Ireland's Catholic Crisis - Ireland

August 2008
Ireland has long been a country dominated by Catholicism. Yet paedophilia scandals and rigid conservatism are deterring any would-be priests. Will Ireland be forced to import its clergy just to keep the faith alive?
Produced by SBS/Dateline
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

[@nicolasjuandecardenas7921]

I believe that the sexual misconduct is just a symptom of a larger issue of a lack of faith in what the Church teaches.

[@blunt1984]

You are right on that. I heard a wise man once say, "It's not that God has stopped calling men to the priesthood, it's that many of the today's young men have stopped listening."

[@webworkpeter]

"The gates of Hell will not prevail against it." There is your answer if you are expecting the Church to succumb to the attacks that it is currently sustaining. The Church is going through a crisis as foreseen by Pope Leo XIII in his vision in 1884.

[@johnking5174]

medjugorje85 A crisis of its own making. This is a church which covered up sexual abuse of boys and girls by their own clergy and you are treating it as if it is persecution. If this is what you are doing, then you are a disgrace to humanity. If this is not what you are meaning, then I apologise.

[@terraconensis2317]

Catholicism is the whore of babylon. It is under judgement for their paganism and ignorance of scripture. Catholicism is not Christianity. It is roman paganism.

[@rosiebum4751]

Terraconensis Amen to that. The RCC is very intrusive, oppressive, controlling, greedy, arrogant, and perverse.

[@algr1495]

Terraconensis its the ONLY TRUE CHURCH we follow the word of god you follow the word of man

[@terraconensis2317]

The one true church comes from the word of GOD the Bible. Not the word of Popes and councils that change doctrines and facts whenever is convenient for them.

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

"...And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock ..." [the revelation to Peter, by God that Jesus is the Messiah]... "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [Hell] will not overcome it."- -Matthew 16:18

[@yankeeland1]

✝️ PRE-VATICAN II ABIDE

[@liveforever4190]

Amen. I as an American pray for my Irish brothers and sisters.

[@keithfarrell3370]

Gibberish

[@DLS95]

i will never in my life return to mass ever after what i have heard i have lost my respect

[@bizzaro1988]

So you abandoned truth because of priests that sinned. The Catholic church has been around long before any of these men.

[@DLS95]

@@bizzaro1988 I never really believed in the first place anyway

[@runevidgeek3]

Thank GOD the Irish are coming out of their Roman universal induced fog. ROME OUT OF IRELAND!

[@blunt1984]

It was corrupt men who caused the abuse scandal. Not the theology. Corrupt men ruin any intitution, from government, businesses, police, the army, to the Church.

[@blunt1984]

The same thing is happening to the US Church. Everyone wants to have wives and girlfriends nowadays, not many want to enter Holy Orders and have to be celibate. You guys will be importing your Priests from India, the Phillipines, and Africa soon just as we have. I'm lucky to have a native born Priest myself!

[@archsword2446]

St. Dismas, ( the first canonized saint) Pray for more vocations in Ireland.

[@keithfarrell3370]

Do you Really think that mumbojumbo actually works? Wake up

[@artydodge]

The people of Ireland should never forget the debt of gratitude owed to those religious who built our school and hospital systems out of christian kindness and care for the poor. They lived sparing and frugul lives so that we might have a better future.

[@rabbithog]

this has gone on for years and the irish know it, hypocrates

[@BungleZippie]

Forgiveness and Reconciliation are often difficult but its something, in Christs image, we have to do to move forward. Forgiveness of often horrible things is something God does all the time. In his mercy he still embraces us, but only in the same way we can forgive and embrace others who make mistakes. This can compare to groups of people as well. Its easy to walk away from a person, marriage, group or church but its harder to stay, forgive and move forward in hope.

[@BungleZippie]

The church and various bishops and cardinals have cooperated with the investigations and the Ryan report to reach its findings. Its easy to see issues from one perspective andignore the wider remit of hurt and damage.

[@bttrflykiss7701]

omg... i had to sing at one of these ceremonies when i was in grade school.... longest 3 hours of my life...

