The Vatican has distanced itself from remarks by a top prelate who stirred anger in the gay community by blaming homosexual priests for the child sex abuse scandals rocking the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone says it is homosexuality, not celibacy, that is to blame for the child abuse in the Church.
"Many psychologists and psychiatrists have shown that there is no link between celibacy and paedophilia, but many others have shown, and I've been told recently, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia," he said.
"That is the truth. I read it in a document written by psychologists, so that is the problem."
Cardinal Bertone continued, telling reporters that child sex abuse was widespread in society. But this did not excuse it in the Church, he said.
"Keep in mind the most important thing is that this pathological illness is a pathological illness that can affect all types of people, with a smaller percentage amongst priests," he said.
"However, the behaviour of these priests in this respect is very negative behaviour, very serious and shocking."
The Vatican later distanced itself from the remarks, saying "psychological or medical" assertions are not in the remit of Church officials.
"Church authorities do not deem it part of their responsibility to make general assertions of a specifically psychological or medical nature," the Vatican said in a statement. Read more - By Brendan Trembath – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Photos
In deep appreciation to Brendan Trembath and the ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) for being a voice of sanity and clarity – extremely beneficial for children, MSK
Vatican: Bishops Must Report Alleged Abuse To Police - by BARBARA BRADLEY HAGERTY - National Public Radio NPR – read more
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Refutes Vatican Official's Statement on Pedophilia and Sexual Orientation – read more
'Halo has been tilted' - South African Catholic clergymen among those condemning Cardinal Bertone - By BIENNE HUISMAN – Times LIVE – read more
It's Not About Homosexuality: Blaming the Wrong People for the Sexual Abuse Crisis – by Rev. James Martin, S.J. – The Huffington Post – read more
Victims slam 'blame-shifting' Vatican – AFP - The Sydney Morning Herald – smh.com.au – read more
Facts About Homosexuality and Child Molestation, Dr. Gregory Herek, University of California at Davis & Yale University & City University of New York – read more
Someday, maybe, there will exist a well-informed, well-considered, and yet fervent public conviction that the most deadly of all possible sins is the mutilation of a child's spirit. Erik Erikson
Flagrant Disregard For All Of Humanity – Being Publicly Demonstrated by Benedict XVI and hierarchy - Failure to Accept Responsibility for Decades of Child Sexual Abuse Cover-ups - read more
Happy Easter! 2010 - Sad Easter! - Benedict XVI - Cover-ups – Defense Orchestration – Kids Are Being Hurt!!! – By MSK – read more
Important note:
No disrespect meant to Pope Benedict XVI or the hierarchy,
the one and only concern is the safety and well-being of children.
Kids Are Being Hurt!!!
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