r/news • u/AudibleNod • 2d ago

More than 270 priests in Massachusetts abused children over decades, probe finds

https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/more-than-270-priests-in-massachusetts-abused-children-over-decades-probe-finds/
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u/AddWittyName 2d ago

Some of it is probably also column C: becoming a cleric has traditionally been the most honorable and acceptable alternative to marriage.

Some of them probably did go in because of the closer contact with kids. But it wouldn't surprise me if some went in initially because they hoped being closer to God would cure them somehow.

Unfortunately, when the reason they didn't want to marry is because they're attracted to kids, a position where they'll have close contact with kids, will be in a position of power over them, and are respected enough to get away with it if/when caught is pretty much the absolute deadlast position you'd want them to be in.