Exactly how far back in history would you like to go?  Because I can trace sexual abuses of youth and women, all the way to the 4th century in the Church--- much of it came from the highest ranks of the church.  And the laity did not bring it on.  It was begun by the clergy and the hierarchy, who felt that their exulted position entitled them to take advantage of the poorly educated women and the young.


For abuses within the church to cease---both spiritual and physical changes must occur.  If we only needed PRAYER----Jesus could have cured ZILLIONS of people just by praying.  But he wanted US to see that doing the Will of the Father, means taking the time, going out and DOING it.  Not just praying about it.  In his letter, St. James states "what good is it if you say that you have faith, but do not have works."  The people of Ireland have had enough of being 'preyed' upon.   And they are done PRAYING for change to occur.   They're leaving and won't be back.