Scandal prevention: Love God first

		Notes from the  Vicar General  Msgr. Paul J. Swain

Scandal is a popular word these days. It usually describes a bad situation about which there is a call for action, something must be done.

For the last several months, the Governor's Task Force on Ethics in Government has been meeting in response to scandal in state government, perceived or real.

Many believe that the high standards of integrity in public service, for which Wisconsin was long renowned, have been compromised. I have the privilege of being one of its five members. Our charge has been to look at state laws and propose adjustments that would restore the old luster to Wisconsin government.

Scandal also describes the awful revelations of sexual abuse of children and young people by some priests. The bishops reviewed how past cases were handled and have adopted new rules and regulations, called Charter and Norms, for dealing with such sad cases. Offices at the Vatican are reviewing the Norms.

Scandal has rocked the corporate community with the uncovering of financial reports that were deliberately falsified. Congress recently passed new laws to monitor and hopefully prevent such dishonesty that harms innocent investors and employees.

Laws help, but temptation remains

Laws, norms, and regulations are helpful in creating standards and structure. However, we have seen from the earliest of times that passing laws does not end the temptation to bend the rules for personal advantage.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that laws and institutions themselves can actually promote scandal, the violation of the dignity of others, by leading to the decline in moral values or putting up barriers to leading morally upright lives. The Supreme Court decisions condoning abortions meet this definition, for instance.

The Catechism has a broader definition of scandal than a description of a situation. It is a violation of the Fifth Commandment, a sin against the dignity of persons. It is personal and moral. "Scandal is an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil.

"The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave sin" (CCC 2284). It is relational and communal.

St. Augustine said, love God and do what you will. If we truly love God, we will live in ways that assures the dignity of others gifted by God with life, and not lead them astray. Loving God first brings perspective and humility.

Call youth to high moral ground

As a member of the Task Force on Ethics, it has been interesting to note that many older folks see current practices in government and politics as scandalous. Those who did not know "the good old days" do not see it the same way; it is just the way things are done.

That may be a scandal in itself because moral standards once lowered tend to become the unquestioned accepted way to do business. We owe the young more than acquiescence to how things are done. We have a responsibility to call them to the high moral ground worthy of children of God.

There will continue to be scandals until there is acceptance of personal responsibility for the integrity of our institutions and their leaders, civility and respect toward others in debate and personal dealings, and recognition that the common good is more important than individual advancement.

Only by loving God first, can scandal, situations or actions, be undone.