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1. God forbid that he would have to go to Centrelink for a pension, and apply for State housing and consequently join the real world. Don't provide a home and the respect that gives him; don't reward him. Paedophiles never change, as apparently neither do their protectors.

   Posted By: Xazron

2. Xazron's comments are totally unacceptable and lack even a shadow of Christian charity. A crime has been committed, judgement made, a sentence served. More harm would be done if this person was not given the support needed when he returns to Australia. Many paedophiles reoffend; others are capable of repenting. Compassion is needed for those who have to face the remainded of their lives knowing the shame of their past actions.

   Posted By: Lidia

3. In this case, the order is offering a brother who has sinned and been legally punished practical help towards his eternal salvation whilst taking the steps it sees as necessary to protect possible future victims.
   Is this what Jesus would do?

   Posted By: Margaret McDonald

4. Lidia: Thank you for your objective comments.
   Xazron: If these particular offences had been committed by a lay man, would it be unacceptable for his family to offer him shelter and support after release? Your suggestion that the Brothers of St John of God for doing so are his 'protectors' is unfounded.
   The Order is his family and his superiors are acting in a way appropriate for a family with a member who has committed a serious offence.

   Posted By: Marco Elliott

5. It would have been more an act of charity if this brother's life had been respected long before it came to this.
   In fact, it was a duty of care of the Religious Order who claim to be his family, and to those lives he has damaged.

   Posted By: L Newington

6. L Newington: "It would have been more an act of charity if this brother's life had been respected long before it came to this."
   Would you please clarify this statement. Just what do you mean?

   Posted By: Marco Elliott

7. Marco: No mother doing her duty as a Catholic, by fostering a vocation in her son, would want to see him disgraced in later life because of those more interested in the image of the Order he now belonged and the Church.
   There would have been some indication there was a problem as I have said, long ago and no doubt recorded.
   He should have been shown another path; with charity and his dignity in tact.
   That goes for priests too. No further comment.

   Posted By: L Newington

8. Margaret McDonald: I just love the question 'what would Jesus do', and if Jesus were a New Zealander he would see things from the viewpoint of the victims.
   There can only be a focus on the victims when the crime is one of betrayal and abuse.
   Jesus would ask the victims for a solution - I'm sure victims could come up with answers.

   Posted By: Mike b

9. Mike b: Your imaginary Jesus concerned only with vengeance and with no hint of forgiveness, bears no resemblance to the Jesus of the Gospels who loves all men, even His enemies who betrayed Him.

   Posted By: Peter G

10. Peter G: Can we assume for a moment that endemic, insititutional sexual abuse was not a factor in Jesus' time?
    OK, having established that basic fact, where do you stand on sexual abuse? Yes, ultimately we must forgive them but there is also no room for tepid intellectual after-thoughts about the nature of the crime.
    As each day goes by we are confronted with more and more revelations - does this not anger you?
    What would you do to repair the damage; and where do you stand on the hirerachy's attempts to deflect the magnitude of the problem?
    Perhaps you are also hoping that these matters simply go away.
    Don't focus on me, focus on the changes-solutions required so that a genuine renewal is possible.

    Posted By: Mike b

11. There would have been some indication there was a problem as I have said, long ago and no doubt recorded
    Perhaps in some cases but not always. Some cases came as a complete shock to the relevant orders.
    However L Newington's comment has some validity in that sometimes we are all a bit cowardly about facing unpleasant truths about ourselves and others
    Still I don't think we should abandon any one. There but for God's grace could go you or I

    Posted By: Bernadette

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