8 October 2009

I've been thinking about the Pope these days, and about the Catholic church, perhaps brought on by the recent arrest of Roman Polanski.

There's been outrage at Hollywood types because a few rose in defense of Polanski, just as there was a huge public outcry at the Catholic church for the transgressions of a handful of priests. I'm not saying that what these men did to children was not a huge travesty against decent human behavior, but the point I'd like to make is that I'm uneasy about such cases being made use of to undermine - for example - the good works that the Catholic church engenders via its network of charitable institutions and schools.

What I'm saying is, I'm not a supporter of those who would use any opportunity to destroy established institutions, even when their arguments may rest upon cases of what I agree to be serious transgressions against our sense of human rights and human dignity. There are too many people who "cast stones" at others, precisely - I feel - as a way to NOT look at their own actions and motivations, and would rather have the easy satisfaction of destroying other people and institutions, to make themselves feel important. These people prefer to take the easy way out, just as they project their dissatisfaction at life, outwards, rather than work on improving themselves, or work together with others to make our existing institutions into thriving working institutions for all.

Perhaps, we should not give up on our institutions just because they have made mistakes in the past, if they can be seen to be also doing good in the world, and I have no doubt that the Catholic church is one such institution, because it offers hope and guidance to a multitude of people.

Why else would the Pope be met by throngs of people everywhere he goes?

Margaret Chen
Editor in chief, iCUBED.us

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