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 Download Flash Player to view this content. Betrayal: Synopsis
Betrayal tells the story of childhood abuse victims in Nova Scotia, who continued to feel profound hurt and damage as adults. Searching for restitution for their suffering some launched or joined in lawsuits against the Catholic Church. Their partial victory has had an unexpected outcome: In order to settle those lawsuits, the church has begun selling of some church property in Nova Scotia - property that local people helped build and pay for over many generations.
Betrayal highlights the consequences of abuse that continue to echo throughout the Catholic Church and in communities across Canada, the U.S and in Europe. |
 Linden MacIntyre joined the fifth estate as co-host for the 1990-91 season. He is one of Canada's most distinguished... Read more Connect with the fifth estate
 Linden MacIntyre takes a closer look at the case of Ludmila Ilina and the Osgoode Hall team tackling her case in an engrossing examination of how evidence can be used to both convict and acquit.
 In a particularly personal broadcast, the fifth estate's Bob McKeown traces the career of, and his friendship with, the always fascinating, charismatic, and confounding Stephen Reid.
 The Summit from the street: exclusive eyewitness video exposes a G20 you've never seen before.
 It's a moment few Canadians will ever forget: the death of a 21-year-old Georgian luger during a Winter Olympics training run. It was ruled driver error. Now, we have shocking new revelations some don't want you to hear.
 Bob McKeown's investigation into Nadia Kajouji's tragic death led the fifth estate on an international hunt for an Internet predator. McKeown now returns to Nadia's story as a "Cyberpath" is about to face justice in a precedent-setting case.
 Were they murdered? Abducted? Or are they living new lives? Reporters Linden MacIntyre, Hana Gartner and Gillian Findlay track the trails of three Canadians who disappeared without a trace.
 Will one young man's courageous decision to come out affect a sport that is so secretive about sexuality.
 More than a decade after the murder of Fatima Kama, a suspect is finally arrested. But is the case really closed?
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reveals exclusive video footage Corrections Canada didn't want Canadians
to see.
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 He had it all and lost it. Now there is a whole new chapter in the life story of
Theo Fleury.
 Inside the interrogation of Russell Williams. On a commercial-free special edition, Bob McKeown decodes one of the most shocking confessions ever seen by Canadians, with the help of those who know the art of interrogation best.
 Why did the Canadian government, in the era of the Cold War, approve a plan to round up thousands of law-abiding citizens and lock them away because they were perceived to be a threat to democracy? Linden MacIntyre investigates the secret plan.
 Why did Mark Harshbarger end up dead on a family hunting trip to Newfoundland?
 Linden MacIntyre's personal essay on how the cycle of sexual abuse that plagued small communities in Nova Scotia years ago continues to haunt them today -- in new and unexpected ways.
 The shocking case of Colonel Russell Williams. This unbelievable story
has captured the country's attention, leaving people to wonder: What
really happened? Who is the man behind the headlines?
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I agree with the sister who knows in her heart how wrong the cover-up of child sexual abuse and refuses to give a cent to the Church. I was baptised an RC, tried to be one, but cannot. It is complete hypocrisy. All that wealth should be used for good. I am not sure why RC's all over the world investigate truth for themselves and refuse to support this religion that has caused such pain and misery to so many. I hope that the Supreme Court and the lawyers become able to fight against the red tape of the Vatican and that they are truly held accountable for their actions. Lyndon MacIntyre, you did a great job reporting...yet...I saw such sadness in your eyes and in your whole body language and demeanor. It is very sad indeed.
Kathleen Shore
Sharon, I just want to say two things in response to your comment. 1. Your mother has not been excommunicated by the church. Divorce is not grounds for a excommunication, so if the church issued a formal declaration of excommunication there would have to be other reasons. 2. Your mother need not withold from the sacrament just because she is divorced. The Church accepts divorce because divorce is a mere civil and economic issue. What the Church does not accept is remarriage, because she recognizes a valid marriage as being indissoluble. You can blame the Church for this but she has no authority to change this teaching. The teaching about divorce comes directly from Christ Himself.
My mother was born in the small community of Mabou, Cape Breton. While I was watching this show I thought of her, the comunnity and all of their losses. This is an amazing community that embraces their faith. I cried for my mother and Mabou watching this show and imagine, knowing her, that she could not even watch it for it hurts her too deeply. I was a practising Catholic until I was 16 years old. I am nearly 50. I became disillusioned by the church by 1978 and decided that the Catholic faith was not for me. I felt my mother was treated terribly for having left my father for his adulterous behaviour with numerous women and his illegal activities as well as not providing for 4 girls. She was inturn excommunicated from the church for protecting her children and what turns out saving them from a life of sexual abuse. It seems my paternal grandfather abused all of his children. They in turn abused their own. We were lucky to come out unscathed. From what I have been told his father also sexually abused his children. This legacy from the church is one that cannot go on anymore to hurt further generations of the faithful. My mother's excommunication from the church has hurt her for over 50 years. She has gone to church every Sunday even though she cannot take the sacrament. Why she was punished I do not understand. The church will not rectify this but says if she gets the marraige annuled she can petition the church for a reinstatement of the sacrament. She is now 71 and we are not in communication with my father so my mother may never fulfil this one wish to to clear her name and take the sacrament. This I find utterly rediculous. My mother saved my siblings and I from the tyranny of sexual abuse by a whole family of sexual abusers. This is the church that you want to have acknowledge their own mistakes outloud to the world community? Not in our lifetime or in generations to come I imagine!
While I understand the church's responsibility in moving the priests around, I don't understand why the parents have no responsibility.
These parents made it impossible for the kids to come forward. Imagine being punished because you came to your parents for help. This is the real betrayal and is the life long torment these people feel.
If a neighbor had abused these kids the same thing would have happened... a slap across the face and told not to mention it again.
Wow..the priest is the criminal but the parents are the abusers and they are responsible for the betrayal.
A church and A priest inflicted with a chronic Black Bile syndrome
This dependence on an institution that has proven itself unworthy time and time again is way beyond my comprehension. Simply attending the church for any reason - a wedding, a christening - seems to me to indicate support for the church and all that it does. Just what will it take!? Is there some magic number of sexual abuse cases that need to be accumulated before, finally, people stop indoctrinating their own children into this religion? How many is TOO many?? What could possibly be the appeal of this institution that it would make church-goers or even VICTIMS(!!) want to continue to condone its actions by showing the church even an iota of support? Feeling a need to connect with one's community (or even one's god for that matter) is understandable, but it doesn't follow that one must also be stupid... or does it? Turn and walk away, then learn about reality. Knowledge is power - power to protect your children.
Bishop Raymond Lahey!
The only hate crimes here are the ones perpetrated by those like Bishop Raymond Lahey. We do celebrate and revere those priests whom you speak of, sadly though, criminals like Lahey overshadow their glory, for now. This Catholic says so long as pedophiles like Lahey hide amongst our honest and hardworking clergymen whom do merit our respect, the efforts of those who expose and seek them out must remain tireless. I wish I could say the safety and sanctity same sentence, for now I cannot. Send your grievance to Rome not CBC.
During this Easter (April 2011) which is a holy season to all Christians and specially Catholics, CBC and its Fifth Estate program re-aired Betrayal, which deals with an unpleasant and offensive subject to all abiding Catholics and priests.
The re-airing of Betrayal during such Holy celebration, is incentive and mean spirited meant to humiliate Catholics and to invoke hatred towards Catholics, their Church, in Canada and the Vatican. There hundreds of thousands of priests who are giving their lives to serve God but no mention of that.
It is a hate crime, you may be charged.
Thank you all for the good work you do..This is so tragic these poor people that have taken their lives, and the effect on their families. l have to wonder how many have completely blanked the horrifying experience from their memory altogether and are on medication for mental trouble from the effects and continue to struggle with day to day life. Yes it sure is time for the Pope to ask himself What would Jesus do [certainly not slap anyones hand, l am sure!] Money will not compensate but it can certainly help a little for the messed up lives these pedophiles the church has been aiding have caused! May Gods love and light shine on this situation and help the poor souls heal from this awful injustice. Let the truth shine through! It will set us free!
"I have started to wonder that is it wise enough to go to a Church and seek advice from a Priest who is overwhelmed by
the Black Bile ?"
Dear Tania,
The law in Ontario, holds who knows or suspects of a sexual assult on minors to report it to the police or to child protection services.
You should have done so. Keeping silent is not right.
Re: A custody case in Antigonish, in early 80's The mother, from NB, a university graduate. The father, her university ex-mate from Harve Boucher. The witness for the father was the parish priest from Harve Boucher, Father Allan MacDonald. He's the priest known for abusing boys in Harve Boucher. Upon entering the court room he winked at the old judge. The judge nodded at him. The father's parents won custody. The appeal courth in Halifax over-ruled the decision and return the baby to his mother. Boy did that leave a very bitter taste of that area of Nova Scotia. Sorry for the nicer people who live there.
Great job MacIntyre! And kudos to the other posters here. Sexual abuse (SA) by anyone in a position of trust hurts the fabric of our society. Failure to be accountable is just another form of denial that continues the victimization process.
I prepared a letter of advocacy regarding re-victimization of adults who seek justice for childhood SA. View it here as a download, and use whatever you can (if it helps). http://web.me.com/paulam3/PelvicHealthPsych/Advocacy.html
Rome should pay. An apology is not enough.
First I want to thank Linden MacIntyre for bringing recognition of these heinous crimes to the forefront. Unfortunately we still have to many people with their heads in the sand; police, politicians, members of the justice system and members of the public alike, much prefer this is not discussed. The reason we still deal with this ongoing violation is because very few of us want to recognize the harrowing effects this has on the victims and the whole of society. The ripple effect of these violations are ongoing. Some victims are so traumatized as to never recover, some take many years and a long journey of roller coaster emotions that filter onto other people in their lives, before they can even accept their pain and start a healing process. I am, finally, a survivor and know very well of what I speak. Those who refuse to acknowledge the severity of these crimes and their ignorant dismissal of them are what contributes to their continuation. Shame on us for keeping quite! I leave you with a quote: "The highest places in hell are reserved for those who during a time of crisis holds neutrality". Dante (1263 - 1321)
tredmas, I think you are a local hero, and I would be very proud to have you as part of my family of survivors. You are truly inspiring!!
tredmas, like all survivors who speak out, I am so proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to family and friends, and our abusers. By your family supporting the abuser, they inturn became abusers to you also. Please keep telling your story and motivating people like me, a survivor and a child advocate. God bless you, all of you who speak up and out, so that our children will not have to endure the same fate as most of us have.
I would strongly encourage everyone to read a new book by Geoffrey Robertson called "THE CASE OF THE POPE". Geoffrey is human rights lawyer and judge with the United Nations. A wonderfully researched book. Changed my view of the Vatican forever.
Out of these disgusting exposes some good may come in that people will start to realise what an immense con game the Catholic Church is playing.
