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Cathedral Of Christ The Light’s New Rooftop Garden "Atones" For Clergy Sexual Abuse
 The Axiom Of Respect The Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, is trying to help the Catholic Church "atone for the sins of its past" by opening a "first-of-its-kind" rooftop garden that "honors victims of clergy sexual abuse," providing "a place for people to come and connect to their spirituality [that is] not inside the church." ("Cathedral Offers Garden To Sex Abuse Victims") According to Terrie Light, who "was abused by a priest at age 7" and "has been a vocal advocate for abuse victims for many years," there are victims who "want to go into a church [but] cannot. It's too painful, too emotionally traumatizing." Others are "ambivalent -- [they] want to be there and not want to be there. This [garden] gives them the option." (Watch "Clergy Abuse Victims Remembered") We are pleased that the Catholic Church is attempting to console those who suffered so horrendously at the hands of numerous Catholic priests, and we applaud Ms. Light for working diligently to make the idea of this garden a reality. Nonetheless, for us, the paramount issue surrounding clergy sexual abuse is teaching children that although treating positions of authority respectfully is in general the right thing to do, they must never blindly respect or trust the authority figures themselves. Under Magna Sententia, treating positions of authority respectfully is necessary for our society to function. Without this, there would be no social order: Law enforcement officers, teachers, and others would be unable to perform their duties. However, we live in a world of widespread abuse of power, and to keep our children safe, they must understand that even though it is important to treat positions of authority respectfully, if an authority figure behaves inappropriately or hurts them, they must tell you or a trusted adult immediately. Make sure they know that you will protect them, even if the perpetrator threatens to harm them or someone they love. (And if they do confide in you, it is imperative that you listen to and believe them.) This separation of respect and respectfulness is essential for adults to remember as well. Just because someone is in a position over you, it does not mean he or she can take advantage of you, harm you, or put you in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. We must stand up for and protect ourselves and those we love. Our hearts go out to all the victims of clergy sexual abuse, and it is our hope that they will find strength and healing. Anna and Ellie Sherise
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