Faulty Men not Faulty Doctrine:
The actions of individuals do not always reflect the Church

The conviction recently of former Dallas priest Rudy Kos on seven counts of indecency with a child, sexual assault, and aggravated sexual assault is the culmination of many tragedies over several years. The fall from grace of a priest, the damage done to his victims, the victims’ loss of faith in the Catholic Church, and the stain imprinted upon the Church itself – these are all the result of one man’s failure to follow the teachings of the Church. They are the result of one man indulging himself in his own desires and disregarding what is right.

Fault has also been laid at the feet of the Dallas diocese for not coming forward with information regarding Kos. A jury last year ordered the diocese to pay millions to Kos’s victims.

The pain endured by the victims has been duly noted throughout both trials. The jury decisions in both cases have served to vindicate them, but not to heal their injuries. It will take more than money.

It is at times like these that many feel compelled to point to the Church and say, "See, something is wrong!" It is at times like these when opponents rise up and demand change. It is these times that make being a Catholic difficult, and it is these times when many lose hope and faith.

However, it is most important that we separate the failings of one man and perhaps one diocese from the founding principles of the Church. The Catholic Church, as all churches, is comprised of people. We are the Church, but we are not the foundation for the Church.

The Catholic Church is founded on a belief in one, true, constant God. The Church is founded on principles of divine, eternal and natural law, the most basic principle of which is that good is to be done and evil to be avoided.

As participants in that Church, we strive to meet the challenges expressed in its founding principles. One man’s inability to do so does not make those founding principles any less valid.

In times like these, we must pray for the victims and for Mr. Kos. But, we must also never lose sight of the truth. The failure to follow principles of morality, goodness, and holiness is human; the principles themselves are divine, true, and never-changing.

Chris Mosmeyer
April 20, 1998