Harry Stemp was born in Uxbridge in 1934. He started his career with the Uxbridge Times-Journal as an apprentice typesetter at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned 10 community newspapers in central Ontario including the Times-Journal. He started writing his award-winning Stemp’s Stew in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after he sold his newspaper chain in 1989, but was rejuvenated in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to The Cosmos.
Will justice prevail?
No right thinking person can feel good about what is happening to the Catholic Church around the world. To see what was once the leading religious organization in the world literally self-destruct is not a pretty sight.
However, at the same time, we have the right to feel disgust at what has happened to the lives of countless numbers of young boys and even more disgust with the actions of the leaders of the church. Those in authority were well aware of what was going on, and rather than reporting these gross sexual acts and showing major concern for the children being violated, church officials took steps to cover them up in an effort to try and save the reputation of the priests who were involved, as well as that of the Church.
It certainly brings the Catholic Church down to the level of being no better in the eyes of the public than that of a normal political party. We know how the politicians act when confronted with any kind of scandal in their party. They close ranks, rally the spin-doctors, and bombard the public with lies and innuendo until the scandal is swept under the carpet and, in their minds, the reputation of the party is still intact.
In other words, cover your butt at all costs.
Sad to say, but in my mind, even though the leaders of the Catholic Church over the years have been placed on a high moral pedestal they have acted no differently than any of our political parties. This was driven home in spades by the actions of a leading Cardinal when asked about the accusations of sexual misconduct and the fact that the cases were never reported, and often the priest was moved to another community without facing criminal charges and, in many instances, to re-offend again.
This leading Cardinal replied: “This is all just petty gossip designed to hurt the Church”.
Petty gossip? Give me a break. That's hard for anyone to swallow. But hearing that, how must the victims feel? Those who have endured a lifetime of suffering, living with the guilt of what happened to them at the hands of a perverted priest who their parents raised them to respect. We can only imagine their turmoil and disgust.
So now the public would like answers to a number of questions. Will the victims get justice? Will the charges against these priests be dealt with in the public court system the same as you and I would be? Will public opinion force law enforcement agencies to take action?
Stay tuned.
--------------------------- The organizers are hoping for a huge turnout for the Uxbridge Half Marathon Run for the Diamond in support of the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital (see page 7).
It all takes place at Elgin Park on Sunday, April 25th. Registration 6:30 a.m. at Elgin Park or you can register in advance at www.uxbridgehalfmarathon.com where you can also print out sponsor forms on this site.
The event features something for everyone, such as 2l.lK half marathon, l0 k run, 5 k family run/walk and even a kid's dash for those 7 and under. A wonderful family day running or walking through the numerous scenic trails we have in our community and supporting our hospital at the same time.
If you are not able to participate, then please sponsor one of the many people who are. A great way for you to support our Cottage Hospital. And speaking of support, this event couldn't take off without the support of the major sponsors like Rutledge Jewelers, Empire Communities, Compton, New Balance and Running Room.
Let's hope the weatherman is kind and there is a huge turnout. The Cottage Hospital is a valued asset and contributes in a major way to the good life we enjoy in this community. However, it would be dangerous to take it for granted; events such as this need all the support we can give.
