Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson Gives Advice to Pope Benedict

While the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church has disingenuously tried to blame that Church's sex abuse problems on gays, it is an ironic turn that the Washington Post is carrying and op-ed column by a gay Episcopal bishop that politely takes Pope Benedict XVI to task and underscores the difference in the manner his church and the Catholic Church have address sexual abuse problems involving clergy. I do not deny that sexual abuse happens in other denominations and in the public sector such as schools. However, how these other institutions have dealt with the problem in contrast to the Catholic Church is where the moral bankruptcy of the Catholic Church leadership becomes so shockingly clear. Unfortunately, until such time as (1) the Catholic Church abandons its feudal structure (where the Pope serves as King while the bishops and cardinals function as lords controlling the laity/serfs), and (2) the requirement of celibacy which attracts psychologically unhealthy individuals is eliminated, I do not see the any of the recommendations being adopted. Here are some highlights:
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Though our churches differ in many ways, we believe in the same God. As your brother in Christ, it pains me to see Catholics struggle with your response to recent allegations of sex abuse by priests. Since my denomination has also battled these demons, I want to share with you what I have learned as a bishop of the Episcopal Church.
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[F]or instances involving children, we have no statute of limitations on reporting abuse. Those suspected of committing child abuse are immediately reported to the civil authorities for investigation.
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Rather than refusing to acknowledge our transgressions, we sought to change our church's culture -- an effort that took no small amount of courage. In my diocese in New Hampshire, and across the Episcopal Church, we perform a thorough background check on every bishop, priest or deacon who serves under my authority. We correspond with every employer the clergyperson has ever had and every bishop under whom the clergyperson has ever served to determine whether there is a history of complaints.
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Events with and for children may never be conducted without two adults present and always in view of each other. This protects children from abusive behavior and protects adults who might be falsely charged. Many of our parishes have installed windows in the clergy office doors, so that no activity -- even private counseling -- may go unobserved.
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I believe it is misguided and wrong for gay men to be scapegoated in this scandal. As a gay man, I know the pain and the verbal and physical violence that can come from the thoroughly debunked myth connecting homosexuality and the abuse of children. In the media, representatives of and advocates for the Roman Catholic Church have laid blame for sexual abuse at the feet of gay priests. These people know, or should know, that every reputable scientific study shows that homosexuals are no more or less likely to be child abusers than heterosexuals. Psychologically healthy homosexual men are no more drawn to little boys than psychologically healthy heterosexual men are drawn to little girls.
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You will not rid your church of sexual abuse by throwing homosexuals out of your seminaries or out of the priesthood. Homosexual priests have faithfully and responsibly served God throughout Catholic history. To scapegoat them and deprive them of their pulpits is a tragedy for the people they serve and for the church. Yours is a problem of abuse, not sexual orientation.