An introduction written about the Forty Theses Against Clergy Abuse: Time to Nail Up Some Theses There have been many attempts over the years to raise the Church’s consciousness, or at least, rouse its conscience. I’ve tried to launch a few myself including a serious effort calling for World Catholic Abuse Survivor’s Day and also the more tongue-in-cheek Boycott Benedict campaign. I once even encouraged people to donate to charities rather than give each other more junk at Christmas with something called “The Best Gift”. Nothing has worked, but it doesn’t mean that such endeavors are not worthwhile. Human consciences need occasional reminding, and on those rare times that something takes off, it can really achieve spectacular results. Look at the Ice Bucket Challenge to fight ALS this summer. That silly stunt gave participants each a few seconds of fame but garnered $115 million for the ALS Association. Most of these efforts were inspired by the great-grand-daddy of viral marketing, the Protestant Reformation. When Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses in Latin on the cathedral door 500 years ago, he was using the social networking of the time. Church doors served as bulletin boards where theological debate challenges were literally posted. What he didn’t realize was that someone would come along, translate them into the native German tongue and print them. They spread all across Europe, sparking the Reformation, the single most revolutionary change of consciousness in Western history. Perhaps inspired by this, Vinnie Nauheimer has issued his own call for debate and reform with his Forty Theses Against Clergy Abuse. A powerful document, it lists remedies for the crisis in accordance with Catholic Canon Law, and asks that bishops sign their assent. Such assent may be unlikely, but just like the 95 Theses, their reaction will demonstrate clearer than words what the true position of the ecclesiastical hierarchy actually is, beyond all hype and spin. If they read it, they should feel ashamed, because the entire clergy abuse crisis is their fault, and they are the only ones who can fix it. Sooner or later, something will light up the consciences of the sheeple. Maybe this will be spark!
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 23:49:16 +0000
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