August 13.   Child rape. A serious topic needing an urgent response was abuse and rape of children.  “Are our children precious to us, are they a fruit of our love to be guarded and protected?”  “But should we not consider all children in the same light?” “How?” “Child rape can of course never ever be justified but we also need to ask how can it be explained?  What could be going through a child rapist’s mind?  Surely that is an unnatural act? Is he a pedophile? Is there some substance-induced behaviour or pornography underlying this?”  Rayhab, the social worker,  agreed to organise professional input on this subject.

Reflect, share, scripture:      Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 18: 1-5.   Pope Francis. Societies experiencing violence due to war, terrorism, organised crime are witnessing the deterioration of the family, above all in large cities where the phenomenon of street children is on the rise.  Sexual abuse of children is scandalous when it occurs where they ought to be most safe, e.g. in families, schools, communities and Christian institutions. AL 45 ACTION AND PRAYER.  Is “child-safeguarding” in our parishes working well?