Thanks, it was very interesting. Mostly confirmed my existing opinions on the RCC, especially with regards to the fact that they've had a policy of protecting the image of the Church firstly, and moral and civil/criminal concerns secondly. It's political, it's an example of bad internal policies which were self-serving/self-preserving no matter the cost. It is what it is. The Vatican is its own sovereign State, and it can and does provide amnesty and refuge to those clergy who face criminal persecution. This isn't so much a bad thing on its own, but coupled with the fact that they preferred to protect priests who committed heinous criminal acts in order to preserve the image of the Church rather than do their civil duties and responsibilities in the sovereign States where they operate by reporting criminal activity to the authorities, we see a very toxic culture which is anything but ordained, holy or special.
For Religion & Health see:[/b][/size] Williams & Sternthal. (2007). Spirituality, religion and health: Evidence and research directions. Med. J. Aust., 186(10), S47-S50. -LINK
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
The WIN/Gallup End of Year Survey 2013 found the US was perceived to be the greatest threat to world peace by a huge margin, with 24% of respondents fearful of the US followed by: 8% for Pakistan, and 6% for China. This was followed by 5% each for: Afghanistan, Iran, Israel, North Korea. -LINK
"That's disgusting. There were clean athletes out there that have had their whole careers ruined by people like Lance Armstrong who just bended thoughts to fit their circumstances. He didn't look up cheating because he wanted to stop, he wanted to justify what he was doing and to keep that continuing on." - Nicole Cooke
