I believe there has been a sharp falling-off in the number of parents applying for places in Catholic schools for their children, in spite of the much vaunted academic achievements. The response of the church to the child abuse scandal has severely dented people's trust - the latest way of avoiding paying the compensation so richly deserved is to say that the Church is not the employer of priests. The Church hires them, fires them and provides 'benefits in kind' in the shape of board and lodging. Some dioceses in Canada tried to declare themselves bankrupt in order to avoid making payment. This is not the kind of contrition and reparation that the Church promised.
It must be terrible to be a priest, monk or nun and to know that you are viewed with suspicion, no matter how innocent you may be. If you are a Catholic, have you lost any of your trust in the Church?
What do you think would go well with coasters like this?
Baby Reindeer - anyone watched it?