Child abuse claims sweep Catholic Church in Europe

Ireland was the first in Europe to confront the church's worldwide custom of shielding pedophile priests from the law and public scandal. Now that legacy of suppressed childhood horror is being confronted in other parts of the Continent — nowhere more poignantly than in Germany, the homeland of Pope Benedict XVI.

The recent spread of claims into the Netherlands, Austria and Italy has analysts and churchmen wondering how deep the scandal runs, which nation will be affected next, and whether a tide of lawsuits will force European dioceses to declare bankruptcy like their American cousins.

Comment by Adam Raj

All religious establishments, whether they are churches, Madrasas (Muslim) or Aashrams (Hindu)... are always dangerous for children and women. Both male and female "staff" in such institutes or establishments live an unnatural and unhealthy life style which is bound to make them deviants. Religion in its real form has never preached the concept of living an unnatural life. All these traditions evolve as the religion starts to degenerate with time and generations.

People with sense should keep their children away from religious establishments. In Pakistan, not only do we uncover cases of child molestation in mosques and Madrasas but also all these young suicide bombers also get brainwashed there. In India there have been numerous cases of rape and molestation by the priests in Mandirs and Aashrams. What I am trying to say here is that this abnormal behavior is not endemic Christian churches only.

Basically religion or faith is an extremely personal part of human species and must not be thrust upon a child by some overpowering holy man. Parents should guide the the child in the right direction. Today, we have access to more knowledge to religious content through internet than any priest. Gone are the days when knowledge had to be obtained from the "specialists"!