Ethics question for theists - serious - looking for opinions not argument.

[Nihilist Virus]

I think you absolutely can categorize anyone with an official position of power within the Catholic church as scum.

My boss is great, he's the best boss I ever had, and I'm 99% sure he's a Catholic without having ever asked him.  But he's running his own business and working another job, also he works out and has a family with 3 kids, so he's legit busy 24/7 and obviously has no position of power within the church.

But let's put this in perspective.  If you worked for a huge organization that you later discovered had engaged in the cover-up of thousands upon thousands of child rapes, would you at least feel a little scummy?

I do work for the catholic church.  I know that they have had corruption and abuse throughout their history, and it hasn't been eradicated.  I met a Bishop who had covered up abuse - and I was not anxious to spend any time in his company.  (And this was before I knew.)  I met a Bishop who is a fan of Pope Francis, and who has worked to root out abuse - and I find him a very pleasant person.  I love my country, but the same could be said for America - there are abuses of power, there is a horrible history of racism and genocide and oppression.  There are folks who want to get rid of anyone who isn't white (!!!), and folks who want to make life better for every American.  
    I don't feel scummy because I work for the catholic church.  I have some reservations about myself as a lesbian atheist working for the catholic church, where most of the people in the pews think I'm a devout catholic.   
    I would prefer to challenge illogical beliefs - - and not attack a whole group.  There is good and bad . . . almost anywhere.

In my first post I failed to qualify my comment by saying that I was referring to those with power in the church. In my second comment I added that clarification in. I understand that you work for the church, and the "couple" you're referring to also work for the church. But I would not consider either you or them to hold any power within the church.

[brewer]

OK, it's the day atfa. What happened?

I suppose I can wait till you're done banging it out for the masses. Inagaddadavida baby! hehehe

[drfuzzy]

Heh - no inagoddadavida this morning, mh.  

Hopefully Final Update on the “out the retreat leader” saga:

We had a very pleasant and uneventful music review meeting.  We discussed how to improve D’s songs, and discussed what she needed to do to submit a package to a print music publisher rep.  Retreat Leader friend is very good at making task lists for fledgling composers.   The kids and wife showed up, bouncy and loud from soccer practice, grabbed juice boxes, attacked the fruit plate, and talked over each other happily.   Retreat leader and D were chatting quietly in the corner, D left, all seemed peaceful.  Retreat leader said that she didn’t feel threatened anymore, and that the meeting was a good idea.  

All D's has at the moment is a handful of -- rather average -- "god loves you" original hymns, and scribbled lyrics with guitar chords in a notebook.  She has a lot of work to do.  It will keep her busy for a while.

I think that the threat is over.  As much as it can be . . . a lesbian leading religious retreats in a Catholic or Protestant environment – just wow.  I should ask her, next time, if she would ever consider working for the Unitarians . . . 

Thanks for putting up with my drama!

[brewer]

Cool, duck and cover is over. YEA!

Have D watch the Faith + 1 episode of South Park. She may get inspired. Here are some songs. hehehehe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrhJT98IoaQ

[drfuzzy]

This is why she's afraid:

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20...c-director

We personally know three people who have been fired from Catholic Church music director positions (in our area) for being gay.  That's just in ONE city, and this is not New York or LA.

[brewer]

This is why she's afraid:

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20...c-director

We personally know three people who have been fired from Catholic Church music director positions (in our area) for being gay.  That's just in ONE city, and this is not New York or LA.

Based on her actions (taking the gay guy as a husband figure) she should be afraid. I don't think she thought that one through.

I understand that you are taking a risk also. I find your risk/actions/service way more acceptable. So does the priest if I'm not mistaken, right?

[drfuzzy]

This is why she's afraid:

http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20...c-director

We personally know three people who have been fired from Catholic Church music director positions (in our area) for being gay.  That's just in ONE city, and this is not New York or LA.

Based on her actions (taking the gay guy as a husband figure) she should be afraid. I don't think she thought that one through.

I understand that you are taking a risk also. I find your risk/actions/service way more acceptable. So does the priest if I'm not mistaken, right?

Some . . . yes.  But my hours are down at the moment, if I lose this job, it wouldn't be a huge blow to my income.  And I can always find churches who are hiring, if I have to.  The Priest seems more upset about the fact that I don't take communion than about my sexual orientation.  Although, he did ask whether I was in a relationship, and seemed pleased when I told him "no".       It's none of his business, and it shouldn't be a factor, but they come from the mindset of "has the temptation but doesn't give in".   Dammit.   I know two people who, if they were interested, I would "give in" without any guilt whatsoever.  Ha.