Yawn: The Boston Globe’s Resident Bigot Rezendes Keeps Writing the Same Storyline

Michael Rezendes : Boston Globe

Tired anti-Catholic bigot: The Boston Globe's Michael Rezendes

What's a bigoted reporter to do when there is no real "news" concerning the source of his enmity? He simply writes the same story over and over again!

The latest Church-bashing screed from Michael Rezendes at the Boston Globe – which now posits that the Church is somehow "irredemable" (!) – is an excellent outline of the media's many phony narratives and subnarratives all in one article.

Same old, same old

For starters, Rezendes asserts that the bishops have yet to "face the crisis," as if the numerous unprecedented measures that the Church has implemented – including diocesan lay review boards, intensified screenings and background checks, and training programs – not to mention over $3 billion in payouts in the US alone – have never even taken place.

Rezendes also claims that "each week, it seems, the scandal detonates yet again with fresh news of priests who have had their way with children." Really? Because in all of of 2017 (the most recent year of data), there was a grand total of exactly three priests in the United States out of 40,000 who faced accusations which could even be deemed "substantiated."

Rezendes also falsely claims that in November Vatican officials "blocked the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops from adopting measures that would hold bishops accountable if they covered up for abusive priests," as if the Vatican objected to the mere idea of "holding bishops accountable."

In truth, as it was reported back in November, "there were serious problems under Church law with several of the proposals the bishops had developed," and the Vatican "actually did the [bishops] a favor" in requesting the delay. It avoided having the bishops' proposals being shot down in Rome and exposing them for "not doing their homework" and being embarrassed even further. This episode was also confirmed in an Associated Press story in January.

There's a lot more, but you get the point. Truth and honesty are of little concern to Rezendes. The only agenda here is browbeating the Church once again.

A surprising voice in the crowd

Philip Lawler

Et tu, Phil?
Phil Lawler joins the mob

Rezendes then quotes the usual suspects doing their typical Chicken Little routine claiming that the Church is overrun with pedophiles. Rezendes cites:

Anne Barrett Doyle, the angry proprietor of BishopAccountability.org, a mean-spirited site that has smeared countless innocent priests;

● the dead and discredited ex-priest Richard Sipe;

● Irish "clergy abuse survivor" and perpetual crank Marie Collins, who resigned from a Vatican abuse panel when it did not fit her liking;

● the Church-suing contingency lawyer Marci Hamilton; and

● Pennsylvania's grandstanding Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who produced his pompous and corrupt "grand jury report" last summer.

But we were very disappointed to see that veteran Catholic writer Philip Lawler, an individual whom we have long respected, now lend his support to Rezendes in his never-ending jihad against the Church.

The Catholic media's coverage of the abuse story in recent years has been cowardly, with almost all major Catholic writers aping their secular counterparts, lest they be criticized on Twitter or elsewhere for being a "Vatican flak," "tone deaf," or "heartless to victims."

Note to Catholic media: There is no current sex abuse scandal. Got it? None. Nada. Please stop conflating the bishops' handling of abuse cases from many decades ago with other issues such as lack of orthodoxy. They are two entirely different issues.

When Pope Francis spoke last fall of Satan ("the Great Accuser") who "roams the world looking how to blame" and spread scandal, did anyone in "Catholic media" look at themselves?

They should have.

Comments

  1. Dan says:

    Jim, Son of Satan asks, "How stupid would the devil have to be to fight [my] version of God." Probably just as or more stupid than you. Like I've said, God will be happy to explain all this to you when you stand before Him. Dan and His God are tired of your filthy mouth.

    • Lola says:

      Why is the author of this article stupid? He is right about the fact that the rcc scandal is  several decades old and that new cases of abuse are extremly rare, in the usa , but also in ireland , uk, germany, holland etc..

    • peoples clown says:

      Dan – there you go again, trying to rename "people". Whether he deserves the name or not, maybe you do, just leave alone!

    • Dan says:

      Hey Clown, criticising me for "trying to rename 'people' ", when you've "renamed" yourself the "peoples clown". Has any adult ever taught you when it would be wise to mind your own business (MYOB)?

      "How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?" Psalm 82:2

      "Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice." Proverbs 18:5

      How well do these quotes also pertain to your Church of Secrets.

    • Jim Robertson says:

      If Satan's my father, who's my mother?  Imelda Marcos?

      I named people's clown. He liked it and took it.

      TMR's pathetique and incredable idea that only 3 priests have had charges against them substiated only shows your complete irresponsibility and lack of faith in your own children. And then you dare say 40,000 accused priests are innocent? yet the church and its insurors payed out $3 billion for bupkiss?

