[bigmo]

One thing I think is important to keep in mind is that there is no other organization in the world that contributes more to benefit of women, children, the homeless and the poor than the catholic church.

This is a fact and the contributions in time and money by billions of Catholics is not done for nefarious purposes but out of genuine concern for their fellow man.

I am not defending the church's actions in other areas as the organization is so huge that it would be easy for anyone with malicious intention to join or get a job there, to hide within and cause problems.

I have always had a problem with the money and the property that the church has and this was one of the main reason I left... it just became too much. (but very American)

The reading the NT was not reflected in the church that I grew up in, once you looked behind the veils of the sanctuary.

I think many catholic people are much like the people here at Avalon... looking for ways to make our world a better place but always aware that we are dealing in the world.

Peace