Asked by Chris Lynch on Jun 25, 2024

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Verified

One reason why Church leaders failed to dismiss offending priests from their jobs is

A) a lack of trust in the verifiability of children's testimonies.
B) a belief that the behavior was not sinful.
C) a fear that women and married men would have to become priests.
D) the church's culture of secrecy and forgiveness.

Church Leaders

Individuals who hold positions of authority and lead religious congregations, such as priests, pastors, ministers, imams, and rabbis.

Offending Priests

Offending priests are members of the clergy who have committed crimes or moral transgressions, often leading to scandal within religious communities.

Children's Testimonies

Statements or evidence given by children, which may be used in legal proceedings, and require specific considerations due to their age.

  • Comprehend the amendments in law and the reaction of society to sexual assault.
  • Gain an understanding of the outcomes of child molestation and how it's classified as rape.
verifed

Verified Answer

HJ
hannah johnsonJun 27, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The church's culture of secrecy and forgiveness was a major factor in Church leaders' failure to dismiss offending priests from their jobs. The Church was more concerned with protecting its own reputation and the reputation of its priests than with protecting the victims. This culture of secrecy and forgiveness enabled offending priests to continue their abusive behavior, which ultimately led to the widespread sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.