      Has Bible Dan changed any yearning Catholic hearts here? Can i have a show of hands? Anybody? Bueller?….Bueller?

    • Lola says:

      40,000 accused priests? Where? In the US its only 4444 in 5 decades with only less than half accusations being substantiated , 75% of accusations being made somewhere between 10 and 30+ years after the fact and 30% of priests being dead at the time of the accusations. A lot of claims were made after tons of cash was paid out for accusations who were never verified. Abuse did occur in the catholic church of course  but the attention to it and the context shows that it was blown out of proportion. I mean the Pennsylvania grand jury report  garnered international attention but 1207 reports of abuse by Pennsylvania teachers in only one year didnt even make it out of local news (www2.philly.com/philly/news/child-protective-services-law-amendment-teacher-jail-philadelphia-school-district-abuse-20180721.html) thats surely concerning, is it not?

  2. peoples clown says:

    Well Micky"we got law"rezendes probably is desperate to be in another movie, as he thinks he's star material. Ho hum is right. They'd never want his real self in a movie, as he's too mundane. Guess that's what happens when he tries to keep media his from going bankrupt, by publishing consistent lies. Who can take him serious after Covington Catholics

  3. peoples clown says:

    Looks like Dan/Jim is having a hussy fit, APPARENTLY. We'll see!

  4. malcolm harris says:

    Michael Rezendas is  playing to the gallery. His audience are those particular Boston Globe readers who are anti-Catholic bigots. He is giving his audience what they want to believe… and the facts don't matter.  Today witnessed something in my back yard which might be a metaphor for our current problems. The wild birds that have been feeding have greatly increased in number, compared to a few years ago, when first started to feed them. Guess word got around? My better half tells me that they will continue to increase in number as long as I keep feeding them. What I am really saying is that our Church must urgently review its guidelines ……re the handling of abuse accusations. So that it no longer appears to be "easy pickings"  to feed off the Church.

    • Dan says:

      "For wherever the carcass is, there will the vultures be gathered together." Matthew 24:28

    • Jim Robertson says:

      HaHaHaha!  Malcolm Harris the St. Francis (who's not A Sissy) of Australia.

      "Feed the birds tupence a bag" Mary Poppins.

      Don't you all get tired of being illogical and stupid?

      Ever wonder why SNAP never had Winter Soldier-like hearings for victims of the church?

      FYI Winter Soldier hearings occurred when troops came back from Vietnam and told the American public about the war crimes they had committed and were sorry for. If SNAP worked for "our "lawyers, wouldn't you think they would have staged such hearings? Like the Australian govt. has?  Wouldn't that have brought them even more clients since that's what you say was what the lawsuits were all about?

      Dan the only vulture here is you. Picking at the dead carcass of the Reformation.

       

    • Dan says:

      Jim, I'm not interested in any "Reformation". I'm more interested in transformation, that some might wake up and realize the need to change and avoid eternal death. I've told all that I'm not affiliated with any false religions, Protestant, Presbyterian, Buddhist, Jewish and obviously not Catholic, etc. etc. etc. I don't agree with the teachings of Martin Luther, especially regarding his idolatry of Mary. Please refrain from falsely accusing me.

      Won't even respond to your calling me a "vulture". I don't change deceived and hardened "Catholic hearts", only God can do that. And I've yet to see you convince any Catholics that you know what you're talking about. Maybe you need fans, I'm a fan of Christ and apparently you have some big problem with that. Not my problem. Shame you're deceived into thinking you've got everything figured out. You are aware that Satan also was deceived, known as the Accuser and a deceiver.     servant of the Almighty and proud to make that claim

  5. Jim Robertson says:

    And Clowney it's called a hissy fit not a hussy fit. i.e.  Your Mom was a hussy and serpents and angry audiences hiss.

  6. malcolm harris says:

    What?…. Jim Robertson has made a surprise comeback to this site. And there I was thinking he had folded his tent…. and rode off into the sunset?  But am wondering what prompted his renewed interest?. Could it be my reference to "easy pickings"? Because Jim would know all about that…wouldn't he?. Wasn't Jim the guy who collected a million bucks? Just because some teaching brother allegedly groped him in school?  Yeah….the guidelines really need urgent review. And dare I suggest that St. Francis might agree with me? Because he helped to rebuild a derelict church…. and not give it all away…. brick by brick?

  7. Jim Robertson says:

    How dare I have sought compensation for my damages, Malcolm? What is wrong with me?

    Thank you for illuminating me on this subject with which you have no familiarity even though the government of an entire contintinent, Austrailia, has held years of hearings on the subject you don't believe happened because you would have heard about it in your tiny parish as it was happening, if it was really happening.

