While thinking about this issue of clergy sexual abuse, praying about it and journaling like I was told by my spiritual director to do I realized something I really already knew about the current atmosphere for all parties involved.  The diocese here in Delaware is making a substantial offer, finally, to victims who are suing.  It does not help that the diocese was dragging its feet and trying to play what could be considered hardball.  At least that is what they thought they were doing untill the settlement in court in favor of Mr. John Vai against the parish of Saint Elizabeth’s.   Then all of a sudden there was an offer that would up payments to individuals claiments to a range from $700,000.00 – 3 million.  I would settle for that and give all the money to Grief to Grace; grieftograce.org 

Here is where the problem as I see it lies.  As a victim of clergy sexual abuse myself I think I can safely say that the victims do not trust anyone and especially do not trust the Church.  Our sexual abuse has done that.  If others are anything like I am then ‘cynical‘ is their default setting when it comes to everything.  Personally I always go there first…  …what are they doing? how is this benefiting them? what are they up to?   It is horrible to live that way, (not trusting anyone), and always questioning their motives no matter how sincere they may be.

But I think that is whats going on here, along with a whole jumble of other things.