If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to abuse one.
Before the end of 2015 the film Spotlight was released but seemingly went unnoticed by the popular audience. This film recalls a play-by-play account of the uncovering of the pedophile ring in the Roman Catholic Church, specifically in the Boston area, but outreaching to the entire world. The importance of this film goes without question. I am not interested in providing a summary or review, because there are various media sources for such a purpose. Rather, it is important to raise the crisis of physical (including sexual) and spiritual abuse among religious communities. For the community on ubfriends we are familiar with these issues and we are not afraid to speak up. In fact, anyone who has participated in any New Religious Movement (NRM) is also familiar with the fact that outlets for exposure are limited and once inside even family is distanced or even removed and replaced altogether.
I believe we can look at a number of points that this film addresses.
- Everyone knows, everyone is silent. The Catholic Church is the history, foundation and pillar for much of the Western world. Loyalty from the people remains with the priests, bishops, cardinals and the Pope himself. Although the media (journalists/reporters) often get in the way and actually create speculation and rhetoric when there is something that occurs, this topic was very different and handled with caution and respect. The media, through the efforts of one team, managed to uncover and publish the systematic abuse and cover ups after overcoming a lot of resistance from loyalists determined to keep the status quo.
- Journalistic integrity and willingness to risk personal reputation and future prosperity. In all of the pursuits to get to the heart of the story – 1 priest, 13 priests…..90 priests! Each team member pushed and pushed without losing sight of the goal to uncover the system of abuse. Each team member put personal relationships on the line in order to bring the story to the people and in turn bring about justice.
- Areas of professional cover ups and keeping the status quo for the church. On the inside the church moved priests guilty of sexual abuse around after 2-3 years giving a number of reasons as retold in the film. One priest depicted in the film gave a sense of normalcy to the occurrence, stating no pleasure for it and that it was not rape. The same priest declared he himself had been raped – leaving more questions for those who are less familiar with fine details of the reporting. Lawyers worked off the record within the realm of the Catholic Church and its internal processes and administration in order to come to a settlement with the victims. With this legal omission of action no paper trail could be found.
It might be noted that the historic initiative from the newspaper in Boston came from a change in editor who desired to get things back on track. Good business….yes! But more importantly articles and reporting that would speak to the community. The community of Boston historically has an enormous Catholic heritage and population. Such people lived in silence – enabling the systematic abuse of power and cover ups.
There is so much more I could discuss, but this is not a review of the film, nor is it a historic reflection. Of course it is 2016 and so much dirt was uncovered years ago, but that does not mean it has been resolved. How about you? Did you come from a church? Which church (denomination)? Has there ever been a systematic problem that you know of? How have you handled it, knowing that the established churches pose the same issues addressed in the film?
For anyone who has been a part of UBF please share your input even if it is for the 100th time. UBF is a cult and does not have the same level of protection from society. However, because of this, it leaves each individual more responsible for everything that they have consented to. Regardless, it is more important that UBF (the system) becomes accountable for abuses rather than the people who allowed it to happen to them. There comes a time when a victim can call themselves stupid but the accountability and responsibility must come from top leadership itself.
Hi Steve! and welcome to the new “you be friends”. For our readers, Steve is “gc” from the old site.
When Spotlight was released, it immediately drew my attention, due to my Catholic and UBF background. I take some pride in the fact that ubfriends has been something like that newspaper. We break the silence. We share the taboo discussions.
And we will continue to do so. As you point out, in the case of ubf, nothing has been resolved or publicly addressed by the ubf leaders. In this sense, the Catholic church has proved to be far more Christian than ubf.
I for one will continue to share all my stories, and continue to give voice and platform for others who wish to do so. Soon my book “Identity Snatchers” will be released in Spanish as “Ladrones de Identidad: Exponiendo a una secta biblica coreana del campus”.
Speaking of newspapers, I will continue to speak to news reporters. One is published already:
Canadian students newspaper interview with Brian Karcher
In regards to the RCC scandals another good movie to watch is “deliver us from evil” directed by Amy Berg (if I’m correct) an excellent documentary on the subject.
Thanks Rocket, I’ll check out the documentary. I suspect you are talking about this: Documentary by Amy Berg
The film by the same name might be appropriate too…LOL…Deliver us from evil
grew up catholic/even thought of being priest;
was reading bible more/tried churches so went ubf;
wanted to participate/sought significance;
jews abuse privilege>killed jesus & his followers
catholics abuse privilege>crusade/inquisition/pedophilia
cults abuse privilege>jim jones/branch davidian/ubf
protestants abuse privilege>jim bakker/health & wealth;
religion too often abuses privilege (much like government, business, education);
apparently often leaders/organized people abuse privilege
I just saw this movie and I must admit as far as cover ups and “business as usual” is concerned this movie described ubf 100%. I remember not that long ago that I thought of becoming a catholic priest. I had so much respect for the catholic church. Reading stories like this among many others hurt me deeply. After hearing numerous stories about priest molesting children and it being covered up, then reading stories of abuse suffered by ex-ubf members where the abuse has been covered up I have come to the conclusion that church for the most part is a business and it has nothing to do with saving souls but exploiting them. Having said that I firmly believe not all churches are bad or corrupt. However until accountability finds its way back into the discussion the church will continue to see a mass exodus.
Thank you for bringing up this movie. I will watch it too. Thank God for the journalists and lawyers who risked and sacrificed so much to let the public know what was going on. I agree with Rocket that “not all churches are bad or corrupt,” however sin is very real and the depravity of man is indisputable. God have mercy on us. May we hold those in leadership positions accountable.