Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal

A general discussion of a Frontline piece examining the impact of abuse on one man's life.

The Frontline program on PBS has long been known for its frank portrayal of difficult issues. So I wasn't surprised when I saw the show "Hand of God," advertised. Originally broadcast in January of 2006, it presented a documentary film made by the brother of a man molested by a priest during his boyhood in Salem, Ma. More than just a who, where, what story, the filmaker tackles seemingly every facet of the impact and doesn't even shy away from asking his parents the tough questions.

I was originally going to write a review of the program but found, after having watched it, that my response was much more emotional. I was outraged, horrified, ashamed, afraid and more than any of those, extremely sad.

I was angered by the fact that some of those in power then are still in power now. I was dumbstruck at the level of arrogance displayed by those who knew about allegations of abuse and did nothing. I was profoundly saddened at the circumstances and the issues forced upon a boy by an adult, a man of God, that had vowed to put others before himself.

I'm still struggling with my feelings on the topic but if you're curious, the entire edition is viewable online. I encourage you to watch this thought-provoking, well-made film.