[@lostfanvanjellies22]

It says that the catholic church were not only abused, but contributed to a vicious circle of abuse where the survivors got really fucked up. There.

[@JamesPortland]

The original reason for requiring Priests to be celibate had nothing to do serving God. It actually had to do with making the church richer upon the Priests death. If a Priest is celibate than all his possession will go to the church, if he has a wife and kids, then they would get his estate. This was the true reason and why the Catholic Church is still so rich today.

[@amaqula]

The Catholic Church can survive without Ireland. Question is, can Ireland survive without the Catholic Church?? I don't think so!

[@blunt1984]

No problem. Yes, the English/British still teach their kids that Northern Ireland/Ulster "has always been British" as well, even though it was colonized in the 1600s. I know Lebanon is a more complicated situation though. [examples: Gen. Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (mostly Christian) is allied with the Shia Muslim Hezbollah led opposition. The Lebanese Forces (mostly Maronite Catholics) are allied with the Sunni-Future Movement and Druze-Progressive Socialist Party.]

[@fionnoc]

People: please do NOT baptise your children. I know so many people that feel this about the church, think it's nonsense etc. but then they go and baptise their kids for fear their granny will be sad. Stopping this cycle is the only way to end this stranglehole the church has had on our country for so long. This nonsense just boils my blood, people may as well believe in santa. I really cannot believe that most people in the world think they are created and ruled by an invisible man above.

[@valerie374]

At the time corporal punishment was routinely practiced in all schools, not just the Catholic ones, it was not seen as a cruel practice. I'm saying it's not right to point fingers at any one group for doing something that was actually widespread and in fact almost universally practiced, without calling everyone out for it.

[@valerie374]

I'm not protecting any monsters. Rather, I am interested in protecting people from being further used by people claiming to oppose their abuse, but really only interested in grinding whatever axe they can against a religion, or religion in general.

[@coomadoug]

There were 9 too many ordained. This church should hopefully disappear altogether. The only reason it has not already is the money. What will they do with the money

[@johnking5174]

One overlooked problem with regards to vocations is the time it takes for a man to become a priest - 7 years. That is just far too long. 7 years for what? Learning how to celebrate Mass? Three years is enough, which the Church of England provides, and this is what it should be in the Roman church too.

[@ProximaCentauri88]

That priest left Catholicism to become minister of the Anglican Church founded after adultery.

[@johnking5174]

Seven years to "train" to become a Roman Catholic priest. That is just extraordinary! Seven years for what? Far too long. Anglican clergy take around three years to become a priest.

[@valerie374]

If the Gates of Hell themselves will not prevail against the Church, I don't see how a shortage of priests will do Catholicism in.

[@valerie374]

It wasn't just the Catholic Church that did that. Beating over the knuckles as well as other methods of corporal punishment were practiced in most schools, even US public schools until maybe the 1960's. Don't just blame the Church for that.

[@blunt1984]

The guy at 8:46 is correct. Quality of clergy is more important than quantity. Pope Benedict XVI said the same thing!

[@scotboi20]

As a Catholic Seminarian I shall pray for you and hope you have filled your vocation..

[@helenrogers1400]

Scott Corrie , I will pray for you. As someone who left Ireland many years ago, it pains me to see the hate and negative comments about the Catholic Church.... It is One Holy Catholic and Apostolic. The gates of Hell will NOT prevail against it! Heaven is Real, so is Hell! And so we pray. 🙏✝️☘️🇮🇪

[@1948DESMOND]

if you belong to a golf club, you follow the rules of that club. if you don't like it, you leave. if you belong to a particular religion and don't like it, why not leave? nobody forces you 2 stay there are loads of other christian religions out there to pick from. shop around today for one. change comes from WITHIN. stay in the r.c. if you like but do soomething to bring about the desired change.

[@valerie374]

Actually, Christianity prohibits worship of the Sun.

[@WorshipInTruth]

@celticlofts Because the irish fought and died for that "church" which molested and abused a third of them. If the people of ireland had just seen the light in the Protestant faith instead of clingling to papal wickedness it would have been a great nation instead of having such a shameful history.

