The World of Grandpa Don

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Withholding  Donations

The Catholic Church has made mistakes. More specifically, Priests have sinned and the bishops have compounded the sin by trying to hide the problem. Some of them persist in this error. 

Providing information regarding un-prosecuted crimes to responsible authorities should be done so the allegations can be investigated properly. Cases which have been sealed by the courts should be reopened to determine if the offending priest has been allowed to continue to be a threat to others. Instances of private agreements between the parties where secrecy has permitted the priest to be a continued threat should be investigated and if needed, be brought to trial.

There are those who want the members to withhold their donations as a means to force the bishops to  divulge all the information the church has regarding these crimes. They say, 'don't give your money to bishops who are not doing their job', and some say, 'don't give your money to pay for law suits against priests who commit crime', or  'withholding your money is the best way to show you are angry'. Before we decide to do this, we must think about the reasons we donate in the first place. 

I refer you to this week's article: " My Church ... Sharing Christ's Gifts, ... What would it be like if ..." The Church will be hurt. And, ... WE ARE THE CHURCH. The ministries of the church will be hurt. The education programs will be hurt. 

The bishops are going to get their salary anyway but most of them will be hurting because they know the work of God is suffering. The attorneys and victims will still get their money because it will be awarded by the courts. That money will be taken from the funds which would normally support the church, leaving it in an even worse financial position.

Who would be hurt the most by withholding donations? You and I will! The good works of the church will! OUR church needs our support more now than ever.

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