Spokane Diocese to Raise $48M after Abuse

CBNNews - SPOKANE, Wash. - The Catholic Diocese of Spokane has emerged from bankruptcy 2½ years after filing for Chapter 11 protection because of sex abuse cases. Now, Bishop William Skylstad and parishioners must raise $48 million to settle victims' claims. (More here)
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[This should serve as a clear example of the dangers of extra-biblical teaching and requirements by the church (Deut. 12:32; Rev. 22:18, 19). Among the many non-biblical teachings of the Catholic Church, the requirement to have a "celibate" clergy is one of the most visible cases of the evils that will occur when the church adds to (or takes away from) God's word. The CBN report is about the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, but sadly this perversion is not isolated there. This sexual abuse has run rampant throughout the Catholic Church in all geographical locations.

Sexual perversion is a sin that consumes mankind (look at how sex is mostly portrayed in the media; i.e. not the God ordained act of a physical expression of love within the bond of marriage between one man and one woman). Even the Protestant churches have shameful scandals. The nature of the Catholic clergy, however, is a magnet for certain types of individuals. Pedophiles and homosexuals are drawn by this marriageless lifestyle that carries with it a level of respectability. Add to that young children (children's catechism classes - CCD and alter boys) and fellow homosexual co-workers (some priests), and they have fertile ground to sow their evil desires.

Unfortunately, I don't believe that this problem will go away in the near future. Maybe after awhile, these sexual perverts will just enter the woeful Episcopal Church in America where this sin (homosexuality) is accepted. For those who come in His name and carry out this evil, God will judge them harshly (Rom. 1:26, 27; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; James 3:1).

The gospel is for those who see their sin through the law (Rom. 7:7) and repent (confess their guilt and turn from their sin). God will show mercy to the truly repentant (2 Cor. 7:10) who trust in Jesus alone for their salvation (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:8-17). It is the work of the Holy Spirit, through the hearing of the word, that empowers this transformation (Ez. 36:26, 27; Rom. 8:11; Rom. 9:16; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 5:17, 18; Rom. 10:17).

We ought to show love for the lost, while still calling sin what it is: missing the mark by rebelling against God and indulging in evil. The unrepentant practice of sin is unacceptable to God, and His church.

We believer's must keep in mind, however, that we too are sinners. Sinners, who have been saved by grace.]
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*For more on the sexual abuses within the Catholic clergy see this report at frontline.