Gilbert Lawrence wrote advising priests:
"The secret to protect oneself is not to get into that situation to begin with! Rather than after trying to argue innocence, sexual orientation, psyche, behavior, temptation etc. I'd keep two feet away from women. No physical contact, even a caring touch in anybody below age 50. No woman under 50 in the private Rectory! And no visits to homes of a single woman unless it is an emergency. "
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Dear Gilbert,
You suggestion to priests on how to modify their behavior is indeed brilliant. I suggest you send it to the Bishop's Palace and also a c.c. to the Vatican. It is a guaranteed way to solve all paedophile behavior and adult hetrosexual/ homosexual relations between priests and the faithful.
A few questions though:
1) Are you sure two feet is the correct distance? How did you arrive at this specific measurement?
2) Should the priests keep this 'two feet' distance from women only, or also from attractive males.
3) Wouldn't certain sacraments be difficult to administer under the Two Feet Rule?
4) Why did you keep an age of 50 years as the cut-off point for physical contact? Do you feel women above 50 years do not have sexual feelings? Or capacities?
5) Other than the 'private Rectory' are there any other areas that you feel should be kept off-limits for one-is-to-one encounters?
6) Is it ok to for a priest to make a non-emergency visit to the home of a single woman if there are other individuals also present?
I think your Rules for Priests are a good idea but need further honing and clarification before we make them standard practice worldwide.
I know a lot of priests on this forum will oppose Gilbert's suggestions but I think for the sake of the good of all mankind we should give them some serious contemplation.
Cecil
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