James Downey: Crozier no longer more powerful than the Dail [Independent.ie]
- Published: 16 July 2011
For decades the great majority of people took their ethics from the church. We never developed a civic ethic that could replace that system when the inevitable crisis arrived
ENDA Kenny calls the Vatican's handling of clerical sex abuse scandals "disgraceful". Eamon Gilmore meets the Papal Nuncio and demands an explanation from the Vatican of why the Catholic Church's guidelines on the subject were ignored and allegations of abuse went unreported.
Not all that long ago, Irish politicians feared a "belt of a crozier". Much has changed, and for the better.
And that is the true significance of the Cloyne Report. Not the sadly familiar details of the crimes and cover-ups. Not even the breathtaking arrogance and flagrant disregard of the law. The greatest change is in the political response.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
