By Donald A. Collins | 5 October 2021
Church and State

The recent surfacing of two major Catholic Church hierarchy scandals only proves the adage “Tis human to err”. But these are truly massive abuse stories.
Read the latest here and here.
Years into attorney general probe of Maryland Catholic church, survivors wonder where it stands https://t.co/IflaXIvIUT
— Peter Hermann (@phscoop) October 4, 2021
Some 216,000 children have been sexually abused by members of the French Catholic clergy since 1950, an independent inquiry has found – It warned that the number could rise to 330,000 when abuse by lay members of the Church was included https://t.co/5faav25XtE pic.twitter.com/w1krGy66oT
— George Roussos (@baphometx) October 5, 2021
This second story about the French history of Catholic sexual abuse of children, which just broke today is so horrendous this quote from the BBC article gives you the shivers:
Some 216,000 children – mostly boys – have been sexually abused by clergy in the French Catholic Church since 1950, a damning new inquiry has found.
The head of the inquiry said there were at least 2,900-3,200 abusers, and accused the Church of showing a “cruel indifference towards the victims”.
Pope Francis “felt pain” on hearing about the inquiry’s finding, a Vatican statement said.
One of those abused said it was time the Church reassessed its actions.
François Devaux, who is also the founder of the victims’ association La Parole Libérée (Freed speech), said there had been a “betrayal of trust, betrayal of morale, betrayal of children”.
The inquiry found the number of children abused in France could rise to 330,000, when taking into account abuses committed by lay members of the Church, such as teachers at Catholic schools.
For Mr Devaux it marked a turning point in France’s history: “You have finally given institutional recognition to victims of all the Church’s responsibility – something that bishops and the Pope have not yet been prepared to do.
Like the sexual scandal which exposed the Boy Scouts, we know the obvious secular truth that sexual misbehavior will continue—but will it be unabated?
However, the embracing of religious beliefs in deciding secular policies is not what our Country’s founders, mostly deists, intended.
Now, having anointed themselves with holy water—whatever that is—the RC leadership again excoriated President Biden for his position on abortion choice.
The abortion issue certain will be adjudicated in this term’s session of the US Supreme Court, probably killing Roe v Wade, after this 1973 decision helped provide women safe, mostly early abortions for 48 years. The Mississippi abortion law now up for consideration by the Court law may be approved by the Court, truly a major setback for safe, efficacy and accessibility. You can read the facts here.
Abortion providers told the Supreme Court on Monday that approving a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks would “scuttle a half-century of precedent and invite states to ban abortion entirely.” https://t.co/iUOWFvn0Y7
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 13, 2021
After reading these Catholic hierarchy stories of abuse, one cannot believe the attackers of the right to choose have ANY moral authority to question the right to abortion choice. In fact these Justices simply should not have that right, but they will.
Your recall of course Trump’s successful ideological packing of the Supreme Court with three religiously ideological justices.
The hypocritical outrageousness of the likely Supreme Court’s possible decision is my principal point in this opinion piece: These dangerous religious and political assaults on the Supreme Court and our other key institutions endanger the bedrocks of our democracy.
Trump’s abetting of deep racial hatred’s—remember his “There are good people on both sides” after the Charlottesville assault? And his role in the January 6th insurrection? These are but 2 examples of his evil years in office. But now, out of office, not yet convicted and in control of one of our two major parties, we stand in awe of how our justice system has to date failed to stop this potential tyrant who wraps himself in American flags and promises freedom when the opposite is true.
Scary especially now as the result of Trump’s lying and intimidating behavior is the fact that the GOP’s Congressional leadership has stopped governing at a crucial time in our troubled history.
Man, Trump’s 2nd term is going to make his 1st term look like a walk in the park. I hope somebody persuades Biden and Schumer to read this article. Because if they don’t rein in the filibuster and pass voting rights legislation, you ain’t see nothing yet. https://t.co/wvBdfJR65l
— Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) September 25, 2021
If you feel no outrage at these devastating developments, you must like the Proud Boys or believe the mouthings of Fox News’ Tucker Carlson or Fox’s deep throat companions.
As too many of our citizens ignore our future and indulge in fantasies, like avoiding wearing masks or vaccines during our current Delta surge, all of us will reap the consequences of these moral lapses.
Those of us who care for secular wellbeing must not allow religious orthodoxy and felonious criminal behavior to stand in the way of justice.
The 2022 midterm elections will have crucial effect on our future.

"From the Dissident Left: A Collection of Essays 2004-2013": https://t.co/lkC2t3E1A9
"Trump Becoming Macbeth: Will our democracy survive?": https://t.co/tl3zSD7whn
"We Humans Overwhelm Our Earth: 11 or 2 Billion by 2100?": https://t.co/TA4j7cp1tE pic.twitter.com/mH1PSnoh17— Church and State (@ChurchAndStateN) July 1, 2021
French clergy sexually abused 216,000 minors: Report
200,000 children assaulted by French Catholic clergy over past 70 years says report – BBC News
Supreme Court begins new term dominated by abortion rights
Supreme Court Agenda Dominated By Abortion, Gun Rights, Religion Issues
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