The self righteous and hypocritical attitude of the religionist is coming under closer scrutiny by the more educated public, and about time too.
Debb. It is nice that others also know that this is not only a Catholic secret. My step-father abused me from the time I was 4-16 years of age. I told my Mom at 16 and she had a stroke. Which in my family made it "my fault". Later in life I fell apart. Ended me in psych. I tried to charge my "Dad" at that time. 4 hours of taping with 3 police in the room and my father got spoken to in the police car in his front yard. Done is done. Mom had another stroke which took her life. Again my family blamed me. I had 26 siblings until that point. "HIS and HER'S". Now I have 2 which talk to me. I did write a poem while in psych during my 5 vists there. I entered it into a Canada wide contest and took first out of Canadian Poetry for 2008. "Dad" died THAT year with the love of my sibling surrounding him and putting shame on me. I talk to anyone and listen to all. This has got to be the generation that says "ENOUGH is ENOUGH". No longer a dirty little secret behind closed doors. cyndi.
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and incest, and now a mother and child advocate, with my own children's charity. I have had nothing but headaches from the Catholic Church. We had a pedophile in our community churches, and they gave the victim hush hush money several years ago. But they still kept the priest in our communities, (3 churches to say the least), they said they sent him to retire, but they have only transferred him to another town. The government gives the church money to help victims of sexual abuse and incest (which the church is using to help the priests who have retired-alleged pedophiles), try applying for a grant from the church when your charities name is SECRETS "PROTECT OUR CHILDREN, STOP SEXUAL ABUSE". The Catholic Diocese and the whole catholic corruption, if I hear one more catholic say to me, they are only human, I will scream. Then don't put yourself in such a place where children trust you as a representative of god, if you are only going to destroy that child and so many others. Wake up people, and I loved this show, I watched it twice and cried, I was so proud of the people, men/heros for speaking up and out against abuse. I love these stories,silence breeds violence, keep the voices going. God bless
Rosemary - this is a very real and your comments are what are disgraceful. How would you feel ?
All the money in this world will not heal the injustice that has been done to these young boys. You could give them a billion dollars and it will still not erase the shame. What has been done is done. To let your secret out and tell the world will hopefully help you heal. To know that you are not alone and have in no part done anything to be ashamed of. To know that you make this world a better place by speaking out...that is a good thing. There is a passage in the Bible about the unforgivable sin. I think that sin is the injustice done to innocent children. Especially when in the charge of God. I am not Catholic. I was abused by my Grandfather,uncle, brother-in-law. My mother told me she was sexually abused by her uncle. Her sister also was abused and when she told her mom about it...she was given a slap in the face. This does not only exist in the Catholic church but in our own families.
To Linden MacIntyer,
My Parents & GrandParents were both physically, sexually and mentally abused by Priest's and Nuns of the Catholic church in Residential schools throughout Nova Scotia. The so called "Compensation" they received has been a "Joke". The questionaire alone that my Mom and recenently passed father have received were like going through the abuse again. I've read the questions to my mom personally and we both broke down in tears; their ridiculous, uncalled for, and down right stupid. They ask the native (Ilnu) victims in detail how they were sexually, physically and mentally abused from a scale of One - Ten. Ten for being up the Anal, and One for being touching. This has caused my mother not to presue the allegations for that she feels abused all over again just by the questions and treatment she has received in the process of her so called claim.
Compenstion awarded to any peoples abused by this system has been put on a scale of 1 - 10.. And the so called 750 million dollars for councilling put aside for native victims is a joke too!!!
Yours truly,
Frustated/concerned son ....
I felt that the weight and importance of this story was sadly diminished by the showing of ads on CBC News Network during the program. Seeing a D%G ad or a Home Hardware ad detracted from the important message and continuity of the story.
Rosemary you might want to pull your head out of the sand, the only gross aspect of this story is that like you too many people stuck their heads in ground and pretended this didn`t or wasn`t happening. You speak for yourself or at least a very small majority that think this is gross material, pick up your remote and change the channel if you don`t like it.
I think the priests should be allowed to marry. It is truly sad how many childrens lives have been affected by the priests who have harmed children. I do not have the same respect I had for the church now due to this. I found that the same church services can be found in the United Church, Anglican and Lutheran.
Everyone who is in any way in charge of children in any organization should have a criminal check and a phsychiatric check once a year.
Good on you Linden to keep this issue out there. Too often these things get forgotten among all that is going on today.I totally agree that the parish of those victimized should not be held responsible for monetary compensation. That is being victimized again !! Those persons who were abused will only feel some retribution if the compensation comes from the perpetrators or those responsible for the perpetrators..ie Rome
I know that Rome is set up so that the bishops and dioceses are held responsible but if that is the case how can we as part of the Catholic community feel obligated to follow the rules of Rome .
When I am obliged to be responsible for my children how is it that the Head of the Catholic family on this earth is not being responsible for His children ???
again I am disgusted with CBC. and your decision to re-run such a sad ,degrading story. I know this is typically your specialty which seems to entertain those who enjoy listening and watching gross material--but it's Christmas--we've seen it all before--Have you nothing new to offer?
This was so wrong what happened to these victims, having said that, I must say for those who have and will come forward to put their painful events out there are brave individuals and should hold their heads high. If the church is ever to regain creditability, spend some of the gold cache to probe, clean house, lie detectors if need be, and let courts judge those before god has his way with them. Give us back our church. Again, the brave police who hunt these predators and the victims who come forward are all heroes in my view. Thanks CBC.
Having just received a visit from people of the same community as Mary Louise, I am distraught. The diocese has seized property from the community and put it up for sale to pay the restitutions! This is THEFT, nothing else! Why, you didn't think Rome would suffer did you. What I don't understand is the tacit approval of some of the residents in those communities, and the final resignation of these people, in allowing this! It's like they have a fear of going against this evil church. What about the idea of seizing their own church(that their grandfathers built), and electing a minister from their own community(Mary Louise comes to mind), and expelling the Catholic priests from that community. Of course they would face excommunication from the Catholic Church but they would continue in an "offshoot" faith, and see their own church prosper. I highly doubt that their souls would face eternal damnation, since the very Catholic Church has been involved in unspeakable atrocities for centuries. These people are now victims twice over! Talk about kicking someone when they are down! I'm pretty happy that I have renounced that faith,
you are one sick puppy aline.there is nothing more evil than adults in positions of trust and power who abuse children.
Excellent documentary! Very good report!It almost makes you feel embarrased to be Catholic but yet faith is what's it all about. There will always be those evil people that will destroy the good of what most honorable people will do. I commend those who came forward and spoke out but yet it is heartwrenching that it took them so long. I know some wonderful priests who were sent to fix the parish problems and were never told that they were going to parishes that were hurting so much from the wrongdoings of previous ministers. Their Bishops never told them truthfully what they were walking into. That is where I have a real problem.
I think it's right that the communities that let this happen should be the ones to pay. By no means is this an isolated event and to think that none of the hundreds of boys and girls never said anything to anyone is ludicrous. Seriously though,is money going to fix what has happened in the past? What is going to fix the abuse going on right now? It's not only in the church its everywhere! I think it is about time the people of this nation start listening to their kids.
Sop waiting for Rome to make it right!!!!!!!
Every abuser is responsible for his abuse and where it was directed from.
Aline
I just can't understand how those who have been abused by a cleric still attend the church that condoned or covered up such horrendous abuse.
Past secrecy surrounding sexual abuse occurred not only in the church but in ALL institutions where it occurred. It happened in most neighborhoods, and many families. Dealing with it openly really didn't start until the late 70's. Abhorrent human behavior takes advantage of any and all situations. All institutions involving children were and are presently dealing with the horror of sexual abuse. Whether it has come to light or not is another story. IT OCCURRED EVERYWHERE, and it was dealt with similarly by other institutions....it's so ugly, people do not want to admit this. The ONLY institution being targeted by the media is the Catholic Church. We have to ask the question...why?
Thank you Linda, I really agree with your post. As a member of a parish who was confimed one day and the next the priest was taken away for this abuse, I know what this feels like. I do not want my hall to be sold. What about the victims? Should they feel badly about the fact that their prized community halls and lands are being sold because they spoke out? It feels like the community is being punished. My community hall is the only place we have to meet. It is a place for Gaelic lessons, dances and all events. God this sickens me to the core. I live in Ontario now but will keep a very close ear to what is happening at home. I will fight till the last breath in my body against this. They can not win. They are disgusting. I am not longer a part of the catholic church.
Your courage to speak out is amazing to share the horrors of your childhood and life agony. You have faith, faith in your good self. I respect that immensely and I don't even know you.
Interesting that you comment to fire the pope, I have to agree if president of the United States for example or any head of government knowing what is going on within its ranks would be held accountable and impeached, removed form office why NOT the Pope.. Corruption starts at the the top. Well said Marilyn could not agree more.
I have watched the program and read thru many of the comments pertaining to past offenses by the church and the priests. People this has not stopped what is happening in our Churchs everyday this hasn't stopped the pedofiles still exist and are in parishes all over the world and are still being protected by the church and the parish. The pedofiles have regressed into the background but never think for a moment they are gone and have stopped hurting the vulernable in thier parish. Until people demand accountablily and bring these criminals to court it will never stop. The church, and its devout followers will protect and make up excuses for the weak and sick minded amoung them. The victims are people first weather they are children, young women, young men any other crime would be investigated why not this!! Hell have no furry as a woman who's child who has been scorned. I worked with a woman who's husband a now disgraced minister convicted pedophile. Who fought to have he sick husband stay in the home with thier 2 young boys. I ask myself what kind of person wants to keep thier children in a enviroment with the sickest of people in our world that would hurt a child a pedophile. That person has to be sick as well. Again the church protected and the faith disguised as forgiveness to the sick person to allow these helpless children to be left in the presense of a known pedophile. The news covered it the courts convicted yet it still continues. Shame on the people that have the ability to write these wrongs and protect the children and weak and do not. My heart breaks for the victims.
Black sheep and wolves in sheep's clothing. Jesus himself warned us about them, that they would occupy even the highest places. None are above the law. Jesus Himself, is the Way, the Truth and the Life... "I believe in one holy, Catholic Church", is what they say in mass. Hmmmmmmmm....Not so sure anymore if such a church even exists! Believe in Jesus and who HE is and you'll know that he never condoned such a church and he never ever will. Hypocrites! Black sheep and wolves in sheep's clothing. Meanwhile, Jesus, writhing on the cross says, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do". Yes, they do! They always have and they always will. There IS no forgiveness and there IS no mercy. Let them all burn in HELL because they have no place in God's kingdom.
Have mercy on who? The mmonsters who perpetrated these heinous crimes......or the real monsters who covered it up for thousands of years. Or should we have mercy on a pope, who, in his infinite wisdom, continues to hide in his ivory towers.
