Published: Saturday, 8 April 2023 7:50:05 PM

Part 1: Exploring the Possible Causes of Clergy Sexual Abuse of Children

There is no doubt that the sexual abuse of children by clergy, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, is a widespread and serious global social problem. While there is no single cause of this phenomenon, there are factors that have been identified as contributing to it.

Celibacy is often cited as a contributing factor to clergy sexual abuse. The requirement for priests to remain celibate is understood to create a sense of isolation and loneliness that can lead to inappropriate sexual behavior. The Catholic Church has also been accused of an ongoing cover up of abuse in order to protect its reputation, this has allowed abusers to continue their behavior unchecked.

Confession is another factor that has been linked to clergy sexual abuse. In many cases, abusers have used the sacrament of confession to gain access to vulnerable women and children. This has been particularly problematic in cases where the abuse was ongoing and the victim was too young or too scared to speak out.

Freedom of religion is often cited as a reason why the Catholic Church has been able to avoid scrutiny and accountability for its handling of clergy sexual abuse. In many cases, the Church has been able to avoid legal action by claiming that it is protected by the Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom.

In addition, there are concerns that Catholics with a sworn first oath of allegiance to the foreign sovereign state of the Vatican have infiltrated policing and the public service, making it difficult to investigate and prosecute cases of clergy sexual abuse. This has created a situation where the Church is effectively policing itself, which has led to a lack of transparency and accountability while directly challenging the right of a foreign state to initiate or condone subversive actions again the sovereignty of Australia.

Part 2: Individual and Social Outcomes of Clergy Sexual Abuse of Children

The consequences of clergy sexual abuse can be devastating for both the individual victim and society as a whole. Victims of abuse often suffer from psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In some cases, they may struggle with addiction or experience difficulty forming healthy relationships.

The effects of clergy sexual abuse can also be felt at a societal level. The Church's handling of abuse has eroded trust in religious institutions and undermined faith in the justice system. This has had a strongly negative and enduring impact on society as a whole.

Part 3: Social and Community Effects of Amending the Constitution and Introducing a National Bill of Rights

There has been growing support in Australia for amending the Constitution and introducing a national Bill of Rights to provide blanket coverage to all Australians. Proponents of this approach argue that it would help to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including children and victims of clergy sexual abuse.

However, there are concerns that such measures could have unintended consequences. For example, some have concerns that amending the Constitution could lead to a loss of national identity and sovereignty.

In conclusion, the sexual abuse of children by clergy is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive response. While there are no easy answers, it is clear that action is needed to address the issue and to ensure that victims receive the support and justice they deserve. This will require a coordinated effort by government, religious institutions, and civil society to work together to create a safer and more just society for all Australians.

Some of the most pressing issues from the above include:

Celibacy: The requirement for priests to remain celibate is a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church, but many believe it has contributed to the problem of clergy sexual abuse. To address this issue, some have suggested relaxing the requirement for celibacy, allowing priests to marry or enter into committed relationships. This could help to alleviate the sense of isolation and loneliness that some priests experience, and could also provide a healthy outlet for their sexual energy.

Confession: Confession is a key part of the Catholic faith, but it has also been used by abusers to gain access to vulnerable children. To address this issue, some have suggested reforming the sacrament of confession to require mandatory reporting of any abuse disclosed during confession. This could help to ensure that abusers are held accountable for their actions.

Freedom of Religion: The protection of religious freedom is an important principle, but it should not be used to shield abusers from justice. To address this issue, there needs to be greater transparency and accountability within religious institutions, and the legal system should be empowered to investigate and prosecute cases of abuse. This may require legislative changes or new regulatory frameworks to ensure that religious institutions are held to the same standards as other organizations.

Infiltration of Policing and Public Service: The involvement of Catholics with a sworn oath of allegiance to the Vatican in policing and public service is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While individuals should be free to hold their own religious beliefs, there needs to be strict separation between religious institutions and the state to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are not compromised by conflicts of interest. This requires immediate attention with greater scrutiny of individuals who hold positions of power within the public service, as well as new measures to ensure that the justice system is independent and impartial.

Constitutional Amendments and National Bill of Rights: While amending the Constitution and introducing a national Bill of Rights would provide greater protections for victims of abuse, there are also concerns that such measures could have unintended consequences. Any changes would need to be carefully considered to ensure that they do not undermine other fundamental rights. In addition, any new measures would need to be enforced effectively to ensure that victims receive the support and justice they deserve. This will require a coordinated effort by government, religious institutions, and civil society to work together to create a safer and more just society for all Australians.

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