    Exactly how many of "your" bricks have been given away? how many of your insurors' "bricks" have been handed out in these "easy pickings" of your fantasy? Don't you think you should report all (or maybe even just one) of the tens of thousands of these "false"claims you claim exist? How about mine? Why not have me arrested and charged? Why don't you show your "proof" of what you believe to the world? Malcolm you are such an evil silly sod.

    And Dan dear, the only one deceiving people around here is you and your fellow "religious" lunatics. You deceive yourself first, then attempt to deceive the world by attempting to "save" it from your fantasies. Here's the flaw in your "reasoning". Where is the proof then anything you believe in exists? Just saying there's a "god" doesn't cut the mustard proof wise. let alone the pretense that you know what "he" wants us to do with our lives. I'm not here to convert the readership to atheism. So I've no need to see a show of hands of converts to my "truth". The fact that you can't see a single hand raised for yours (but your own) says it all.

  8. malcolm harris says:

    Now Jim has raised the question of proof?. And then deflected the argument into asking about  proof of religious belief. Is that relevant?. So will attempt to bring it  back to the point where he entered the picture. Namelly his disturbing story about alleged molestation. It is a serious accusation, because men found guilty often go to prison. Where they run the risk of being bashed by the other inmates. Surely before you accuse somebody of such a crime you should have compelling evidence?. According to western justice the onus of proof is on the accuser. From what Jim has told us he had no direct proof?. They simply took his word for it?.  Well…. I don't know what you call that… but it sure ain't western justice!.

  9. Dan says:

    Jim, You don't accept what I've explained to you, but His creation is proof that he exists. You have to be blind to ignore the marvelous circumstances that brought life to this earth. All of its diversity, mountain formations, waterways, humans, animals, fish, birds, insects, etc.etc.. Even how they all feed on each other and yet in His wisdom this strengthens their species and doesn't destroy them. Only man in his wickedness and greed destroys. How can I expect one who hates the Creator and mocks Him and His followers to understand. when they would prefer to remain in the darkness and hide from His light.

    "Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see, who have ears but do not hear: Do you not fear Me? Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as a boundary of the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. But these people have stubborn and rebelious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away. They have not said in their hearts, 'Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rains, both autumn and spring, in season, who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest.'…" Jeremiah 5:21-24

    So deny Him all you like and be about your fathers work. Believe you aren't deceived and think your bigger and badder than He is, cursing and mocking Him, but know for sure that you're doing the work of the devil. Repent and put a guard on your mouth, or you will surely suffer the consequences. To God you're only chump change and it's about time you understand that. He gave you life and the freedom to do as you choose and it's time you start appreciating and respecting His kindness.  

    "None so blind as those who refuse to see." Call me all the names you like, for it only fulfills God's Word that we will be hated by all people. This forums contributors help to prove that fact.

  10. Jim Robertson says:

    Same old same old.

    Malcolm if what you say is true then all the hearings in your country, Australia, were about what? Catholic church bashing?

    But Malcolm other faiths and institutions were also criticized for their handling of their molestations. So does that mean everone who testified about their sex abuse as minors were lying and are therefor criminals? Where's your proof?  It seems to me the headlines lately about molesting Cardinals like Cardinal Spellman of NY and the Washington D.C. Cardinal just fired tend to back up my side of this debate and not yours.

    And Dan threatening me with your monster "God" (a figment of your and others' imaginations)  and that "He" is going to get me scares me not a bit. You talk like "He"'s  the boogy man in the closet who's going to eat me. I'm not afraid of your imaginary friend who kills everyone and then decides whether we should burn for eternity in endless pain. And all because we "sinners" didn't love "Him" enough. Well fk "Him". He just a psycopath and if what you say is all true then he's insane and unjust and definitily unworthy of adoration. And bending alll of nature to "prove" your imaginings (all based on Aquinas by the way) and such a theory was never even mentioned,in your Motel book Bible, as a rational for "His" exisistence. You don't get to use nature as a reason why your version of a "God" exists. We know that nature and the universe exist because we can see touch and feel nature. we are nature. But then we hhave your version of "God" and magically we have literally zero proof of His" existence. Odd isn't it. Everything else being provable but heaven and hell and god all of it, which should be the most important thing in any humans life particularly if they are going to burn eternally, has literally no proof that any of what you imagine to be true, is there.

    So Dan stick your monster back in the closet to scare someone else some other day your "God of Love" is a sad sad joke played on the world by greedy power mongers.

    • Dan says:

      I have no response to your ignorance other than to ask, "Isn't it time for you to go back into the closet?"

    • Jim Robertson says:

      See it's all about power and control with you.your power and your control of others and you use your imaginary friend as the excuse for your dominating ambitions. You have no proof for your god  but I'm the one who is ignorant?