[@tomaseire]

Get real. Attend any Anglican Church in Ireland...The Republic and the stark reality is this, very few Anglicans attend services. The crisis is in the Anglican Church in Ireland and this story of a Roman Priest becoming and Anglican, is nothing but a ploy to deflect the truth about the 'state' of the very 'Low' Church of England and Wales in Ireland!

[@Jen8973]

The one that follows Christ alone,Scripture alone,faith alone, grace alone and not Popes, councils,priests,May,saints relics and superstition

[@Jewchai]

@fionnoc Just because a child is baptized, doesn't mean that he/she will attend the church.

[@renevilleneuve1070]

Well, if you look carefully, you will find out the RC Church has been in crisis for 2,000 years...

[@moparmonster1965]

There's very little truth in the Catholic Church. It's not as far off base as Mormonism, but still not of Christ.

[@valerie374]

I was saying corporal (not capital) punishment in all schools was considered acceptable as recently as the '60's, and was widespread. Blaming the Catholic Church for something that was commonplace even in secular institutions strikes me (pun not intended) as mere Catholic-bashing.

[@celticlofts]

@fucjape: Why would the World be laughing at Ireland? Remember abuse was global problem for the Catholic Church and not just confined in Ireland. There are very many good priests and nuns out there who were just as appalled at what happened as anyone else. They took the brunt of peoples anger, anger that should have been reserved for those who abused and those who covered it up. Don't cast everyone with the same brush because that's unfair.

[@conkal9]

The Church has stumbled but will come back bigger than it ever was.

[@bizzaro1988]

I really hope so

[@Lisnageeragh]

A major problem was also due to the fact that Irish priests were always telling folk how to live ...this is hardly ever mentioned ....also had the clergy listened to the laity things might have been stopped earlier....Irish religion is often just a list of prohibitions...a belief in a rule set .

[@obscurasky]

Catholic have to accept their religion is no longer the force it used to be. The Church has a place in the future, but on in so far as it must live alongside other religions (Christian and otherwise) and alongside those who have no religion.

[@europeanamerican1164]

Ireland wake up!! you have an absolutely glorious Catholic heritage! you are the land of Saint Patrick! Don't you understand that the source of Ireland's greatness has been the faith of Catholics in Ireland? Don't let the politically correct, satanic, anti-European, anti-masculinity, and anti- Christian agenda get to you! pray the rosary! pray the divine mercy chaplet! get adoration going in your churches, keep the doors unlocked and watch the faith spread again. The roots are established, you have just been so badly damaged by the politically correct non-sense. Nothing but God can fill the hole in your heart and the troubles your country is experiencing... It is time to overturn the Abortion and Gay Marriage laws in Ireland and in the United States!! Lord willing this will be accomplished soon in Ireland and we can do it in the United States! Mercy is coming, stand strong.Go to confession and nourish your soul with the Eucharist! Keep fighting the good fight my fellow Irishmen.

[@lostfanvanjellies22]

Amnesty? I dont think you know anything about the work they do. They raise awareness about violence, poverty, discrimination human rights. Also, poster and letter campaigns, petitions etc... More than the church have done anyway

[@jamesms4]

Saints don't "answer prayer" they Prayer to Christ on our behalf. After all in the book of revelations the 7 angels offer incense to God which contain the prayers of the Saints. Wow if you are going to criticize Catholic Doctrine at least get it right.

[@TenderTrap86]

Are the Irish embarrassed of their Catholic heritage?

[@tabbysp85]

"Celabicy should be more of a choice then...." this true of a lot of things no matter what your religion is Catholic, Protistant, Muslim, Jewish... most people follow tradition, religion, or a man instead of their beliefs, heart, and faith. They need to learn to 'think for themselves' and when scandel happens their faith won't be as crushed.

[@celticlofts]

@WorshipInTruth: Actually if they followed the Protestant faith they'd still be making a mistake. Ireland is, was and always will be the beautiful, amazing, compassionate Pagan country it always was..problem is it was highjacked by modern religion and look what happened to them.

