text: The Catholic Church's existence is indeed proof that people can (and will) excuse many things. It is a huge worldwide organisation that has survived every kind of impact. It has always contained criminals as well as saints. Its continuing existence must tell us something about it. Perhaps you are right, and it is something to do with eternal life.
  I don't think there are many churchgoers nowadays (at least, not where I live, the UK) who are blind to the dangers of clerical sex abuse; or who would be silent if they saw it, or heard of it. I would not be.
  I'm following the daily transcripts from Australia - where they are seeking to understand what more can be done to make things safer for children today and in the future. I hope that part of the recommendations will involve curtailments of the Church's current practice of routinely involving the CDF in Rome.