Analysis of random selected publications, related to so called „clergy phedophilia”, by means of the law assesment’ Cover Image

Analiza wybranych stanowisk publicystycznych na temat tzw. pedofilii duchownych w świetle oceny prawnej
Analysis of random selected publications, related to so called „clergy phedophilia”, by means of the law assesment’

Author(s): Szymon Różycki
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Media studies, Civil Law, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Studies in violence and power, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Wyższe Seminarium Duchowne w Łodzi
Keywords: mass media and the Church; press law; media attacks on the Church;

Summary/Abstract: The submitted article constitutes an attempt of legal (and moral) appraisal of randomly selected press publications that concern pedophilia among the catholic clergy. The campaign tending to present priesthood as the nest of the above mentioned deviation could be inspired by the incidental cases on the worldwide scale since no society is free from such incidents. I dare say, however, that mass media phraseology and ignorance have deformed the problem. This hurts much due to the fact that these absolutely unreasonable accusations – what I desire to prove in the article – are published in popular media by reputable members of academic community. Lie, calumny and scorn are instruments of moral philosophy, should they not also become a subject of sober judgment for civil law? (canonical judgment may not be considered by these publishers). Considering the two aspects: availability of the „published work‟ and the high rank of its authors instantly comes Jesus Christ‟s appraisal: “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! (Luke, 17:1). I submit for the reader‟s consideration both the gravity of the problem (managing of media fiction) and the marked indifference/coldness on the part of the civil law of the Stat.

  • Issue Year: 19/2010
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 201-216
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish