Apologies to Tammy Wynette, but I’ve had “Stand By Your Man” stuck in my head for hours while sifting through the influx of Catholic bishops and commentators defending Pope Benedict’s response to the global clergy sex abuse scandal (as his U.S. approval ratings plummet).

A few notable examples:

• U.S. bishops profoundly grateful for Pope’s work in combating sexual abuse (Catholic News Agency)
• US Bench: “We Stand With” B16 (Whispers in the Loggia)
• Setting the record straight in the case of abusive Milwaukee priest Father Lawrence Murphy (Catholic Anchor)
• Keeping the record straight on Benedict and the crisis (National Catholic Reporter)

It’s appropriate and unsurprising that the Vatican and its supporters would respond defensively to The New York Times and other investigations, which have been trying to link pedophile priest cover-ups to the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. But circling the wagons may also invite more backlash, with some abuse survivors saying it makes them feel victimized all over again.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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