You seem to be a very devout catholic....I suggest you open your eyes. Once they are opened....do a little reading. Might I suggest the bible...perhaps read the beatitudes. Sounds like you need to learn a little more about Christianity...if you think that a pllace of worship....and money, are more important than one child who suffers needlessly.....then you are just as much a dinosaur as the rest of the sheep who walk around carrying the robes and kissing the rings.
good point!!
It's good to see our public TV do such a good job as investigatigating on all your program that I seen till now. Linden on this show Betrayal, you bring out to the surface what other kept in the closet for so many generation. As a victim myself and hundred of other who bring this black robe pedophile ,(not to call him priest or father)to justice in this northeast N.B comunity in sept 2009,we listen to your program with great interest and we were touch by it and we felt betrayed then and even now by the Bathurst diocese...Great name for the program and I hope it help other to come forward or feel less isolate in theirs quest.
As the judge told the convictied priest Lévi Noel on sept 2009 for his fifty years pedophiles activities in the Northeast N.B parishs abusing hundred of boys and counting :Come down to earth ,don't take us for a fool anymore....AK come down to earth and please don't take us for a fool . Open your eyes on reality and take you energy on helping childrens understanding god and evil around us....
Great job on this Linden. Keep on this.
I find it odd that since the church did this is big time bad and everyone is up in arms. But when government is responsible and we are suing them just like other abuse victims are suing the church noone cares.
How is the government being responsible for forcing us to live with pedophiles and different then the church being responsible?
The church covered it up and now they are in that much more crap. The government covered it up for years and tried telling people that us victims had mental health issues until we became large in numbers and over whelmed their attempts?
Why is it okay for the government do be subjecting children to this but not the church?
I am confused? Is the government that corrupt?
Are people that ignorant? Or is it that they have financially supported this and don't want to have to look at what their blind faith has done to innocent children?
Or is it that people pay the government on their behalf to get us killed or worse and don't want to admit their ignorance play'd a massive role in our abuse?
Or is it that the upper-class who run it all just simply have no shame or humanity left in them at all?
You know what they say absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The church and current government are the embodiment of that statement.
If you ask me it's time for an upgrade. Our current methods of government are failing miserably. We need a new system designed with the 21st century in mind. The government is unable to evolve to meet current day ethics and practices need for everyone to prosper.
I am sickened, and all to often reminded of the abuse. I, too, suffered as a child. I was a child in foster care in Alberta, and was repeatedly abused, sexually, physically and emotionally, by my caregivers. As were many of my foster sisters and brothers. I do not know the answer. I died inside long ago, in silence. "Peace be with you" said the church as they watched, in silence.
Oh my, how I do agree with the statement "anyone molesting children should go to jail". Sadly, exacting punishment to those that do that kind of devestating harm is not an easy path to take. I am soon to be 60 yrs of age and I have been unable to even get the person who molested me (my stepfather) to even admit he did it let alone have him charged and dealt with as the criminal he is. Yes, what he did was criminal, just as those priests were criminals. The denial and protection of the molester is thick and hard to break through. Just as the denial in the Catholic church was and still is in many ways. To this day, I have never been able to get any compensation for harm done or compassion and understanding from my family. As a matter of fact, they are more concerned with the abuser, as he is now ill. I am told "do not speak of this as it will upset him and he needs our support". That is how it is with this despicable act ... it is easier to blame the victim. I am lucky, I have been able to live a somewhat happy life and have been able to overcome my past and forgive. I did the forgiving for myself as my heart could not bear the pain any longer. Forget? Never.
We 1st Nations suffered so much with this abuse. Now we suffer with any government getting into parliaments.
That apologies our prime minister did was all hollow words.It doesn't matter who gets in they still have not signed that Indigenous of Human Rights yet.
You ask/they ask if we are still living in the past.We are the past hasn't left us for that ignorance's is still there amongst any governments that get in.We have no see one proper treaties signed yet.That's living in the past thinking we 1st Nations are still stuck there after the residential school syndrome.That residential school makes us suffer today that makes them[government]think we are living in the past.
Anybody molesting children should go to jail, not be able to hide behind religion. And compensation be paid to the victim's threw the church.
I agree with Crystal first nation communities have been continuously abused by the church and their delegates. Children grow up with far to many resulting traumas and whole communities are unwell due to their crimes. They try to get off with an oops where sorry we will do better next time. Don't do it at all and help them reclaim their inherent dignity as human beings.
I agree with your comments and concerns.
Out of all the comments that are posted few bring up what is scripturally wrong. What would certainly help get rid of a big part of this problem is if priest got married. Paul said if you burn with lust get married. Peter was married Math 8-14. Most Catholics don't know this. We do not need to go to church to be friends with God. Jesus cleared that up. There is lots of info on this topic. If you have a question please feel free to send it. Gordon
I have to applaud you. My Grandparents both shared the kind of faith you seem to have. They were devout catholics....as was I. Their faith and connection to the community was something that I wish I still shared. The problem is.....as a survivor of priest abuse myself ...I seem to have lost my way in that regard. I have read many comments on this subject, calling for an end to the catholic church. Your faith is the reason I don't agree with those who would want the church to fall. There are many things I would like to see changed....many things that MUST change. There are also many wonderful things that must be saved. I think that the change must come from people like you. Instead of staying away....it's time to stand up. It's time to be heard. there are probably hundreds of thousands of people who feel the same way you do. Imagine the power you could all have....if you were heard as one voice. One voice screaming for change. i know that if my Grandparents were still alive.......thats where they would be..at the front of the church, demanding that there be accountability....calling for reform. I envy the faith you have. I hope to someday find it again myself. Until I do...I hope you will stand for me, and the tens of thousands like me.
Hmmm...I wonder if it had been little girls who were abused whether there would be such outrage...mass rapes of women are ocurring repeatedly as an act of war all over the world, young girls and women are violated and no one cares. Are you telling me that in all of the abuse there was none or little abuse of women...it is time to expose all of those priests who exploited girls and women in their parishes and universities!!!!Nevertheless what happened to those boys was evil; who knew that when the priest was preaching about "evil" and the "devil" we were looking squarely at that evil from it's perch on the altar!
Linden;
I was most impressed with your documentary on betrayal. I really think you did a fantastic job.I think the sentiments expressed by the people on "Send your comment" are shared by all of us, so there is little more I can say. If only those in power would even acknowledge tha harm and damage that was done, not only to the victims, but to all of those who had any faith in the church. The church will not survive as it is and that is positive, because it is so corrupt and power hungry. We can only hope for good changes and that someday "all will be one" Thank you
I'm surprised at people who are affronted by criticism of the Catholic Church because of its failure to take effective steps to address what is an obviously out-of-control problem with pedophilia. If gangs of people-other-then-priests were roaming the country raping and molesting children, the affronted cheerleaders would be the first to call for aggressive measures to arrest, prosecute and imprison the perpetrators. There's no downplaying this problem. The evidence speaks for itself.
There's also no point in suggesting policies and internal procedures that mandate calling the cops when child sexual assault is suspected. As long as the present hierarchies and powerful boys' clubs remain in tact, they will find ways to skirt around the most rigorous policies and will continue to protect their pals, deny their wrongdoing and, if all else fails, blame the victims.
Louis,I hope you get my reply since they refuse to publish my comment I gave the other day. It must be because I quoted the Bible against the Catholic Church. I could'nt agree with you more! I was very impressed about your comment about the Church and Constantine. Impressed over the fact most people are not aware that that's when the apostasy away from Christ went full throttle ahead. The evil Catholic Church has falsely misrepresented Almighty God and his son Christ for Centuries. Even burning those possessing or reading the Bible such as Jan Hus,Tyndale, and burning Wycliffe's bones. The Catholic Church's apostasy was prophesied at 2Thessalonians 2:3-12,Matthew 7:15-23,Acts 20:28, 1Timothy 4:1-3,Rev 18:4-8
The fact that this on-going scandal is a global issue is sickening. it really makes one wonder why? The answer is because for a century now the Catholic church and the Vatican has made the vocation of being a priest a safe place for child molesters to conduct their business with an air of protection that they won't get turned into the proper authorities but instead shuffled along to yet another community with vulnerable children to become yet more victims. it is an undisputed outrage that the hierarchy could just turn a blind eye to the situation and sweep it under the rug or "handle it" without contacting the proper authorities. These monsters deserve to be put in jail where they belong not shuffled away! Ror someone to be considered a trusted member of the community and commit these heinous acts makes them worse then your standard predator. As a member of the catholic church i can tell you that these are the kinds of despicable things that can shake a person's faith to the core.
I am a Catholic. I see all the things mankind is not supposed to do according to the Church. (ie: abortion, female priests, married Catholic priests, and the list goes on). Our priest asked the congregation one Sunday why everyone is picking on the priests and why are they not equally put off by the non-priest males (married, single, etc.) who are sexually abusing young boys (and girls). The answer is quite obvious...the last person should be a priest who apparently represents purity of mind and good living - and these guys are also 'marriage counseling'. I would also mention that I'd like to know 'per capita' if the priesthood has more men doing this than the average everyday man???? Hopefully somebody will shed light on this. Perhaps if they'd allow priests to 'marry' it would cut down on those who join the priesthood and become monks so they can live out their hidden sexual lives. The priesthood might attract men that are NOT into young children (perhaps)if they were men allowed to 'marry'. I am really sad that the Church has allowed these men to be transferred from one parish to another and known of their pedophilia - wow...I am a very disappointed Catholic.
In reply to all of you who cannot understand how someone can still have their faith even after all these scandals.... I would like to try to explain: Faith is something that becomes a part of who you are. Your spirituality is a part of you just as much as your sexuality. From the word spirituality, is the word SPiRIT. The definition of spirit from the Webster's dictionary in this context is: 1- the life principle, especially in human beings; soul; life; will; thought; a supernatural being. When one has "faith" as in this context, it is truly part of your spirit, and makes who you are as a person. It is complex. Faith is not just a set of rules that you choose to follow or not to follow. It is something that is really integral to how one defines themselves. When one has "Faith", the faith is what carries you through the good and the bad. Different people find different ways to develop their spirituality. Being a Catholic myself, I've had great difficulty over the years with the reality of the Catholic Church, however, my FAITH remains. I've had great periods of "questioning", but somehow, especially in times of sorrow, my faith is what seems to carry me through the hardships. I do not believe in some of the teachings of my church and I do know that the Bible cannot be taken litterally. I have a great aversion to the whole hierarchy and organization of the Church as an institution, however, the church I believe in is the church that I belong to as part of a community. The priest plays a part in that church, but everyone who belongs to this church is just as important as the guy wearing the robe. Faith is connected to being part of a church, but faith does not equal "The Catholic Church". Confusing?????
Yes indeed.... but that's how it works.... It's far from being black and white.....
Thanks for taking the time to read this....