    • Dan says:

      Jim, Allow me to explain why your insisting on my giving absolute proof of God and claiming the Bible doesn't mention His creation as proof of His existence is ignorance. Several times I have quoted verses from His Word, as I did above, but you refuse to see it. Here's more -

      "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

      In Job chapter 37-42, God questions Job and opens his eyes to much of His creation. He shows Job all the great things He does and what He has made, as proof of His existence. Job realizes that he spoke of things far beyond his understanding. To claim that the Bible doesn't explain how creation is proof of God's existence is totally ludicrous. 

       

       

      Even more ignorant is your claim that I want "power" or "control" over anyone, because of my "dominate ambitions". I refer to myself as a "servant". Wow, what power!?! And explain to me how I've controlled or muzzled your foul mouth. In fact you've gotten worse with your cursing and mocking of God. He doesn't even have power or control over you. Why should God reveal Himself to you when you're so nasty with Him? Ever think about that?

  11. Jim Robertson says:

    And Dan if "God's" word says you will be 'hated by all people" and that's some form of proof to you  that your on "God's" side?

    Well, kid, Nazis are hated by all people and child molesters are hated by all people are those "people" on "God's" side too?

  12. Jim Robertson says:

    Using the Bible to explain anything to do with "God" is self refrencing. He's the star of the Bible. As fictional a character as Peter Pan or Mary Poppins or Santa Claus (the gateway demi-god that gets children into the fantasy that is your "God".)

     

    • Dan says:

      Jim, To compare the God of the universe to fictional characters like "Peter Pan or Mary Poppins or Santa Claus" is outright demeaning and rude. The one thing "fictional" and fake "fantasy" is your false opinion and misunderstanding of the Lord God. I think it needs to be repeated, "Why should God reveal Himself to you when you're so nasty [towards] Him?" Have you given that any thought?

  13. Jim Robertson says:

    Grow up. my "foul mouth" is in the eye of the beholder.

    My foul mouth doesn't make your deity true. Proof does. You know the proof you don't have?

    You calling yourself a servant is hysterical. How many servants come in and tell the people they are "serving" that they are WRONG?

    • Dan says:

      Your foul, God cursing and mocking mouth, along with all the other wicked weirdos in this world proves to me that evil exists. If I can easily see that wickedness and hatred exists, then I can easily believe a God of good exists. I don't have to be a scientist or brilliant person or even have a Bible to prove that there is a great Creator of all things. Common sense and the Holy Spirit within tells me emphatically so. I pity your sad disbelief and ignorance. Maybe you should "grow up" and face reality before you learn it the hard way.   servant of the Lord

    • Jim Robertson says:

      How does asking you for proof of your god's exisistance equate to evil? Go and sin no more.

    • Dan says:

      I never claimed that your asking for proof of GOD's existence equates to evil. You wouldn't accept anything as proof of GOD's existence, because in your own mind you would prefer that HE is non-existant. Your disbelief works so much better for your lifestyle and allows you the freedom to do and say whatever you please. I previously led an immoral heterosexual lifestyle and at the time wished there was no GOD and no judgment. GOD struck me with a horrible darkness and suicidal depression and proved to me that HE existed. I felt I was given the final chance to change or suffer the consequences. Once I accepted HIS offer, my depression and thoughts of suicide vanished (18 years ago). And that's why my belief in HIM and my work to spread the WORD and to let others know they can change and live a more fulfilled life is what HE has to offer. Take it or leave it, your choice, but my belief in HIM and the kindness HE showed me will never be taken for granted or thwarted by anyone. And I'm far from being any weak person or someone who needs a crutch.

      P.S. I've never read Aquinas and none of my knowledge comes from the teachings of false religions or their fictitious heros, including Luther. If you insist on thinking you can demean GOD by writing HIS name small, then I'll start capitalizing it in every form. You're fighting a battle against a powerful GOD, a fight you will not and cannot win. Sorry Jim, "go and sin no more".

  14. Jim Robertson says:

    Yes, shouting your imaginary god's name really proves "his' existence all right.

    What a cretin. I couldn't win a fight against Superman either if he were real.

    It's funny how your game works. Imagine something fictitious is true and demand everyone else bend to your fantasy. This is all about you Dan and your relationship to your fantasies not about your god.

    .

  15. Jim Robertson says:
  16. Dan says:

    Real funny "how [my] game works". And what game is that, wishing that all could find peace in their soul? And how is it "demand[ing]", when I've said, "Take it or leave it, your choice…". Can you find any more nasty names to call me? Hiss all you like, Jim, I hope that gives you solace. servant of THE ALMIGHTY GOD