I have just one word...

...for Catholics who are upset by the Church's sex abuse scandals: Leave.

Okay, I have more than just one word. I actually have several, but they really just expand on that one word.

Another way to put it is: the Church has no incentive to change until Catholics discover they have legs. At least that's what happened during the Reformation; people left.

After all, what is the Catholic Church? I would submit that it's the last vestige of the Roman Empire. (Did Jesus really envision a vast institution headquartered in Rome?) The Church--like an empire--is a means of controlling people and collecting revenue. Surely you don't need the Church to be a Christian; just ask any number of Protestants or Eastern Orthodox Christians. I'm not even convinced you need a formal denomination to be a Christian.

Want to get the Church's attention? Want to get the hierarchy to change its behavior? Stop participating and stop supporting them financially. The only power they have is the power you give them. And by supporting the Church you are giving your tacit approval.

I asked a question this weekend that brought about some discomfort. Why would anyone be a member of an organization whose leaders aren't accountable to its members?