Catholic Church the victim? Bashing the Catholic Church? Come on people, the Catholic Church is rotten to the core! From the bottom right to the top. The Pope is said to have known about and covered up abuse in his Dioceses long before he became Pope. Pursue the abusers as men not as priests? They are priests! They supposedly represent God! The Pope supposedly represents God! Look at the history of the Church - beginning with Constantine the 1st it has been rotten with corruption and cover-up. Those Catholics who all-out defend the church are either nieve or may be abusers themselves. Look at the charges against priests, brothers and nuns who ran Indian Residential Schools. Case after case coming forward stating abuse. All over the world statements against priests sexually abusing the helpless. Is this what their god wants? I think not. Thr Catholic church is wealthier than many countries. Make the church accountable and maybe they will clean up their act. If priests, Bishops and the Pope are our friends who the hell needs the devil?
Watching the Catholic church in action is like watching people living out a video game fantasy, complete with good powers, evil villians, magical incantations and chants, secret ceremonies, and warrior princes and princesses. I am amazed that these bronze age legends and magical ceremonies are still being believed and practiced by people in the 21st century.
My heart goes out to the victims of the Catholic church. This includes the parishoners who are bearing the financial burden of compensating the victims of so many Priests. I attended a funeral mass in December, 2009, at the Bascillica in Charlottetown, PEI that ended with a "Prayer for Priests".....I was astounded and offended. Yet another example of the priorities of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church...protecting their priests who have committed heinous acts upon innocent victims.
Hi, sadly some of fellow filipinos were also victim child molestation by our town parish priest (1970'-80's),
This is shared to me by my late aunt I totally believe in it.
they're really doing this molestation globally.
Most sad part of this is my own parents in the philippines.doesn't believe this exist huh! Lord help me!
I just finished watching "Betrayal" with the Fifth Estate. I feel that the Catholic Church is just as much a Victim as those who where sexually abused. The Catholic Church (or any church) should have a policy change that offers their leaders up to police if they are participating in criminal acts. Let the justice system do it's job, clearing the innocent and punishing the guilty. The church should stand for righteousness not hiding or shuffling around the guilty. Victims need to pursue criminal charges against the actual abusers as men, not against priests because whether these men are priests, school teachers, policemen or just our neighbors is of no relevance. The crime is the same. We all have to take a stand against Abuse because when you don't stand against it you support it.
If I can see videos from the local newscast of the CBC I cannot understand why I cannot see the Fifth Estate while I am out of Canada. So I am as confused about this as ADAM is. Could we get a sensible reason why this is so?
My heart broke for these brave men who came forward. I do know that each of their lives are far more important to God than any building or amount of money and, according to the Bible, accountability begins at the top and goes right to the bottom.
The Church must accept responsiblity for these crimes. It is agonizing to watch the victims and their pain that so called holy men have caused. Their lives have been ruined. The priests commiting the rape of children are criminals that belong in jail. The Church in Rome must compensate these victims.
I agree with you. It seems CBC is bullying the Catholic Church. If not to get women and gays to become priests, it is now to intimdate and chase away its follower.
The churches where children were abused have been Desecrated and no longer either consecrated or blessed. They can not be used for prayer any more.
Moreover, when it comes to child abuse secercy must be mainted under Ontario law.
Fifth Estate, you should have known both.
I was an alterboy at Saint Agnes parish in NewWaterford and served Mass.... I was not abused by this man but i feel like a victim to learn of what happened. I do recall how ever others talking and thought it was a joke , at Christmas all the alterboys would have procession around the church and Hugh V Macdonald would stand in front of the alter and watch . I am saddened to see Saint Agnes church closed but i still have my faith .
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a priest. I went to the diocese, thinking they would be as appalled as I was! They weren't. I filed a civil suit because the only way to get them to listen to me was money. I didn't want money then, until I started to see how global this is.
I, like others, have addiction problems, and have been alienated from my family and "friends" who were appalled - appalled that I dare speak of such an atrocity.
I've been trying to work through the effects of this "soul murder" for about 20 years. I am pleased to finally see people are outraged and are supporting the victims/survivors. All those years I had no support. Now I do. And I thank all of you for that. Thank you for not victim-blaming for the church needing to sell assets to pay for their crimes.
We don't go to Mass for the priest or even for the Pope. We go to Mass to praise and worship God through and with his son, Jesus Christ. In the same way we go to Communion to receive Christ. It should not matter that some priests have abused or that the community is asked to pay for it, because it's not about the priest or the community, it's about God. That's why I admire Mr. Martin, he knows what Faith is about.
First Newfoundland, then Nova Scotia, New Brunswick is next. There won't be a church standing if the truth is told.
As a Canadian who is currently living abroad (and currently paying Canadian taxes) I find it unfortunate that I cannot enjoy the quality programming that I am paying for due to your archaic location restrictions. If there is a way for me to access this (all) videos at CBC.ca please let me know.
This is in response to Marie Giroux:
The little nun that you are referring to did not leave the Cathlic Church because of money issues. She has left because of the cover-up, corruption and known abuse of victims, in support of their families who have suffered unbearable pain dus a lack of responsibility on the part of the Pope and hierarchy of the RCC........... If all the people responsible for those atrocities done to children, the molesters and those who so proudly shoved them under the carpetenter the Kingdom of heaven that little nun, even if she did leave her Church, will certainly have a passport to heaven when she dies and the Good Lord will thank her for taking a stand on thais issue.
If you are aware or suspect of any child abuse,you must report it to the police and child welfare agnecies, that is the law in Ontario.
You are amazing. How you survived is a testament to your strength and courage. You need to continue telling your story.
One big fat RASPBERRY to George Dyson, how easy it is for you blame "everyone".
Unless you can have a non-biased discourse regarding paedophiles in every religious order, Christian and non-Christian alike; then it is obvious that Catholic bashing is your only intention. I am surprised that the Fifth Estate would allow themselves to be associated with such flagrant anti-Catholic hatred.
The comments which have been chosen are written by those who have not even bothered to do any research as to what advise was given by the medical profession to the Church; on how best to deal with these despicable men.
However, I am sure some of the writers were articulate enough to give a balance to the proceedings, but they most certainly would have not been included, as that would defeat your purpose. Including this comment.
Arline McFarlane
12C - 328 Taylor Way
West Vancouver, B.C.
V7T 2Y4
Your grandmother donated it for the good. It was meant for the poor, God bless her. Sorry to hear the land is being sold to pay for abuse claims. Certianly that is the result of greed and has nothing to do with justice.
Where do we go from here???
I believe we must keep exposing the magnitude of wrongdoings; not only in Nova Scotia, but many other places in the east and around the globe - the scope of the damage must be completely exposed!! By so doing, we will prepare to take action to dismantle all of the dysfunction which, of course, means abolishing the Pope and the Vatican.
The many stories must be aired and discussed which will be a type of 'healing' for all concerned and would further develop the catalyst needed to meet the church head on to carry out our resolutions.
The Americans involved seemed to have it right; the church in Rome has to be held accountable and they are moving forward legally.
Let us begin with some timely action also.
Most Dioceses have policies in place that require volunteers to get police checks. Mine is implementing those as we speak and many volunteers are not happy. They resent that they have to be checked after having volunteered and give of their time for decades. They see it as a slap in the face even though they would have to do that if they were volunteering anywhere else that brought them into contact with children or at-risk adults.
I've watched hundreds of documentaries over the years but found this one particularly compelling. We owe a debt of gratitude to these courageous men for coming forward and talking about the egregious abuse that was visited on them by self-proclaimed pillars of their communities.
These vile acts are destined to be repeated over and over again and the cover-ups will continue despite the heartbreaking evidence until we understand what is at the root of the problem: Allow humans to organize themselves in vast hierarchies, infuse the ranks of those hierarchies with immense power over people and communities, add to this the belief that this power comes from some supreme other worldly source and you have a recipe for abuse, domination and exploitation where those who are the most powerless and vulnerable suffer the most unspeakable cruelties while the perpetrators make like saints and close ranks behind their criminal brethren. Most organizations suffer from some degree of corruption. The church seems to have an extreme case.
Only by exposing this deplorable behaviour and the shattered lives that these unholy orders leave in their wake can we make it stop. These brave survivors deserve our support and respect.
I cannot help but think that ALL Catholics share in responsibility for the abuse suffered by these children. It was their parents that brainwashed them into believing in Catholicism in the first place, when these children were too young to be able to think critically and possibly be able reject this pretense.
Once you accept living your life by a myth, then is it any wonder you can no longer recognize what is really going on? You live by faith and thus place such faith in the leaders of the church that you can no longer see what is really in front of you.
Religion is a problem because it replaces objective observation and logic with a set of dogmatic beliefs which no-one can gainsay. It undermines logic and rationality by casting a fog over the brain by asserting that creed supersedes reality.
All such believers must therefore share in their inability to understand what was going on in their church and thus should all bear responsibility for not reporting the malfeasance to the authorities for the application of normal legal process.
Sorry for the pain the innocent victims & parishioners are enduring as a result of those residing in the land of "Denial" that the Vatican is in . It is NEVER going to change until the church actually takes responsibility for what has happened.They talk the talk, but certainly don't walk the walk !They keep talking about the money they have to pay out...It should be the priests who abused, not parishioners who pay !I am afraid as in any case, unless those abusers/Vatican take on the responsibility for what they has happened , it will happen again!Next time they will be incredibly careful as the public is more aware !It is just like a young offender, it is no big deal to re offend, what do they have to worry about!?No consequence, big deal ! Unfortunately the people who aren't responsible are paying !Unfair and those saying that this is a church bashing are just the ones who with their narrow minds, have helped these nasty events stay buried as long as they did!Wake up and demand better or suffer the consequence ...again !
Thank you for an excellent program. As a praticing Catholic, I thought you did a balanced job highlighting many of the events that have taken place. I do believe you could have went further to question, "What is the Catholic Church current policy to protect its' 50 million children who are members world wide?" Most jobs, even volunteer positions, require a police record check and clearance from a child abuse regestry. It's not sufficient to say, "if it happens again, priests will not be moved, they will be dismissed" we have to be proactive and protect these innocent souls.
It is difficult to believe that such a respected insitution has been brought to its knees!! The Vatican is, and should be made accountable for these dispicable crimes against children. This has totally crushed the faithful communities, and made each and everyone of us feel that we have been believing in people that really made us feel spiritually fulfilled for many years.... now .. that is profound! and in the blink of an eye we've had that stolen from us... How does the church think we feel? or do they really care? My heart breaks for the victims and their families, this can never be healed! How sad is that?
Christ's message that our Catholic Church forgot:"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye are like whited sepulchres, which appear beautiful outwardly, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." and, until they divest themselves of the 'beautiful outward' appearance and take accountability for the uncleanliness the organization is dead.
I missed this episode of the 5th Estate and would be interested to see it. When will you be broadcasting it again? Thank you.
As a ' Cradle Catholic ' I am appalled at the attitude of the Archdiocese and that of the Vatican.
