Stories about clergy abuse and honor killings have something interesting in common: the horror rarely seems to faze the truly faithful — or at least not the faithful who haven’t experienced it in their immediate circles. In my reporting and casual conversations, it seems the vast majority of Catholics/Muslims always agree that these are terrible but isolated cases — just a tiny fraction of priests/fathers have been implicated! — that absolutely do not represent their religion.

Fair enough?

Of  course, this kind of thinking isn’t limited to Catholics and Muslims… It’s human nature to believe the best of your own community, and the worst of outsiders, right?

Here’s a sample of recent stories:

• An American Honor Killing: One Victim’s Story (Time)
• Abuse Crisis Overshadows L.A. Cardinal’s Legacy (USA Today)
• Retired Episcopal Priest Removed  Amid Abuse Charges (Boston Globe)
• Abusive “Rabbi” Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison (JTA)

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

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