I don't want to get all maudlin about this because I'm not part of it but I've always recognized that the Irish Catholic Church is different. There is a certain remove between the laity and the religious hierarchy that exists in the Catholic Church to a greater or smaller extent in all other Catholic countries that is completely absent in Irish Catholic culture.
That special closeness is gone now. Maybe for good. The Church in Ireland has failed the people. Taken their innocence. Told them it was their fault. Then punished them for what they were never guilty of. The Church lied and remained aloof when the people came to ask why. The Church needs to recognize the full extent of its sin, confess and do penance. The Church needs to feel the same measure of hurt that it caused, for the same measure of time. It needs to clean its own body and house. The clergy need to return whatever material goods they have acquired from the people in the name of God. They are no longer fit stewards. I don't think they will do these things, do you?
The people would probably forgive the Church if they didn't so clearly see that the Church has already forgiven itself and moved on.
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