Papal writings have over and over again stressed the dignity of human life at conception and beyond; I am guessing that protecting the dignity of human life did not apply to children who were being abused by priests.
Has this affected my faith? I have my belief in God and the Eucharist but as to my faith in the Church - it's an archaric institution that needs to be held accountable for its shortcomings by its members. I remember being told that I was the church, well if I am, I vote for Benedict abdictating. Forget the College of Cardinals!
I am outraged. My Grandmother was convinced (by a priest) to give up water front property known as the parish beach in bayfield and is now going to be sold for 1.5 million. How can we stop this? We are the ones paying for their crimes.
Im 71 years of age. Been a Catholic all my life. The movie The Bay Boy by Dan Petrie was about a priest who assulted young boys.What about the abuse by the Sisters Of Charity in Glace Bay? I refused to send my children to a Catholic school because of them. They were bullies. Thanks Linden
right on i couldn't agree with you more...as some one on the show said sell a painting.
Look at their history and you will know the church. Who was behind the inquisitions...and the crusades...and witch hunts. The Catholic Church though nothing of burning people alive from the 13th to the 18th century. They are not deciples of Jesus. They do not know when they are sinning and when they are confronted they try push it under a rug. In case you are wondering, I was raised a Catholic. It is very sad that the Catholic Church does not understand the message Jesus tried to send.
It's disgusting that this has been going on for well over 2000 years and Vatican continues to try and claim they are not accountable. This is an international issue, children all over the world are being abused and the bishops under the direction of the Vatican sworn to secrecy have allowed this to continue. This is not a secret anymore and we all have responsibility to protect our children. Priests, teachers... it doesn't matter what the position there are predators that will take advantage of their position and the people have to watch, question, listen and take safeguards to protect the most precious and vulernable in society.
It's bad enough what Religion has to bear in this world today, but you throw these "Abusers" in the mix,and you have a melting pot........ Time the vatican becomes accountable for the atrocities to all the 'Victims" . Satan must be haveing a good laugh over this one!!!!!! Sick world we have on our hands now. So sad...........
hi!, i just watched your incredible doc. on the horrible abuse of,mainly boys, by the catholic church.
recently the magnitude of the "CHURCH" cover-up is finnally brought in the open.
i was born dec.13, 1944 in montreal from a woman who was raped. in those days, she was forced to give me up to be put into an orphenage, "la chapelle de la reparation" there i was so abused and neglected, and eventualy lost my left eye. from early maltrutrition, my tyroid never fontiond proprely,and brought me a lifetime of depression and horrible pain. to make a long story short. i grew up, during "the great darkness" during duplissi's regime, when the church was in absolute control! later, i was adopted by a family, and lived a life of hell with a cruel paranoid mother, all they cared about, was to get raid of me! then when i went to school, they were TOTTALLY segreated, girl schools ran by the nuns, boy schools, ran by the brothers, or preasts!
later i wes sent to a boarding school ran by the nuns. i am not sure, but i thing that i may have been sexually abused by them.
i realy believe, that a investigation should be put in place , to find out, the extent of sexual abouse by the nuns. not only in quebec, but also all over the world, that is controled by the catholic church. no one ever brought this angle, whY? IS THE ABUSE BY WOMEN, LESSER THAN BY MEN?
in those days, the schools and bording schools were totally segreated. it is about time that the thruth, that destroyed so many lifes, be brought to the open, to finnally bring closure
i would deeply apperciate, if you, would explore, in your extremely ethical ways, along with 'the passionte eye" expose horrors that were never exposed before. i am now 65, and all my life, i had to live with the aftermaths of my childhood. i am sure there are many other poeple who are living a secret agony, like i have lived.
please, get in touch with me, maybe, we can finally bring justice to the silent victims of the bloddy catholic church.
yours, truly, christiane bordier
YES THE POPE SHOULD BE DETHRONED,,,DISROBED,,,,SENT TO WORK WITH THE PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM AIDS ...ABUSE....MENTALLY ILL ABUSED FAITHFULL,,,,
ALL THE BISHOPS WHO ARE ALLOWING THE POPE TO RUN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH SHAME ON ALL OF YOU..
Just wanted to thank Lyndin MacIntyre for the great job he did on the BETRAYAL SYNOPSIS.
Since when giving a donation or offering to God and church makes you an owner of the church or God. Your donation and offering were for the church to be able to carry its godly work.
No wonder your parish failed because your donation was not blessed. Shame your are not alive to slap you on your hand.
Have mercy and stop judging.
Yes, I was trying to share my comment. We all thought it was very well written, polite, not offending in the least bit anyone, quite kind, actually. For some strange reason beyond our understanding the moderator decided not to publish it! Hmmm, we wonder what was his/her problem. Very odd.
The concept that the church is exempt from public law is an archaic concept that needs to be eradicated. The Vatican, as head of the Roman Catholic Church, is to be held totally accountable for it secrecy and continual cover-up of the atrocities inflicted on children by their pedophile staff. The World Court in the Hague needs to criminally charge the Vatican. The Vatican is to be held totally responsible and ensure victim compensation. Each and every criminal priest and priest involved in cover-up is to spend time in jail.
the vatican has more money then anybody,,lets look at there records..o thats right it all a tax write of..the victims had to bring these charges if not no one would no what was going on,,so i thank these brave people,,i knew some of the kids they did tell but were beat and forced to go with the evil priest,,even the police made them go back..how many of our government people knew..and were in on it..this story is bigger then we even no
Just wondering if those participating (being interviewed) are provided the opportunity for after-care through counselling and community support services???
My heart goes out to all of the survivor's.
Excelent program, especially Mary Louise Samson,
Fr. P Abbass & Tom Doyle.
Please keep up the good work on this Betrayal of the sexual abuse of thoes young children.The local churches should not be responsible,Rome should be, as they were aware of it especially the present pope.
Hey Crystal the whole residential schools and the process by which native children were taken from their homes and brainwashed and then abused by the church should go down as something as significant as a WAR CRIME. I do know that there has not been reasonable or any compensation to all natives that went through this ordeal. If it were in power I would ban the church altogether in Canada till proper settlement is made.
The Church is simply an organization built on lies, corruption and the need of money. If this was a national bank, people would say "let it fail because it put itself in this situation". Then why not react the same to the church and it's leaders.
We are educated & intelligent beings who don't need the treat of be good or else it's fire & brimstone, we know better. Religion depends on the people to believe it's stories & supply it with money. Because if the people stop doing this, the church & it's leaders & abusers would be out of a job.
Maybe it's time the people woke up and sent them to the unemployment line!
The Catholic Church is the employer and the Pope is the CEO of the company. For the last 100 years the church has know about the abuse , they move the abuser that has been in trouble from one part of the country to the next . And they are moved over and over again until they too old to work. Rome should be the ones paying , and turning them into the LAW
My heart weeps tonight for the victoms of this.I am in shock knowing that they were moving the preists around to get them out of trouble. I really am just floored.The Pope needs to step up and help the victoms not the small poor communities. We are suffering for their doing, this is just not right...
As a Catholic I'm tired, upset, offended and humiliated of journalists making mockery of my church while they do not dare to tell other religions of what is wrong with theirs. Those who do not want to do not want to be Catholic let them join another church. Just review the hate feelings posted at your website that Betrayal has created against us Catholics and against our church. Go after the bad priest who broke his voes to God of celibacy.
How do we make the Catholic Church stop and listen? Easy, stop contributing money. Money talks.
As a survivor I would like to note that the Catholic Church as a whole does not appear willing to take responsibility for the harm that it's "employees" have inflicted on so many of the church's followers: not only the children but their families as well. And what more effective way to deal with abuse than to add another layer of abuse by turning around and blaming the communities and not their own "employees". Is the Catholic Church really representing God by not taking full responsibility?
THANK YOU Linden MacIntyre..the effects of our abuse by people in the church will be with us thru out our whole life.A life that was taken away of who we could have been.Power over a human life.. a innocent life..my sexual abuse or any is not about SEX!..its Power!..Even as a adult i struggle greatly with authority..I still to this day go too this place of silents.Not able to fight for my own justice against other institutions. That too say state words like "COMPASSIONATE" "ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR CLIENTS" "RESPECT" AND "EMPOWERMENT".BRAVO TO RONNIE MARTIN (I personnaly knew him in YCS)and the Others...and a person like you Linden to report this issue.Yet i like to say something to all of us with a wounds of abuse " in our brokeness we can reach out too the unwanted..unloved..misunderstood".I believe in GOD..THE CHRUCH YET MAN HAS MADE A MESS OUT OF BOTH..All over power and control..Betrayal.."wolves in a sheep clothing" as they say at home.I do know the courage its taken this people to stand up and you Linden giving them a voice.Something that had been taken away from us.And to the people around them..the courage to LOVE THEM..WALK WITH THEM..saddly not all of us have this in our life.Sadly the ABUSE CONTIUES,thur other institutions that in there mission values reads like the a sermon on the mount.As painful as this program was to view i admire the courage to FIFTH ESTATE TO GIVE THIS GIFT Of HOPE,THAT SOMEDAY I TOO CAN GET MY VOICE BACK.
The Roman Catholic Church arrived at the conclusion to create celacy at the Council Of Trent in the 10th Century.It escapes me how these men could believe it posible that men who had barely reached the age of majority could possibly understand their sexual feelings. It has been said that all sexual feelings disappear oly after someone has been buried for three days. I am not trying to find a way to exempt a pedofile from the arms of the law, but I am saying that the acceptance of motivated men should have their views examined more carefully. Pedofiles will exist regardless of their vocation, and are probably not noticed when they are individuals rather than a member of a special group. Who knows how to protect our children? Efforts were tried in the movie "A Clockwork Orange" where pedofiles were shown naked men, women, and children. If they responded to children, as noted by electronic monitoring, they would be given a strong electric shock. It ended up destroying the person who then had to be cared for by society for life. The goal of these comments should be to find a method to save the children, help the ones who slipped through the cracks, and find a way to help victims without having thousands who work for minimum wage provide them with great wealth in the collections of the local church. Perhaps a lottery could be brought about with half of the take be used for the resolution of such problems. I mean all problems of this type whether in the RC Church or not. The result should be to help people who need the help whether victim or perpitrator. Let's work toward a resolution of this destroyer of lives!
Myself I think that all the hurt and betrayl that the catholic members have been subjected to over the years is DISGUSTING!!!! So what if these priests are hiding behind the church for the laws they have broken... and may I add several of the commandments that have been embedded into our heads over the years as well!!! Put them in jail !!! Make them go to court like the rest of society that breaks these laws. They don"t have any money for a lawyer!!!! hahaha CRAP!!!! let them go to legal aid like the rest of society!!!!! I am sooo tired of the church hiding the sins of their priests and then STEALING money and property from innocent hard working citizens. Citizens that are church members that have paid for campgrounds picnic parks ect. and selling it without any type of permission from the people who paid for it in the first place...To pay for the law breaking
priests!!!! Give me a break.. I am sure the money for these loosers can be found elsewhere....