[@wisers001]

i am Canadian with the last name Dwyer, history - O'Dwyer. This shit makes me sick. How are these people put in a place of trust to take advantage of our children for hundreds of years! Answer that?? Priest, Rabbi? Yadda , Yadda

[@helenw100]

No he didn't tell people they would go to Hell because these are Novos ordo New priests since Vatican II and they did away with all those doctrines. They are not remotely Catholic.

[@ULYSSES-31]

@mufc1970ok and you got all this from a book?...from the fiction section at Easons, I hope.

[@irishpride9999]

that catholic church along with the Pope represents The Lord in heaven and on earth. There are a few bad men or women that do wrong things. They DO NOT represent the entire catholic church. Most catholics are very good people that try to help the earth.

[@BungleZippie]

In certain long standing institutions, but not all of them. Its easy to be distracted by the negative and ignore all the good people working across the church and society. Many have and are being helped over many years across the world by lay catholics, lay religious and priests. In many countries the infrastructure and stability is due to the churches intervention.

[@moparmonster1965]

In what way? They claim that the Bible is missing many 'plain and precious things,' that God and Jesus are separate and distinct, that both have bodies of flesh and blood, that God was once a man who achieved godhood, that Jesus suffered more in the Graden of Gethsemane than on the cross, and that three major civilizations thrived in America for which not one trace has ever been found. Shall I go on?

[@Stewie4321]

So mankind as a species would never have evolved to its current level of sophistication without a firm belief in talking snakes? W

[@perfectbark]

exactly what was I saying that is hypocritical?? just wondering

[@edgardusXII]

Cannot Ireland return to Western Orthodoxy prior to the schism? Such can correct the current situation.

[@WorshipInTruth]

@toughnumber He made no mistake, he made some as "vessels of wrath" so that he could shew his power and mercy unto the "vessels of mercy".

[@dilemmix]

If you call going to church a rational decision...

[@ElRancholo2]

Good point.

[@celticdreamdancer]

yes, the true irish spirit! Thank you!

[@valerie374]

Judgmental much? And how is bashing an entire religion showing your concern for the children exploited by those who violate said religion's teachings?

[@BungleZippie]

If there was evidence then of course the police should investigate and bring charges. But there are also religious congregations, convents attached to them and many religious who could be targets if information about abusers was made directly public without a direct and detailed investigation first. I think it was right that the Ryan report come out first in most cases and encourages all sectors of the church to be faced with the reality of the sin conducted by its members.

[@7926645]

95 % are Catholic according to the church. I am Catholic according to the church. But I am not Catholic. Most children now will be counted Catholic as they are being railroaded in the Catholism due to social conformity. I don't have a choice but to send my children to a Catholic school, and you DO need a babtismal cert, or another religion. It's OK if you believe in God, not if you don't. It is changing, but slowly. I don't want Catohlism earased, but I want to live honestly.

[@jamesms4]

There is no question Christ is the head but does that mean we don't follow the leaders Jesus sets over us? He told the Apostles "He who hears you hears me", "He who reject you rejects me." If you compare Matt 16:18 with Isaiah 22:20-25 Jesus clearly founded the Papacy. Of course Peter said he is a fellow Prespyter (from which we get the English word Priest). The Pope is a Priest that is unremarkable.

[@conkal9]

Fact- Child abusers were victims themselves. What does this say about your country?

[@chica476]

@burlearth A return to Paganism is what Europe needs.

[@MuslimApostate]

no they were merely replaced by another religion and there are still religious ceramonies in eastern europe which still preach of the reek ieties though its probably not heard of in the west. Religion is never gonna die as long as there is human will to think outside what you see.

[@reigninblood123]

I notice that you wrote this the English language. You consider that foreign?

[@SlytherinBoy545]

Does anyone know what Hymn that was at 0:59 ?

[@unitedenfree]

ireland for the irish

[@soeffingwhat]

He/she/it is not crazy. Just one of those poorly educated individuals who are unable to face the truth about their precious Church and attempt to ridicule all attempts to defend whats heppening to it now.

