Due Date: 4th Of May 2019 Time: 1:00 PM Darwin

Due Date: 4th of May 2019 Time: 1:00 pm Darwin Time Words: 1500

Read assignment 1 and answer question Part A: In 500 words write a summary of Assignment 1 you did. Your summary should include the social policies you discussed in assignment 1, examination of the issues you found in assignment 1, your views and how you attempted to influence the issues and why.

Paper For Above instruction

The first part of this assignment involves summarizing my earlier work in assignment 1, which focused on the televised program about the crisis in the Catholic Church in Australia, aired on ABC. The core social issues discussed in that program encompassed the sexual abuse scandals involving church leadership and the broader implications of institutional misconduct on societal values. The discussions revealed how such scandals threaten the moral authority of the Church and erode public trust, highlighting the importance of social policies that uphold transparency and accountability within religious institutions.

One major issue identified was the pervasive nature of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, particularly involving high-ranking leaders like archbishops and cardinals. These incidents, often shrouded in secrecy and denial, have caused deep public outrage. Despite some convictions being overturned, the persistent allegations demonstrate systemic vulnerabilities. This points to a wider societal problem about safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring justice and institutional reforms. I examined the policy responses, including calls for independent investigations, safeguarding protocols, and the need for a value-based self-assessment within the church to realign practices with societal expectations of human virtues.

My personal views emphasize that institutions like the Catholic Church must embrace transparency and comprehensive reforms to restore credibility. I believe that reforms should include a rigorous review of internal policies, promoting a culture of accountability, and engaging the community in oversight processes. My attempts to influence these issues involved advocating for policy reforms that prioritize victims' rights, institutional responsibility, and public trust restoration. I actively supported calls for greater transparency, including independent inquiries and reforms aligned with human rights standards. I believe that such measures are essential for societal healing and restoring the moral integrity of the institution.

A significant social policy debate within the discussion centered on the issue of priestly celibacy versus marriage. Panelists debated whether the celibacy requirement contributes to the scandals or if it is an outdated tradition that needs revision. Some argued that the policy of celibacy might inadvertently tempt some priests into misconduct, whereas others maintained that celibacy is a vital religious commitment. I viewed the policy critically, contemplating its impact on personal wellbeing and its potential role in fostering environments conducive to abuse. I argued that allowing priests to marry could reduce temptations and improve overall moral standards, aligning church policies more closely with contemporary societal values of human rights and personal fulfillment.

The second key issue addressed was the media's role in public perception. I concurred with the view that the media sometimes inflates accusations, leading to a trial by public opinion that may not always be just. I supported the call for due process, emphasizing that fair judicial proceedings are fundamental to justice, especially for high-profile allegations involving powerful figures. My perspective advocates for balanced reporting and respect for legal processes, which fosters societal trust and prevents injustice. Overall, I endeavored to promote policies that bolster transparency, accountability, and social justice within religious institutions, recognizing their importance in societal cohesion.

In conclusion, my summary of assignment 1 underscores the necessity for social reforms within the Catholic Church aimed at restoring moral authority and public trust. I contend that institutional reforms based on transparency, accountability, and community engagement are central to addressing systemic issues like abuse scandals. Additionally, I advocate for policy reconsideration regarding celibacy and implement safeguarding measures consistent with human rights standards. These initiatives are vital for aligning the Church’s practices with societal values and for fostering a culture of integrity and respect within religious and broader societal contexts.

References

• Notzon, Nancy. (2018). Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson found guilty of covering up child sexual abuse. ABC News.
• Murphy, Damien. (2008). Old boy calls school a pedophile paradise. The Sydney Morning Herald.
• Marr, David. (2010). Stannis priest convicted of abuse. The Sydney Morning Herald.
• Note: Additional references related to social policies, church reforms, and media influence would be included as per academic standards.