Why are they , starting with the POPE and work your way down.... I say get rid of them all!!! nothing but a mob of some sort!!! steal from the poor!!! but finally got caught... Put them in jail and let them suffer for what they have done and leave the working class alone and stop stealing from them... It is a horrible thing , but I cant bring myself to go into a church anymore because of all of this!!!! I do, and will continue to pray for my GOD at home... As will my children!!!!
To mme this is a very sad thing, I know my Dad is rolling in his grave to know I no longer support my faith because of what has gone on in my own community
I used to be a Sunday school teacher and faithful church goer. This whole situation saddens me. I cannot believe the victims and their families are being forced to bail out the preditors. How can this organization teach ethics when they don't have any!!!!
I will preface this by stating that these acts of abuse disgusts me as a Catholic and I can't explain how the alleged cover-up by certain members of the hierarchy affects my faith in the Catholic Church. Abusing priests have caused pain and suffering that I cannot even fathom. All efforts should be made to bring these individuals to justice no matter the consequences to the reputation of the Church.
That being said , I believe the discussion needs to evolve a little from the clearly sensationalist and perhaps politically motivated agenda of our media to something that faces more the fact that this scandal is very much a microcosm of Western society. How we deal with sex and sexuality, sexual abuse and yes even leftist hatred of organized religion strikes me as slightly hypocritical. Normally the we are very quick to look for "root causes" to problems... in this case however the responsibility is clearly in the church's hands and we are very happy to condemn the church rather than address the ugliness that these scandals point to.
Some examples of facts that are rarely mentioned by the media:
-the vast majority of abuse that these scandals address to took place before 1960
- the extremely offensive and ridiculous response by the Church was unfortunately based on the prevailing wisdom that the individuals committing these acts could be rehabilitated
Re-assigning priests found to have offended is despicable and the fact that protection of the churches reputation as reasoning is nothing short of evil. However, this for me still fails to account for why there are only Catholic cases that have been championed by the media as worth reporting on (as opposed to the widespread problem in public schools and even protestant churches not to mention in family life across our society- be it incestuous or not).
- More than 80% of the cases/allegations of abuse are actually cases of homosexual abuse (as opposed to pedophilia) . This means nothing except that the Church clearly has an issue with homosexual men coming into the priesthood and abusing their positions of influence/power with boys in puberty . This is an inconvenient truth for lefties and again points to an issue we (as a society) refuse to address: the sickness of sexual perversion and hedonistic tendencies runs deep through our current culture.
- Certain studies have shown that there are 39 million victims of sexual abuse in the US alone. Contrary to what the media would have us believe, these were not all committed by Catholic priests. So just maybe, one can argue that we could have a societal issue here that we are failing to recognize- or more importantly what creates that sense of fear in actually dealing with this issue (perhaps what it may tell us about ourselves as a culture/society/country -you pick?)
That is all I would like to add to the discussion- forgive the length of the post but let's also start to talk about why it hurts us so much to even begin this conversation of where our society has gone so terribly wrong OR at the very least acknowledge how this problem of sexual abuse has now reached epidemic proportions (understanding the inherent links to sexual deviancy- which our society, economic system and the media seem to praise... of course only up until it is considered abuse).
Too bad we can't fire the Pope, disband the church and sell their possessions to actually help the sick, injured and maligned of this world, regardless of where they live. Could change the lies of BILĿION§.
right on!
I agree, Janet. Just a small in our neck of the woods example of what's wrong with the whole institution.
I watched the Fifth Estate last night and have so many mixed emotions.
I am formerally from Cape Breton, grew up as a Catholic and was from a family who was so very Religious.
In regards to the show last night about the abuse of so many children by our Religious leaders, the way it was swept under the carpet by the Pope and anybody below him is appalling. I am also very angry at how it is expected that all the parishes from the Diocese of Antigonish are expected to pay for this lawsuit, through sales of land, money taken away from those parishes and by any other means the Vatican thinks they can get the money. Is the Vatican aware how most of these parishes were able to keep the Churches, parish halls, graveyards etc. in such good condition? I am sure they do not care that most of the work was done by parishoners who dedicated their free time and energy to build, fix, clean, and sometimes pay out of their own pocket to make them what they are today. They also contributed through collections at the church for which it was believed this money would go for the maintenance of their own parish expenses.
If my parents & most of the elderly people who have died, who gave so much of their hard earned money and who could barely afford to, physically worked on these buildings, but still did because of their beliefs knew of this, they would turn over in their graves.
I truly believe the Vatican should be responsible to pay for the crimes commited by the leaders whom they placed in these communities, covered up their crimes by sending them to another community to do the same thing there.
To the Victims, my heart goes out to you all. I am truly sorry for your pain.I applaud you for coming forth, no matter how difficult it is for you to have to relive what appalling things were done to you. I agree with you, this needs to be made public, and people need to be made aware of what is happening in The Catholic Diocese everywhere.
I believe last nights show has opened many eyes. It is hard for us to accept, but I believe we need to make some major changes in our parishes.
I for one, will never change my belief in God, will still go to mass and will continue to pray as I have always been taught.
I agree with Marie Louise Samson, in that I will not give my hard earned money to the church. I do believe it would be better if we took what money we intended to give to the church, give it to the CWL, The Lions Club or any other trusted organization in the community who will put it to good use WITHIN the THE COMMUNITY!!!!!!!! There should probably be a committee formed to help make sure all communities in the Diocese of Antigonish are not liable for this lawsuit, form a United Community together and fight this. The Vatican cannot take your hard earned money unless you want to give it to them.
IT IS TIME FOR THE PEOPLE OF THESE PARISHES, AS WELL AS OTHER PARISHES TO TAKE CONTROL OF WHAT HAPPENS IN THEIR COMMUNITY.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
I thank all those who had the guts and courage to fight for their beliefs by being on the Fifth Estate. You all did a wonderful job of making the public aware of what was happening, and my thanks to Linden MacIntyre for a job well done in reporting this. I look forward to more news on this issue.
I think that all of the money should be comming from Rome, they should be selling some of their gold and paintings. Instead of buying buildings for their news paper. Why would you even consider going to the parishes and asking for money, that money belongs to the people of the parish. They are the ones that raised that money, they were not the abusers. I have 2 brothers who were abused by the same priest, and I agree with Mary Louise that the money should come from higher up. May God bless all who were abused. Amen
After watching this epidsode I felt almost relieved for the victoms. As Crystal pointed out, this disgraceful behavior went on in First Nation resendential schools and ruined many generations of lives. I am originally from the area Linden focused on and it is now just coming out to the public eye that such awful behavior happened in our own backyard so to speak. The culture of the people in rural Cape Breton is the church was to keep abuse hush hush because the priest is next to God. These poor abuse victoms were not comfortable or allowed to speak out due to shame it would bring on to their families. I gave so much credit to the men that were brave enough to to tell their stories and put their faces out there after years of supression. Thanksfully this is a matter we are finally speaking out about to help others and learn from.
Yes, it is long over due that the church, from the top down (Rome) take RESPONSIBILITY for their lack of proper intervention. I agree, the police should have been called, not the priest. And to put up church properties for sale, such as a parish hall is not the right thing to do. Growing up in a small community the hall in the centre of the community, and to many non church related activities. Plus, as pointed out in the show, the chruch does not take responsibility in the day-today maintance of the buildings.
Thank you Linden for telling this story. I am sure their is more to tell but this was very well done.
This betrayal of church members makes me think that a second Reformation is in order.
Martin Luther wrote about similar wrongs.
The story, imo, dovetails into the last "Above suspicion." Both are revelations about the gullible nature of or society. We have been trained to let the authorities make our decisions for us and as individuals are not being encouraged to develop our own talents at discernment. The model that we get from our government is that it controls our diets, our state of mind through criminal sanction, telling us to trust them, while they lie to us. Then we are entertained by the story, like now. Yet there is little no oversight or accountability of its police, its politicians/bureaucrats. It makes laws like prohibition based on lies and covers up any wrong doing to the point that the Air India bombers got away with killing 329 people, its police can murder someone on video and no charges. All we ever get is unaccountability, and lessons of worship, blind trust of authority. Isn't this crux of the problems? Perhaps Canadians would be better off engaging in their own destiny fully, choosing their own diet learning to trust themselves? Yet everywhere we look complacency is the general attitude. Trust your priest/government rather than your own kids when they tell you the truth: "The priest is a pervert and hurting me," or, "marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol." We have been trained to believe the lies and after generations of sleeping comfortably, Canadians are only now waking up. The problems we have are much deeper than perverted individual clergy/cops and until we learn that serious accountability must be part of any position of authority. Until we demand it the model will remain the same, the same gullible citizens will be raised to accept anything that they are told.
I Agree with John Tower
Is the catholic church not a religious institution that is basically the ultimate safe place for people, for family? It, in my opinion should be the ultimate, highest example of how to live, if this is so.
For goodness sake, the catholic people believe they cannot access a personal, loving God, but rather have to go through a priest, a human being, in order for forgiveness of sins. Should that priest not then be the safest, most trustworthy person to go to?
There is no way on this earth that anyone could be compensated enough for any crime such as this, committed against them. Wether it be the First Nations Community or those in this betrayal. Think about it; millions of dollars cannot take back what was done. I believe it is necessary to pay a price, but that price should be paid from the top, just as was stated in the program.
The Vatican should sell statue or painting and in its place a plaque should be placed signifying why it is no longer there. The plaque should state the Diocese, the priests name, and the crime committed. The priest, if still living should be arrested and incarcerated just like any common criminal. He is a sick human who needs to pay for his crime.
Any people in power, at the top, who come into the Vatican will see the plaques in years to come and be reminded that they are ultimately accountable for what happens in their "church". It is not a leadership position to be taken lightly. No one should ever forget, and history should not be repeated.
Humble yourselves and accept the responsibility.These are suffering human individuals. If the catholic faith is a true faith then why is this being skirted around? Christ came to seek and save the lost, not manipulate, rape and abuse the innocent.
Bishop Brian Dunn's comment regarding liability, stating that the church doesn't work like an employer/employee relationship is a contradiction. He says he is not an employee of the Vatican. Yet, that is what he answers to and is in submission to, technically.
He implies then that priests/bishops are employees of the parishioners? What other employer pays for the crime of the employee so directly?
In the St. George's Diocese in western Newfoundland (now changed to Corner Brook/Labrador Diocese to shed the shame and further liability) our parishes faced bankruptcy to pay for Kevin Bennett's (former priest)abuse crime. There were other payoffs for other priests that did not make it to the media or to the parishioners. The churches/parish halls were built by parishioners and parishioners money who are now forced to give them up to the Bishop to pay for liability. Abuse victims were also often paid from the collection to keep silent. There are countless silent sufferers. I am very proud of anyone who has the courage to tell us the truth about what happened to them, we need to be educated, so this generation doesn't fall into the same trap. By telling the story there has to be healing as well.