[@lostfanvanjellies22]

What about the private homes? Are you saying theyre rape factories? I have a problem everywhere... what are you talking about? Surely you can do better than this!

[@WorshipInTruth]

@Volf99 What do you have against Protestantism? Even if you are not a believer in Christ you should be able to appreciate the great political and religious freedoms that were secured by God's glorious Reformation of the Church. I am an American, what makes you think that I am beholden to any Brit? I do of course view the British as a great and mighty nation which (like my own U.S.) has done a great work in the world by spreading the Gospel to distant lands.

[@perfectbark]

so you deny the years of child molestation and abuse by catholic clergy??

[@conkal9]

Sadly, child abuse is everywhere. I think if you read the article below it's higher in the protestant church, at least in the United States. Yes, I do have a problem with child abuse and yes I do find it disgusting but in contrast we have some wonderful priests and nuns who also find it equally disgusting. Medieval Church, no I total disagree. I love the doctrine and Eucharist of the church. God is cleaning house and if you choose to leave than leave.

[@joeoconnor5400]

That would be an ecumenical matter.

[@kingofcelts]

Laugh now Joe, pay later..

[@Castlelong333]

A Country that mocks God and removes his Laws , is a Country heading to ruin , eg 1930ths Germany

[@sidneya.dorsett860]

LONG BEFORE ST. PATRICK arrived in Ireland to convert the natives (and, they claim, drive out the snakes), somewhere out in the Gaza strip the Apostle Philip baptized a Black man into the "true" church left by Jesus Christ; and it definitely was a seventh-day, Sabbath-keeping church awaiting His second "advent." It's likely many of the apostles were married and if as alleged Peter was the first pope then he was definitely married because Jesus healed "Peter's mother-in-law" in Luke 4:38 - 40. The Ten Commandments were held in special preference by the first Church Philip baptized that Black Ethiopian eunuch into. The Beatitudes were recorded in the gospels. A no-holds-barred condemnation by Jesus Christ Himself towards child abusers was recorded too: "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).This includes, physical and moral or sexual abuse definitely. The false church is one that will make bad changes. Viewers may ponder whether or not they've seen "times" set aside as holy by God manipulated, or the Ten Commandment "Laws" of God changed by any church at all. King James 2000 Bible says re Daniel 7:25: "And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws " Compare the Ten Commandments in a Douay Version of the Bible with what's in the King James Bible. If the Holy Spirit is the representative of Christ in the Earth, is it speaking great words against God to call oneself 'Vicar of the Son of God?" In relation to the injury of little children, were offenders aided in evading the little punishment provided by man's law (jail terms) in spite of what Our Dear Saviour said about such people (death by drowning)? We're dealing here with little Irish boys and not forgetting the Magdalene Laundries' history with girls. Is that the "true" seventh-day, Sabbath-keeping church church Jesus Christ left with members anticipating His second "advent?" Is it like the true church the Apostle Philip baptized that Black man into? Or is it a church that not merely "thought" to make wrong changes in times and laws but actually carried the changes out?

[@jamesms4]

You can't use 1 Tim 4 which condemns gnostic heretics who forbade all marriage to unsay Jesus saying "Some men make themselves Eunices for the sake of the KOG." You are in effect calling Jesus a Devil. Besides the Eastern Catholic Church has married Priests & if a Priest in the west resigns & get a dispensation he may marry. So I don't see any forbidding of marriage here. Just someone twisting the word to call our Lord a Devil.

[@perfectbark]

amen to that brother ...... my best friend is Irish and was "educated" by the christian brothers. His younger brother came home from school one day with blood running from his left ear where a christian brother teacher struck him on the side of his head causing a lifetime of deafness in that ear........ have you seen the documentary Jesus Camp yet?? it's here on YT ..... it's about this gutter religion here in america called pentecostalism which makes the catholics look semi-normal

[@Paulkazey1]

Not only does it not say that in the Qur'an but the religion of Islam is based on an unhistorical book. Jesus was crucified, died and buried. Islam denies this on faith alone with NO historical evidence. Turn to Christ and be saved!

