Lately the "big" news going around, at least in Christian circles, is on the exorcism trial. My friend took leave from work to attend the hearing on Wednesday, but for me, besides following up the case in the papers, I did not make a big hoo-ha over it.
Needless to say, some of my Catholic friends are rather concerned over this case. Even in church, we were asked to pray for the trial (in this case, both definitions) which the priests in question are going through. Which is why my friend took the trouble to hear the case, but for me, knowing how draggy a court session can be, I rather not step into one.
According to my friend, he said the Plaintiff's witness' statements were ridiculous, shifted the blame on everyone, questioning why the judge did not believe him instead of the other "professionals" around. His (my friend) opinion is that it seems highly improbable that the priests in question would forcefully abuse someone they did not even know.
My friend also said the Plaintiff's lawyers were rather pissed with the witness. Of course, the lawyers have most probably taught him what to say and what not to say, yet he went to make a mess in court, which would probably cause them to lose the case. Which lawyer would not be pissed?
The alleged matter took place three years back. The question is, if it took place so long ago and the account was true, why did the family in question wait until now to bring the matter to court? According to reports, the Plaintiff wanted an out-of-court settlement for the trauma she faced, but the church in question refused as the Defendants alleged that all they did was to perform prayers, and not what she claimed. Granted, but even then, must it be so drastic to bring the matter to court and making a big hoo-ha out of it?
Going to court is a simple matter, but I guess this news made it "big" because it is so controversial. Having not witnessed the actual thing myself so in the dark as to what actually happened, I cannot say which allegations are really true.
Afterall, in court, it is every man / woman for him / herself. Everyone wants to win the case, and sometimes, facts can be "played around" with as long as it is not against the law. All one needs is a good lawyer to turn the case around and swing it in his / her favour. Even for a man of esteemed faith, because man, being man, will always be selfish and look out for his own well-being.
In my opinion, the matter is bringing very bad publicity to the church and the faith itself. A few years back, a priest was being sued by his "goddaughters" that he showed improper behaviour towards them. Even before this, another priest was sued for "cheating" the church's money. All these cases have already put the faith in a bad light. A lot of people I know already do not have good impressions of Catholics in general, now with all these trials going on, it is going to be worse.
The trial is still on-going. There is another hearing today, and the verdict will be out some time next week. One wonders who will win the case ultimately. Will it be the Plaintiff or the Defendants?
If it is the former, she may just get the compensation she wanted and her allegations hold true. If it is the latter, then the church will come out unscathed, but the Plaintiff may continue being a "victim of exorcism" so to speak. Frankly, if I am the lawyer, I rather not take this case. Some money is just not worth earning.
Needless to say, some of my Catholic friends are rather concerned over this case. Even in church, we were asked to pray for the trial (in this case, both definitions) which the priests in question are going through. Which is why my friend took the trouble to hear the case, but for me, knowing how draggy a court session can be, I rather not step into one.
According to my friend, he said the Plaintiff's witness' statements were ridiculous, shifted the blame on everyone, questioning why the judge did not believe him instead of the other "professionals" around. His (my friend) opinion is that it seems highly improbable that the priests in question would forcefully abuse someone they did not even know.
My friend also said the Plaintiff's lawyers were rather pissed with the witness. Of course, the lawyers have most probably taught him what to say and what not to say, yet he went to make a mess in court, which would probably cause them to lose the case. Which lawyer would not be pissed?
The alleged matter took place three years back. The question is, if it took place so long ago and the account was true, why did the family in question wait until now to bring the matter to court? According to reports, the Plaintiff wanted an out-of-court settlement for the trauma she faced, but the church in question refused as the Defendants alleged that all they did was to perform prayers, and not what she claimed. Granted, but even then, must it be so drastic to bring the matter to court and making a big hoo-ha out of it?
Going to court is a simple matter, but I guess this news made it "big" because it is so controversial. Having not witnessed the actual thing myself so in the dark as to what actually happened, I cannot say which allegations are really true.
Afterall, in court, it is every man / woman for him / herself. Everyone wants to win the case, and sometimes, facts can be "played around" with as long as it is not against the law. All one needs is a good lawyer to turn the case around and swing it in his / her favour. Even for a man of esteemed faith, because man, being man, will always be selfish and look out for his own well-being.
In my opinion, the matter is bringing very bad publicity to the church and the faith itself. A few years back, a priest was being sued by his "goddaughters" that he showed improper behaviour towards them. Even before this, another priest was sued for "cheating" the church's money. All these cases have already put the faith in a bad light. A lot of people I know already do not have good impressions of Catholics in general, now with all these trials going on, it is going to be worse.
The trial is still on-going. There is another hearing today, and the verdict will be out some time next week. One wonders who will win the case ultimately. Will it be the Plaintiff or the Defendants?
If it is the former, she may just get the compensation she wanted and her allegations hold true. If it is the latter, then the church will come out unscathed, but the Plaintiff may continue being a "victim of exorcism" so to speak. Frankly, if I am the lawyer, I rather not take this case. Some money is just not worth earning.
3 comments:
Unfortunately, some people are a little over zealous and tend to take serious matters into their hands without proper consultation. While exorcism is still practiced in the Catholic Church, there are pretty strict guidelines for it - the principal of which is that all other means (including psychological treatment) are exausted. Even then, there are strict requirements for what defines demonic possession and it is not something lightly undertaken.
As for giving the Church a bad reputation ... hmmm ... I like to think of the Church as a hospital for sinners and not a museum for saints.
How many of those who criticize the Church are themselves beyond reproach? How many can claim to lead lives that are chaste, honest, just, charitable and patient? And haow many, simply use the faults of others to justify their own bad behaviour?
All Chirstians, not just Catholics, are members of the body of Christ. As such, we each have a responsibility to lead exemplary lives of Christianity.
As with Jesus and the adulterous women, let those who are without fault cast the first stone. If there are none, then like Jesus, let us not condemn others (it is also importatn to note that Jesus did not forgive her, since she did not ask for forgiveness, he let her go with the admonishment "sin no more").
I agree with you to a certain extent that the church itself is more for sinners than saints, which is why we pray for forgiveness and go for confession every week.
There are people with different beliefs who have bad impressions of Christians per se and always criticise church-goers for being so "holy" yet not behaving in a Christ-like way.
But everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. To me, as long as I behave properly in be a responsible Christian, that's all that matters. I don't need to go around preaching to and converting everyone.
You don't need to go around proselytizing, however, your life should serve as an example and you should never be shy or ashamed to discuss your faith.
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