This is a diabolical system coming out of Rome if your facts are true. It is an intelligent design which can control and keep in secrecy their deeds and intent for so long, using a religious face to cover their deeds....
Thank you for your work and for airing this show.
It is painful to know these things but we have to know them.
The rc church is not "anarchic," that is, following the political theories of people like Murray Bookchin, Peter Kropotkin or Emma Goldman. It is profoundly Fascist. That is, it is governed by an unelected, anti-democratic elite (the Curia) and a dictator-figure (Pope), almost invariably sides with right wing military dictators, and in the past has supported and protected Nazism (see the book Ratlines, about how the Curia and Pope helped Nazi war criminals escape)and Fascism. Most of the Curia were enthuisiastic Mussolini supporters and the Pope himself is a former member of Hitler Youth.
They are the precise opposite of anarchism (a political theory adviocating direct democracy).
Congratulations Linden ! I enjoy and appreciate your books and your gift as a fiction writer. But please don't give up your profession as an investigative journalist ! We desperately need this calibre of journalism!
I was angered, saddened, proud and touched by this story. Angered and saddened by the abuse and hyprocracy of the institutional church and proud and touched by the strong, hard-working, principled people of Cape Breton.
Not only have some of our people been sexually abused by the church....now the whole community is being abused. You clearly pointed out this current abuse - hard-working, simple people and communities that sacrificed and contributed for years to pay for churches, halls, and property, and now, the church is exercising its authority in taking from these struggling communities assets they need which contributes to their strong communal ties, community spirit and vibrancy. The rank and file always pay and the institutional and corporate rich and powerful slink off to their ivory towers after some trite words of apology. But nothing changes ! The message in all of this is that FUNDAMENTAL change is needed to address long-standing abuse of power and indoctrination. The issues the church needs to come to terms with are: the role of women, healthy sexuality, and democratic governance. Then, maybe, I'll re-engage. Thanks again Linden !
God bless you for your comment. It's not about Religeon, It's about a relationship with GOD. I will follow the teachings of JESUS. No one else.
I think the fifth estate team did a tremendous job in producing “Betrayal”. It is one of the most comprehensive journalism pieces I have seen on the subject of the sexual abuse tragedy in Antigonish diocese. If I had any disappointment, it was how Brian Dunn, the new bishop, was able to skate around the questions about accountability. He used church law references to justify what had happened. Perhaps it’s time that we look at whether internal, church regulations can be used to avoid civil law obligations. Personally, I am so happy to be clear of the catholic church. When you have administrators like Dunn who still don’t seem to get the message and say that mistakes MAY have been made, it’s not an institution of which I want to be a part. Also interesting to see how the vatican and the pope are considered to be headquarters for the catholic church but duck all responsibility when it comes to paying up. Like Dan Rankin said, let them sell one of their paintings and settle the bill. Not going to happen. Same as Brian Dunn will continue to live in his very expensive official residence in Antigonish while parish halls are sold off to pay the bills. Same old, same old.
I find it interesting that "catholics" practice their faith according to the rules set out in Rome: Women cannot be ordained, priests cannot marry, artificial birth control is sinful etc. However, when it comes to taking responsibility for the abuse of children and the cover-up of this abuse all we hear is scripted apologies and the premise that Rome cannot be responsible for all the dioceses of the church. If that is the case then what moral right has Rome in setting out rules for "catholic" to live by ??????
I was fasinated by last night's program. The headlines in the newspaper now have 'faces'. My heart breaks for every child who lost their 'childhood'... I don't have an answer, but when we have the courage to talk about abuse in any form, we have a chance to stop it from happening again. thank you for the program.
Why were the Bishops never charged with any crimes? The Bishops knew what was going on in the parishes but instead of dealing with the problem they moved the priests from parish to parish to hide them. How sick is that!!!!!!!!!!
Abusing clergy should have been reported to the police. Members of the Church hierarchy who failed to report them i.e. bishops, cardinals and the pope are criminally responsible. Police who turned a blind eye (Cornwall, Ontario) are equally to blame.
I refuse to let the Catholic clergy get in the way of my faith but I trust none of them.
Remember, the Church is not a building, it is Christ and he brings salvation to the people, 'all' people. The Church has a visible institution with Peter as it's head. Peter was human and he made mistakes. The Catholic Church will remain, even though Satan finds cracks to do his wicked crafts. We need to turn to Christ, to pray. This time will pass, all of you will pass but the Church will continue until the end of time. Remember, Jesus was born in a cave. If we lose everything, we will not lose our hope. We don't need the parish halls. What do we do in them, gamble, commit adultry, gluttony... What did Jesus do with those places, remember? We need our Church, we need to pray to our God for discernment and guidance and we need to listen and trust our holy priests. This is an infiltration of Satan into the House of God. He wants 'YOUR' soul and mine. Pray Pray Pray, be humble and wait. Don't sell your soul too.
And those who hate the Church have found a soap box to stand on.
I would like to see an authoritative explanation from a Catholic Diocese in Canada which includes how they are organized from a legal perspective and what legal agreements if any tie that Diocese to the Vatican. We should then examine how much in revenue or charitable donations collected by the Diocese in the last 5 years was donated to the Vatican. Since the Vatican has refused thus far to fund any abuse settlements each Diocese may have a choice to cut off any future donations. There is an opportunity now for Catholics to take action and this is certainly morally justified under the circumstances.
Do you seriously think God did this? People did this. So we are going to sell our souls as well? This is a time to pray for right judgement and discernment. This is not God's work, this is the work of Satan. He found a crack to get into our Church. We need to get him out. I won't sell my soul too.
Antigonish is a Diocese, not an Archdiocese. Halifax is an Archdiocese.
.....was my abuser.....and after 3 decades of alcohol and drug abuse.....I can finally say, I am a survivor. The money will never be enough....but it's a damn good start. The double speak that I continue to hear from the vatican and the diocese still causes great anguish to myself....and those around me. this will never be over for me, but I now have a voice. Thanks to Mr. MacIntyre and the entire staff at the Fifth Estate this tragic issue remains in the spotlight .....as it should be. The shadows have been too dark for too long...It's time to bring the light to this ongoing atrocity. thanks again for keeping the focus where it should be.
I cannot understand how so many of the Catholic faith are surprised at how the Vatican has decided to handle the cases of priests that abuse the young of their parish. There have been cases like this for a very long time and nothing has been done about it either then or now. There have been any number of crises in the church that have rotated around the prosecution of priests that commit crimes not the least of which resulted in the prosecution of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. Then there was a period of some 450 years until Martin Luther decided that the church was not doing what it should in 1517.
I truly fail to understand why so many people are surprised at the reaction of the Vatican...it was entirely predictable and in totally in compliance with the principals that Thomas Becket was adhearing to.....in 1170.
Certain things do not change, they just remain the same. Maybe it is time for a change, it has only been a nine hundred years!!!
I feel the people of Antigonish who were abused by their priests should have compensation from the vatican. They are so very brave to come forward.I commend them.
i think the Vatican should be held accountable they knew this was going on and did nothing to these people. they move then so to make people think they where either let go or punish for what they did but they did neither they willing but these people where they knew they would hurt others and as for selling things i think this money should come from the Vatican because these orders came from them to move the priest around and to keep there secerts if this had been dealt with back when it was frist reported maybe things would of never got to this point and it could of stop but as we all see there secerts where the only thing they really worried about not the poor children or families that now have to learn to live with these nightmare what a shame and as for sell things off it was never theres to sell it was the people of the church they build the church they raised the money it never came from Rome so let rome sell it items to pay for these crime that they knowing allow to happen this is my opion sorry about the wordind and typing
I think anyone supporting this organized religious-political relic is supporting corruption, child molestation and mind control. It is high time for people to let go of their emotional addictions and stand on their own feet. It's called "maturity". If you have a true connection to the great teachers, like Jesus (or Mohammed, Buddha, Krishna ...) you can study their lives and live as they did independently, intelligently, in true spirituality that does not enslave, force converting or abuse others. In fact, as human beings, that is our duty. We must pursue knowledge and that true supreme awareness that radiates infinite compassion to all living things and that elevates us to completely new heights as human beings. I feel, that is our only mission on Earth - to be self-realized beings just like our great teachers have become.
It's been an ongoing tragedy for centuries, and it's time that people realized that the church is like any other capital business. The goal of this organization is money and power.
Barb, stop deflecting.
What is the cause of most wars? Who incarcerated Galileo? Who burned Giordano Bruno alive at the stake or the 'witches' of Salem? Etc, Etc, Etc... The travesties are innumerable. But, the crimes against our children are absolutely unconscionable.
Why does the pope have bulletproof vehicles? What does this say about his faith? If you die, it's an act of god? If he dies, it's what, a mistake?
So what is the message of this settlement? Mess with a sovereign hierarchy and you lose a church that you built and paid for to bring them into your community? A soccer coach just received a six year sentence for pedophilia but the church is not accountable for its pedophile's because it only answers to the laws of god, not the laws of man? They're allowed to relocate them? Keep things quiet? Keep the money flowing in while making the local parish foot the bills? Excuse me, but who's hand held the pen that wrote the laws of god? Take the church of the pedestal. They must be held accountable, unless someone's embarrassment is more important than their pain.
Dear Mr McIntyre and your research team,
Thank you. This story and all the stories and the legal procedures have to be told, until the Vatican accepts legal responsibility and recompenses the victims itself, with its riches.
Thank you.
I was physicaly abused in mission school by nuns and priests. Lost thmy hearing in one ear, suffered poor balance and constasnt neck problems from the blows receide.. I was 5 years old!
My whole life was affected by these treatments..
The vatcan should stop covering up there criminal negligence and put there money where there mouth is to help heal these victims of abuse!
On has to wonder what it is that kees so many Catholics so loyal to what many here have identified as an outdated and thoroughly flawed institution. I would think that it would make more sense for a true Christian, who has realized the serious flaws of the Catholic Church, to find a simpler, less medieaval, and more authentic body of 21st century believers to followship with.
That was terribly difficult to watch but in the end, I, like Mr. Martin, am Catholic, I believe in the Church and in the Eucharist and none of what I saw is going to change that. I admire the fact that, in spite of what happened to him, Mr. Martin has not lost his Faith but I'm sad that he feels isolated in the Church and really hope that that will change in years to come. What a contrast between him and the former Sister who now refuses to go to Church because of the money issue.
I also understand how each diocese functions as an independent financial corporation which owns all the properties -- something that often comes as a shock to parishioners who have always thought of the parish properties as their, something far removed from the legal reality.
