One reason why religion is a load of bollox.

[Citizen's Nephew]

You can criticise and mock the edifice of religion without hating it . I find much of it highly amusing .

Because you included your answers to my post in the main body of my original post and didn't use quotation wrap tags it looks as if the text was part of my original post, so, for clarification to other readers and that I do not want your answers to be confused with my position, therefore, for clarity and record I have included them in the following repost (apologies to readers as my post was very long but I'm sure you understand my desire for clarity). I've no intention of continuing further discussion or dialogue but for my own peace of mind needed to write something that actually deals with the OP and the BBC report. I'm sure the vast majority will see there is no intent to cover up serious child sexual abuse in religious or any other groups.

This is the last I will post on the subject.

My original post & Sludge's answers:

Some definitions:

Bigot: a person who is obstinately or unreasonably attached to a belief, opinion, or faction, especially one who is prejudiced against or antagonistic towards a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular group.

Sludge's answer

That covers a lot of religious followers . Look no further than Northern Ireland

Hate Crime: a hate crime is defined as 'Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.’

Sludge's Answer

See above

Hypocrite: just one and the most apt regarding incessant and unnecessary attacks of other people’s beliefs and faiths is to preach tolerance but judge others who don't conform to their way of thinking e.g. criminalising rather than educating people who sing offensive songs at a football match by reporting them to the police. Or, supporting those with mental health issues whilst actively damaging the mental health of individuals whose belief systems are necessary for their wellbeing.

Sludge's Answer

If you think it is better to try and educate people singing racist or offensive songs give it a try . You are completely wasting your time , that approach has been used for years

Some inconvenient truths:

About 90% of children who are victims of sexual abuse know their abuser.

Only 10% of sexually abused children are abused by a stranger.

Approximately 30% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.

The younger the victim, the more likely it is that the abuser is a family member.

Of those molesting a child under six, 50% are family members.

Family members also accounted for 23% of those abusing children ages 12 to 17.

About 60% of children who are sexually abused are abused by people the family trusts.

Sludge's Answer

That doesn't answer the question as to why there have been 18 reports into child abuse in churches and spiritual groups in 3 years . Denial gets us nowhere .

It was a conservative government that pushed for and introduced same-sex marriage. The Conservative Party: senior Conservatives, including David Cameron, William Hague, George Osborne, and Theresa May supported the bill. Polling showed that the majority of Conservative voters supported the bill.

Sludge's Answer

Cameron was to the left of the tory Party but they did it to get away from their image as the nasty party

Read articles in hyperlinks in full before commenting as thread titles can be misleading.

A common misconception of the definition of an anarchist (me) is someone who is intolerant and believes in lawlessness. There are many types of anarchists as, indeed, there are many types of faith systems.

Sludge's Answer

Indeed but there is a serious problem I faith groups that people are still afraid to confront

Attempting to eradicate religion without accepting the potential and likelihood of corruption and abuse in secular, atheist, or agnostic communities and institutions is futile.

Sludge's Answer

If abuse was less of an issue in faith communities then this conversation wouldn't be taking place . Denial of its existence and comparing it to levels of abuse in society is used by faith groups to deflect criticism, some are continuing to do it

It is better to find something to love rather than hate.