy of criticism. The general media are so engulfed by political correctness that they find it virtually impossible to understand the Church and its faith. What could be more politically incorrect than a faith that asks its priests to live a celibate life of service and sacrifice? And what could be more terrifying to politically correct libertines in the media than the possibility that problems of abuse may have something to do with homosexuality?

The media and much of the public (including, unfortunately, many nominal Catholics) don't understand why the Holy Father doesn't make decisions like a politician, following the majority will of the people as shown in the latest polls. Of course, there was a man who made a decision about the administration of justice by public poll that profoundly affected the Church. Pilate took a poll and, based on the results, released Barabbas.

Letter to My Children

People who don't much like Catholics are taking advantage of the situation to advance their own agendas. The crisis is painted in terms of liberals vs. conservatives, Americans vs. the Third World, men vs. women, gays vs. straights.

I saw a study that said priests abuse children no more often than other people. I'm not sure whether that somehow exonerates priests or simply condemns the rest of us. I expect it simply proves that something in our society has gone terribly wrong.

In fact, the problem is that we are humans. And ever since Adam, Eve, a snake and an apple got together, humans have failed. Most of us, I know, have not sexually abused a child. But all of us have had good reason to use the sacrament of penance.

I understand the Holy Father goes to confession nearly every day. By that measure, I expect most of us should be confessing hourly. Many have suffered from abuse. Many also have suffered from false accusations. There is much anger and hurt that the sacraments must transform into forgiveness and healing.

There will be much political posturing, analysis and gnashing of teeth in the near future. We would be better served by greater prayer and sacrifice. I expect an hour of adoration is worth more than the average piece of legislation. Judas, Nero, Hitler, Stalin and Luther failed to derail Christ's Church. She has survived sinful priests, inept bishops and greedy popes. Satan himself has been unable to destroy her. Neither will the current crisis.

The gates of hell will not prevail. I hope, with me, you remain eternally grateful to be a Catholic.

Love, Your Dad. Jim Fair writes from Chicago.