The Church is being damaged by scandals. Here’s 3 reasons why I still have hope

The relentless news of scandals and failures in the Church is breaking my heart. It can feel really hopeless - and then it becomes easy to slide into despair.

I could easily write a column lamenting the fact that this institution we’re all part of is in desperate trouble. It would be legitimate to express grief over this, and I encourage you to allow your emotions room to breathe, and for you to process as you need to. The psalmists certainly did this.

But my task today is different. Despite singing ‘Hallelujah anyway’ approximately four times a week, one line from the song still hits home with every rendition: “I think I’d rather strike a match than curse the dark.”