Spotlight

[hellywelly4]

Just watched this really interesting film about the abuse of children by the Catholic Church in America. So pleased it all came out and that people were helped. Reminded me of the football coaches in the UK who were eventually caught. Makes you wonder how many more victims there are.

[davebro]

Good film - saw it at the cinema. Bit like the Watergate press investigation.

[drmorgans]

Not just about the abuse of children but how the powerful catholic church in the US used all its power and influence to try to suppress publicity of what had been happening.

[gingejbee]

5-star film according to Radio Times...and available on iPlayer for 30 days.

[-SharonA-]

Very gritty film with good actors.

[10ClarionSt]

I know someone who was a abused by a priest when he was 13. He told his mother, who flew into a rage, gave him a good hiding and grounded him for 2 weeks. How could he say such dreadful and disgusting things about a man of the cloth? How could he, indeed? As it happens, 2 priests from that parish were convicted of child abusde a number of years later, but not the one I told you about. Where was the abuse in this instance?

[gness]

I've not seen that, Helly. I've had a google and may watch but knowing so much about the abuse by Catholic priests worldwide and the cover ups that let them get away with what they did it's always a difficult watch for me. But the more I know the better.

[hellywelly4]

It may restore some of your faith in human nature gness. The reporters just wouldn’t let it go and as a result numerous cases of abuse came to light worldwide. There’s a list at the end of the film which showed just how many there were. I think there’s more acknowledgment in Ireland too after the stories about the laundries where girls were put when they became pregnant outside wedlock.

[gness]

Sadly my faith in human nature's taken a knock of late, Helly.
The way the victims and the families of the victims of abuse by the Catholic Church in Ireland are still being treated is just shocking.

The only good thing that seems to be coming out of everything that has come to light is that people are turning their backs on the church. I applaud that.
But still the church, right up until today, tries to cover up its disgusting and evil history and cause more distress to their victims.
One person who does restore my faith somewhat is a lady named Catherine Corless. I do what I can to support her and others seeking for the truth and justice. Will I live long enough to see her aims realised? I know this church well so I doubt it.

[davebro]

We were chatting with a couple & the lady said she was a religious education teacher. My mate said he had given up on Catholicism after years of having it rammed down his throat!