Benedict Groeschel retires; leaves EWTN after sex abuse remarks

[AngryOldDem]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/06/benedict-groeschel-retire_n_1859753.html


<<The Rev. Benedict Groeschel, a well-known Catholic author and television personality, has given up his longtime spot on the conservative cable network EWTN following comments in which he appeared to defend clergy who abuse children while blaming some victims.

Groeschel's departure as host of EWTN's "Sunday Night Prime" program is a loss for conservative Catholics who looked to the Franciscan friar -- a distinctive figure with his gray habit and white beard -- as a champion of their values and agenda in the culture wars.

"At some point you have to take the car keys away from grandpa," the Rev. Glenn Sudano, a spokesman for the friars, told Religion News Service.>>

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I think comments like Groeschel's expose the "values and agenda" of some in the culture wars, especially religious conservatives. To recap, if you've forgotten, this is the man who thinks abusive priests should not go to jail on their first offense, believes that some kids actually seduce their molesters, and feels pity for Jerry Sandusky.

I'm sure a lot of EWTN junkies are in deep mourning today, but the rest of us can rejoice that one more ignorant person has lost his bully pulpit.

I hope he spends his retirement reflecting on just how hurtful his comments were.

[Historic NY]

1. They should give the job to the nuns.

[life long demo]

2. Like Sr. Simone who spoke yesterday at the DNC

She was great.

[AngryOldDem]

3. I tuned in right at the end of her speech.

I see that it's posted here, though. I plan to watch it.

The nuns are about the only redeeming people left in that institution.

[AbusedByNun]

4. Nuns abused too and hid sex crimes

Before one puts nuns on a pedestal, take a look at:
http://www.snapnetwork.org/nun_abuse

[Walk away]

6. In Catholic school I was beaten regularly for expressing my...

disbelief in a god. Can you imagine smacking around a little child for not believing in your religion? I have seen nuns do much worse. I once watched a nun pound a little boy head into a blackboard until blood came out of his ear. What did he do? He talked back once too often.

I wouldn't let a Sister of Charity anywhere near a child.

[Liberal_in_LA]

5. good riddance