[@jamesms4]

The command to follow Apostolic tradition is in the Bible 2 Thes 2:15. The command to follow Luther and Calvins' human traditions are not. In fact the Bible condemns following the traditions of men. You just don't care what the Bible says. If it contradicts your Protestant human tradition then the Bible looses.

[@MuslimApostate]

ironic you say that considering atheism is developing its own power structure more and more as we speak.

[@Wrapped4]

No, don't get me wrong. Im an atheist not christian. You said dominated by the church not by men. You mean we are dominated by the stones that build churches themselves not the men and women that make the church function? I respect religions, unless they try to meddle in individual people's business. From experience neither Muslims nor Jews ever pestered me. It was always christians from onw sect or another

[@mikeparle1381]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqrNaKV8rqmErM0 Though 14 years old, the film and David's commentary though horrific to many is and honest summary on the state of the Irish Catholic Church. We must pray to God for help. God bless us and save us. A faithful Irish Catholic for 79 years.

[@eridaniblack]

But the piece was about Catholicism. 'Sides, it's mostly old folks who are super religious and bother going to church. At least it's not another video about the troubles.

[@irishpride9999]

I only speak the truth. No problem.

[@Britishpatriot1]

Educated people now know religion is fiction. We are all born atheist, it is just some people are bullied into believing or they can't finally admit that they have wasted half their lives praying to themselves! Atheism is the way forward people!

[@steveweiss7191]

Yes. There is a general decline in religiosity in Europe, and Bravo to that.

[@lostfanvanjellies22]

If thats not crazy, I don't know what is...

[@toughnumber]

So you're telling me God is a Catholic?or any other religion for that matter! Religion can be good for some people I suppose but surely if only one religion can be saved then God made a mistake when he made the rest of the world

[@BungleZippie]

But its not the sole churches issue either. The government encouraged such places and its own inspectors allowed many cultures within these organisations as did many commmunities and church members. Its easy to attack the church as a body but its missing the wider responsibility that all people do not want to admit having. That guilt of association and toleration of the many cultures that allowed people to be treated like this lays at there door as well in plenty of cases.

[@jamesms4]

Check any greek lexicon it will show you Cephas comes from the Aramaic Kepha which can only mean "Rock". The greek word for Rock is Petra which is a feminine noun so you can give that as a name to a man. Petros is a masculine noun & thus Peter's Greek name. But in Aramaic he is Rock.

[@07adamb]

why would he need a catholic priest at his death bed???

[@conkal9]

Check out the private homes in Ireland. I have read you have a problem everywhere.

[@GOTTshua]

Now the Spirit says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits & doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, FORBIDDING TO MARRY, & commanding to abstain from meats, which YHWH has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe & know the truth. 1 Timothy 4 CATHOLICISM is HYPOCRISY 666.

[@jamesms4]

But Jesus said "Some men make themselves Eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of God"? Nobody is forced to be a Priest and if they want to marry they can quit. But what can I expect from a person who worships Martin Luther as a god? In Isaiah 22 the Chief Minister Eliokeam who served the King of Judah was given the Key of David, called Father, & whatever he opened none may shut..ete In Matt 16:18 Peter is given the keys by the final King of Judah. Do the math.

[@jamesms4]

I have spell it out scripturally you just ignore Scripture when it contradicts your human tradition you originally got from Luther or Calvin.1 Tim 3:15 calls the Church the "Pillar & ground of the Truth". It tells us to follow Apostolic Tradition2 Thes 3:6 & nowhere does the Bible tell us to follow the Bible alone. Sola Scriptura is nowhere taught in scripture thus it's false by it's own standard.

[@abaelharit67]

i do not worship a God who does not protect his son ,

[@Wrapped4]

In your nick you have the word Freedom, yet you think that to be dominated by the catholic church is a blessing? Quite ironic

[@BungleZippie]

Sadly sin and abuse occurs in all places and all organisations. Evil is a factor of all humanity. The church is not an exception. and some people wil do bad and wrong things. Errors will be made but this doesnt mean the whole church and the majority are bad. The Gospel, Christ and his churches mission is the focus and its sad people lose faith in God due to the wrongs due to some men and women.