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I. INTRODUCTION
“A clean heart create for me, God.”
(Ps 51:12)
A
s pastors of the Catholic Church, we offer this statement
to give a word of hope and healing to those who have
been harmed by pornography and to raise awareness of
its pervasiveness and harms.
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In the confessional and in
our daily ministry and work with families, we have seen the corrosive
damage caused by pornography—children whose innocence is stolen;
men and women who feel great guilt and shame for viewing pornography
occasionally or habitually; spouses who feel betrayed and traumatized; and
men, women and children exploited by the pornography industry. While
the production and use of pornography has always been a problem, in
recent years its impact has grown exponentially, in large part due to the
Internet and mobile technology. Some have even described it as a public
health crisis. Everyone, in some way, is affected by increased pornography
use in society. We all suffer negative consequences from its distorted view
of the human person and sexuality. As bishops, we are called to proclaim
anew the abundant mercy and healing of God found in Jesus Christ, our
Lord and Savior, and through his Church.
The audience of this statement is broad because pornography affects
so many people’s lives and requires a collaborative, concentrated effort by
all of us to counter its harms. The statement itself is addressed primarily
to parents, clergy, diocesan and parish leaders, educators, mental health
professionals, and all those in positions to help protect children from
pornography and heal the men, women, and young people who have been
harmed by its use. We also hope the statement will be helpful for men,
women, and young people who themselves view pornography, whether
occasionally or habitually, or who have been victimized by pornography.
Finally, we speak to religious allies and all people of good will who want to
work together toward a culture of purity that upholds the dignity of every
person and the sacredness of human sexuality.