We are Church

Over the last number of years there has been many news stories of Catholic priests in Ireland and indeed in other countries abusing young people in the past. We have also heard the stories of priests and Bishops covering up for abusers. These cases of abuse have turned people away from the Catholic Church. This is understandable. However, the Catholic Church is NOT just priests, Bishops and Nuns. The Catholic Church is every Catholic who gathers to worship God. In the face of all the abuse which has occurred within the Catholic Church I fear that a lot of people have forgotten this fundamental principle of the Catholic Church, that we are all the Church. It is great to have priests and Bishops. However, without lay people there would not be a functioning Catholic Church.
The abuse that has happened within the Church by those in power is shocking. Unfortunately the Catholic Church is not the only place where young people have been abused. In my opinion, when people are given power the risk of other people getting hurt increases a lot. I know that there have been a number of cases of abuse by priests and cover ups. However, the vast majority of the abuse has taken place in the past. It is unfair in my opinion to brand all clergy with the same brush. There are a number of good priests in the world that hold utmost respect for humanity and are great to their parishioners when they are in need. Do not let the events of the past turn you away from your Catholic faith and indeed God. And give everybody a fair chance. Remember, each priest, Bishop and Nun is an individual and just because one has hurt people that does not mean that another will do the same. Don't judge Jack on something Tom has done etc.

God is central to our Catholic Faith and the Church is everybody in it, layperson and religious!