Speaking on Newstalk 93 FM this morning popular psychiatrist Dr. Aggrey Irons said that Paedophilia is probably the predominant sexual aberrations crossing heterosexuality and homosexuality. He continued that there is lots of research from overseas but not at the local level for to do such research will require some truth telling with which we are not prepared to do as a nation at this time.
Paedophilia is behavior that is learnt sometimes he said and there are some hormonal and physiologically driven factotrs. The mythical part was also included as he related to the myths men have of having sex with a virgin or a young person will cure HIV/AIDS or sexual transmitted infections. The discussion was in light of the uproar on the allegations of sexual misconduct levied at priest in the catholic faith in Europe and the pope being embroiled ad he was a cardinal at the time where one priest was accused of molesting several boys. The alleged turning of a blind eye to the matter has earned the anger of many groups and persons worldwide and the local scenario is being looked at by several talk shows and commentators.
The usual actions of sending offending priests on a long spiritual hiatus as a way to deal with the sexual impropriety was now ineffective says the Archbishop Donald Reece Head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jamaica he echoed his stance as from a previous radio interview where he believes the church now has sufficient information from studies and understanding sex and sexuality to deal with the problem. The origin of the behavior must be deciphered and looked into. “It is only recently we have come to understand the development of sexuality in a person.” He said
The lack of reported cases ought to be red flag rather something to be comforted in as it may very well indicate hidden instances and taboos that cause victims not to come forward. The Archbishop said that when young girls get pregnant it is paedophilia and no one brings these cases to any attention, priests are summoned by convention to help to protect the family and the young. If paedophilia is irreversible how do we care for the victims and the perpetrators as well? He reiterated his position that if a matter was brought to his attention that a priest violated a child he would bring the matter to the police, he went on to explain that the church’s regulation does not preclude such matters being reported to the authorities. Two things must happen he said, a report to the civil authority and the internal church disciplinary mechanisms that go into effect.
The enactment of the Child Care and Protection Act last year was hinted to so as to deal with the problem in general society in as far as the abuse of power relationships, a co host questioned why was the church waiting until cases come before it and this could be viewed as a cop out to avoid directly dealing with the problem, proactive action is needed.
“How can Jamaica be this one last bastion of holiness in the whole world?” asked co-host Marie Smith. In response Archbishop Donald Reece agreed with the proactive stance, he mentioned a three hour course originating out of the United States conducted here with all priests, deacons and bishops that outlined the dos and don’ts about human relationships especially with children.
Also there is a directive from the three catholic bishops in Jamaica that has been issued to priests and rectories as to not entertaining and holding children in rectories at night. A review board is being compiled comprising of lay persons, nurses, psychologists and other children advocates whenever a case comes to it the necessary investigations should occur and the sanctions or actions will be taken. Archbishop Reece was at pains to point out that the Catholic Church came in far down the list of paedophilia after all the cases are assessed based on a book he referred to by a non Roman Catholic Professor named Phillip Jenkins of Penn State University “The Myth of Paedophilia” the archbishop was rebutting the comment made about the church being the perceived leading place for paedophilia. He defended the church by saying that the very pope now being vilified is responsible for the new regulations included the screening process for new priests.
Dr. Aggrey Irons commented on the worldwide view of the Catholic Church has hiding in its midst persons with personality issues use religious places to hide in. He asked that he church take action due to perceived inaction over the years. The far more rigorous scrutiny now being levied at new candidates to the priesthood has caused the numbers of the personnel for applications of the priesthood to be significantly reduced. The scrutiny involves psycho-sexual development and behaviours, he noted the preventative approach now being taken by the church worldwide. Personality tests of present priests are ongoing Dr. Irons continued.
Let’s watch this folks.
Peace and tolerance
H
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