J. Ronald Knott

About the author: J. Ronald Knott is a priest of the archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky, and is vocation director and director of Catholic worship at Bellarmine University in Louisville.

The scandal of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has made it hard for nonabusing priests who have given everything to their profession. They suffer the pain of all who have been hurt by the scandal, from the victims and their families to the abusive priests and well-meaning bishops. What is most difficult, however, is the self-doubt that arises in the hearts of innocent priests. However, hope comes from preaching to those Catholics who have not lost faith. Their support and encouragement teaches that rewards come to those who are strong when facing a crisis.

In my 32 years as a priest, I have been threatened...