Friday, February 3, 2012

An Archdiocese Fighting to Survive

Jesus would not be proud of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, fighting to survive as it goes through bankruptcy proceedings.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/03/us/milwaukee-archdiocese-angers-many-by-contesting-abuse-claims.html?_r=1&ref=us


Over 550 people have filed financial claims against the Archdiocese to receive some kind of compensation for sexual abuse by priests or church employees.


Let's set aside what Jesus might say or do to the perpetrators and overseers of abuse. ("It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble" Luke 16:2). 


What would he say to the administrators who want to throw out 95% of the claims because the abuse occurred more than six years ago or the abusers were not technically employees of the Archdiocese?


Jesuits, Franciscans, etc. are employed by their orders, not by the Archdiocese.  Furthermore, officials argue, parish employees are not hired by the Archdiocese.  Survivors of abuse should sue only the parish or the particular order to which a priest may have belonged.


The Archdiocese's goal is to save money, not souls.


Jesus had quite a few things to say about those who place money above God's values. 


The only time he lost his temper was with moneychangers cheating people in the temple courtyard.


One need not dig very deep into the Gospels to find Jesus' words on trying to hang onto your money.  It's right there in the Sermon on the Mount.


"You cannot serve God and wealth" (Matthew 6:24).


"Give to everyone who begs from you..." (Matthew 5:42).


The Archdiocese may survive as an institution through its machinations, but its soul is already dead.

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