Transparency and discretion in tension

Fr. Gregory analyzes how transparency and discretion are both instrumental goods that can be misused, citing extremes.

Play episode from 20:18

chevron_right

Transcript

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

This episode of Godsplaining takes on one of the most difficult and important issues facing the Church today: the clerical sexual abuse crisis.

Fr. Gregory and Fr. Patrick begin by grounding the conversation in a theology of the priesthood. Priests are not merely “like everyone else”—they are entrusted with a unique gift and responsibility. Because of this, the faithful rightly expect more from them. When priests fail, the wound is deeper precisely because the gift is greater.

The friars emphasize that abuse is not something to excuse or minimize. It represents a profound betrayal of trust, of vocation, and of Christ’s mission. The pain and outrage people feel are not misplaced; they reflect a real recognition of the dignity of the priesthood and the gravity of its violation.

This episode is a sober reflection on how the Church can confront sin without losing sight of grace.

Join us at the 2026 All Comers' Retreat in June: https://godsplaining.org/all-comers-retreat-june-2026/

For the St. Dominic Rosary and more from the Catholic Woodworker: https://catholicwoodworker.com/products/st-dominic-rosary?utm_source=godsplaining&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=stdominic

Send your questions for the friars to: godsplaining@opeast.org

Subscribe to our channel https://www.youtube.com/c/Godsplaining

Support the Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/godsplaining

Shop our merch store: https://godsplaining.org/store/

Shop Books Written by the Friars Witness: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/witness-1?srsltid=AfmBOoo3b2MbHxat33i-cwrd1AcSW_hPBfcHcm4-8XxJoCDn4OUgTBe_

Training the Tongue: https://stpaulcenter.com/store/training-the-tongue-and-growing-beyond-sins-of-speech

Your Eucharistic Identity: https://ignatius.com/your-eucharistic-identity-yeip/

St. Dominic's Way of Life: https://www.amazon.com/Saint-Dominics-Way-Life-Knowing/dp/1681929392

Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly: https://www.amazon.com/Prudence-Choose-Confidently-Live-Boldly/dp/1681927322/