FROM SCANDAL TO HOPE
Where Does the Church Go From Here?

The priest scandal in the United States is the worst blow to the Catholic Church in America since its foundation. Fr. Groeschel explains the nature, depth and scope of the problem. He has counseled and consoled bishops, priests, and laity who have all been affected by the current scandals. He condemns, as Jesus did, anyone who would corrupt and abuse children and he proposes that the Church develop a penitential heart. At the same time the hope that is offered to the Church and to society comes from Christ, the living and loving Lord who guides us, pours out his Spirit upon the Church and gives us the capacity to live lives of heroic charity. He blames the media for giving a distorted view of the scandal but he admits that we have brought the scandal upon ourselves. Bishops, priests and religious need to pull together so that the people of God will have their confidence in Christ restored. The most terrible aspect of the scandal is that so many who have been victimized actually end by hating the God who loves them. Drawing on the resources of the Church as defined by the Vatican Council he believes that the laity will lead the Church in holiness and renewal. He is encouraged by the openness and the hunger for the truth of Christ that he sees in the young, and he challenges all who will listen to meet those needs and to try to give them the guidance and support they desperately long for.

Produced in collaboration with the National Institute for Clergy Formation of Seton Hall University.