The claim
The Catholic Church understands herself as the community founded by Christ and continuing through the apostles, entrusted with the Scriptures, the sacraments, and the care of the poor.
Catholics believe Christ is really present in the Eucharist, that forgiveness is offered concretely in Confession, and that faith is lived in a body of people rather than alone.
And the honest part
The Church is also made of human beings who have done real harm, including to children and vulnerable adults. Naming that is not disloyalty; refusing to name it has been the deeper betrayal.
You are allowed to be drawn to Christ and wary of the institution at the same time.
Read the original sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 748-780
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324