My own diocese has undergone much of what Antigonish is now going through: the horrifying realization that beloved priests were abusers; the court cases, largely dictated by the insurance companies who wouldn't allow the diocese to settle and insisted that the cases be fought in court; the sale of properties to cover settlements; etc. It's left the parishes struggling. Ironically, the people that we hadn't lost due to the direct abuse we may lose due to the protection policies put into place: volunteers who after 10-15-20 years of service feel slapped in the face when they are told they need to submit to court and police checks or not bother returning. That is compounded by the the sickening realization that police checks only reveal those who have already been caught and there could easily be a 20 year span between the abuser's first victim and the victim which gets him/her caught.
But the one thing I have come to understand is that the Church is really no different from the family which turns a blind eye to the abusing uncle because he's family after all.
I don't know if such was the case in Angigonish diocese but when priests were found to be abusing they were often put into therapy and after being treated for a while they were pronounced cured. Today we know that that's improbable, if not impossible, but is it surprising that they were put back into parishes when professionals told their bishops that the behavior had been aberrant but that they were now cured?
I can't believe the fellow in the last segment is still a catholic. I am amazed that many catholics around the world overlook these horrendous crimes and view the pope as some kind of demi-god. Perhaps as the scandal erupts further, it will be the downfall, finally, of the roman catholic church.
I have been spending part of my summer on Isle Madame in the Acadian part of Cape Breton. I have heard the anguish of the people in the parishes there about losing the parish money, and property which is been taken and sold to cover the cost of lawsuits that occured in the diocese.
This would not have happened if each province had a law like they do in Quebec ....it is called the fabrique act, which was passed into law about 1830. This law gives the parishes power to set up as a separate legal corporation. The wardens are elected as stated in the fabrique act, and are as Directors of a corporation would be.
I have included an address of a site that gives you insight to a question I asked...and an insight into what , and how a parish operates under the fabrique act.
Here is the site
http://adventus.org/en/fatherdowd/parish-and-fabrique-an-introduction/#comments
I too was impressed by Linden MacIntyre's,"Betrayal".It was sensitive, intelligent and thorough. The comments of the American lawyer were very interesting i.e. that the heirarchy in Rome are accountable for the actions of the priests here in Anigonish,N.S.Perhaps the victims' lawyers should investigate that further . The hard working people of Antigonish have been exploited enough. No wonder the pews are empty in many a catholic church.
Have long been a fan of "The Fifth Estate" for its excellent, investigative reporting. First class, unbiased analysis reminiscent of the 'old CBC' style of reportage that was forthright, fearless and balanced and which has been abandoned in favourite 'entertain news' marked by silly alliteration, simplistic phraseology , etc.
Linden McIntyre's questioning of the current Bishop of Antigonish, unfortunately and disappointingly, pulled too many punches and didn't pursue the matter of accountability with him. Why didn't McIntyre mention all the money that is taken out of the parishes and sent to Rome. And to not rip to shreds the idea that Rome is one diocese and Antigonish is a separate diocese when no bishop or priest stirs without first consulting, checking with, Rome? No follow through. Pity!
As for the "wounded" parishioners who have been blindsided by a faschist "Prince of Blessed Mother Chorch", Ratzinger, when he was in charge of the doctrine of the faith, one has give them complete sympathy because their genuine and admirable faith has been undermined, corroded, by a corrupt and vicious institution. "Blessed Mother Chorch" .... No wonder so many of the interviewees are so angry. They are right to withdraw formally and demand to take their property and money with them.
My sincere thanks to CBC, Linden MacIntyre, Ron Martin, the Latimer brothers and others too, for sharing this story. After watching the account tonight I was so angry and then to see men fawning over the Pope - I was sickened. Yes, all roads do lead to Rome.
My sincere thanks to CBC, Linden MacIntyre, Ron Martin, the Latimer brothers and others too, for sharing this story. After watching the account tonight I was so angry and then to see men fawning over the Pope - I was sickened. Yes, all roads do lead to Rome.
How unbelievable that an organization that teaches about the love of Jesus Christ and His ways would ever even consider covering up such heinous crimes by the very people to whom the young give their trust. Is this what Jesus would want? How far off the mark of the original teachings of Jesus is this? Perhaps it will take such a crisis as this to bring about a renewal and complete overhaul of the hierarchy in Rome. Most practising Catholics have a tremendous faith in their God, but they are not going to stand by and allow this travesty to continue in the name of defending the larger Church. Many of us are disgusted,saddened and definitely feel betrayed by Church leaders. Our prayers are with all the victims.
I was raised a catholic and attended mass from a very young age. I left the church 15 years or so ago, when I figured out how hypocritical it all was.. I feel it is time for the Vatican to start being accountable for their crimes.. in my city of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, the number of offending priests are staggering. It sickens me to think how they have gotten away with it for so long. They were just shuffled around and moved, or brought to their "retirement" home in Toronto. The pope should want to help the victims, and want to be held accountable, and not dodge the real issues. The Vatican is built on lies and deception,, and they call themselves Christians. Shameful is what they are!
I feel very disheartened that if i condemn the sexual abuse and cover up by the Catholic Church, I am considered somehow unfaithful. I no longer attend mass but am looking forward to returning one day when this issue is appropriately resolved...for now I will do my praying at home, out of love and respect for the victims.
Thank you for this intelligent and sensitive story. I sincerely hope that this becomes a catalyst for change. These pedophile priests must be held accountable, and it starts with public outrage. Don't give them another penny, it's the Vatican who should pay for their sins.
My heart goes out to all victims of this heinous crime.
Interesting how the bishop of the Archdiocese of Antigonish tried to dodge the question of whether Rome is accountable and whether he himself is "employed" by Rome...Shame shame....this is one resident of the diocese who will not be dropping my hard earned money into the church coffers!!
They can sell as much as they like, the diocese and/or the vatican does not have enough money to compensate survivors for what was taken from them. How much money would it take for you to allow someone to literally come into your home take your child, rape them, assault them, abuse them change who they may have become, devastate your family and then walk over to the next home and do the same to them, and then hide behind a law that will protect them and open doors for them to do it somewhere else. Would 5M be enough? would 50M be enough? There is no amount of money that could take away that type of devastation. Give it all over to the victims and back to the communities since it was all built on their backs and their dimes anyway, then I may consider going back to church.
Why anyone still supports this anarchic, medieval organization is beyond me. That is takes a situation this severe to get people to finally wake up and realize there is NO ACCOUNTABILITY from the church. The church are the people, not Rome, and it is long overdue that they finally realize this.
Crystal, I am saddened by the fact that what is you say is so true. Having lived in several First Nations communities over the years. Here the victimization was two fold, as racism created another layer of abuse that still impacts so much today.
The Catholic Church is built on a foundation of secrets. Those secrets are what's more important to the organization and it's leadership than the innocent victims of heinous sexual crimes by their own priests. This whole story makes me sick at every level and people should take a stand against the church, including both the religious and laity. Otherwise, silence continues to be a pretty loud endorsement.
Not to be trite, however I see a sad analogy where a Catholic can excuse themselves from military duty in Afghanistan. Where we are fighting extremists Muslims isn't Catholicism, Christian extremism. We (yes I am a conflicted Catholic) treat Women as subordinates and our leaders accumulate massive wealth (not as Jesus taught us) while the abuse of children has been collectively ignored or put aside. The Church has promised to engage the lay people, of whom I am one, and have yet to be engaged in any serious manner.
Linden MacIntyyre has provided us with a terrific expose' that we should keep topical in our media and lives. I have raised my children in the Christen faith but I shall fail them if they follow the leadership of Rome and the Pope (this hurts me to say). It is time for Catholics to step up for the teachings of Jesus and reclaim St Peters' church.
My advise: Call the cops, quit the cult.
I am one of the 100+ survivors of sexual abuse at the hands of the diocese of Antigonish.... I say I am a survivor....thats not so true....for who I would have been, was murdered, many years ago. That may seem to many, to be a harsh term to use. I personally find it to be quite concise. It's quite difficult, after decades of alcohol and drug addiction....detox centres, treatment centres, and alienation from my family, who and what I might have turned out to be. As a matter of fact....as I write this, I am home for the weekend, from a treatment facility in Middleton N.S.
I found this program to be thoughtful and very informative.....however; the double speak that continues to pour from the Diocese hierarchy, continues to burn slow and hot like kerosene. Of course...it is no surprise to me. I have come to expect this from my abusers. Every time one of the 'sheppards' speaks.....I feel violated once more.
While this will never be over for me, I will carry on. Soon I will have a voice. Soon, I will be strong enough to carry this message to whomever will listen. They will know of the child that they destroyed, because I will stand for him...for me!
I WILL have a voice. Until that day, I thank you Mr. MacIntyre.
..my poor parents must be rolling in their graves. how can anyone sell something that is not theirs? The "parishes" to me are the people so if the Catholic Church want to sell anything from the parishes, they should ask and have permission from the people beforehand..the whole matter is getting more & more disgusting...
I donot think the church can ever atone for the theft of innocence, personal identities and even complete lives they have harmed and stolen. It would be nice if they offered some sort of compensation for all they have taken.I am sure that this is not what Jesus ment when he said suffer little children to come to me. What this is is a real atrocity, and unforgiveable situation.
Myself as far as i am concerned this pope should be forced to resign
As far as i am concerned this has happen all around the world by alot of priests and they should have to pay for there wrong doing and the pain that they have brought to so many people across the world.. and yes the the head people of rome should be held responsible... rome is one of the riches parts of the world and the bishop and fellow members rather close the local churches then be held acountable for things that they teach... the local churchs should not be going up for sale and i strongly believe that.
It is time the church pays, we need to overall the churches and the Pope needs to accept the fact that this was allowed to happen, it was accepted by the church. Its time we stopped hiding these people, its time we help all, including First Nations, I am so shocked that we still want to protect the church. Lawyers, Doctors etc. carry insurance, trust me the church has the money, stop making honest hard working people pay for their crimes, the crime the church covered up for years. Remove, jail, and make these men pay, excuse me, they are not men, they are in fact EVIL.
For Crystal. Believe me that most do cry for all victims for this kind of horrid story. The atrocities that happened to our First Nations community is deeply complex and troublesome. Please be aware that this has happened everywhere. Maybe more in a community were it can get away with it more. All communities, all types of people including First Nations, have continued to commit these terrible unforgivable offenses.
Tyhe property is not owned by the church but by the members of the community (laity). The catholic Church is not authorised to sell the property of others nor hold them responsible for the errant or criminal of their appointed clergy.
Funds for redress should come from the coffers of the church and the actual perpetrators of the crimes.
I am not aboriginal...and I don't know the whole story from that perspective....but I totally agree with you! We have done very little to help the aboriginal people heal from the trauma forced upon them for years...I hope it happens in my lifetime.
What type of game are the Pope, Vatican, and the Catholic Church playing?? It is completely sick and distorted that they can't be REAL Christians,step up to the plate and pay for their crimes from their OWN money, not from the parishioners! This is totally disgusting and unforgivable..what is wrong with society?? Well, whatever it is DON'T follow the Catholic Church's example..it is SO WRONG,UNJUST...