I enjoy the contributions to The Catholic Leader from lay members of our faith community, particularly when we are reminded about the centrality of a loving family environment into which our most vulnerable young and older can be nourished by faith in Jesus.
It is good however to see some thought being given to the murkier side of life that clearly affects us all.
Like Selina Venier, I too am confronted by the accounts, in the recent 4 Corners TV program, of such dreadful abuses inflicted on children from those who had taken an oath to serve and love God and the people of God, and not harm them.
As parents we have an enormous amount of trust placed in us to love and care for our children and while it is hard to believe anyone could abuse children, we must try also to understand that the majority of sexual, physical and emotional abuse suffered by children originates within the home and wider family circle.
Selina makes a good point that we should pray for the honourable clergy and religious who continue to serve God amid these allegations of abuse.
These men and women can be proud of their vocation, which is an inspiration to all people.
David Mapstone
The Gap, QLD
