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No mother should have to listen to her child die in the rubble of a bombed-out building. No sexual abuse survivor should ever be called a liar. When people of power and influence stand before God, She will ask a single question: How did you treat My children? Woe to those who answer, I was silent when they were sexually abused; I was vocally supportive when my country bombed them.

Peter Rosser, former director of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of the Diocese of Hamilton, presents a vision of God as the ultimate conveyor of restorative justice in his thought-provoking drama, CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN. Sub-titled, Discord in the After-Life: A Bishop and an Atheist Deny Their Culpability for Abuse and War, Mr. Rosser uses his two central characters as vehicles of his own protests against the Catholic Churchs ongoing sexual abuse scandal and the collateralization of civilians, especially children, in todays regional wars.

How will the purveyors of war on children and did not know bishops be treated by God at the gates of heaven? This day, Paul Noonan, a cover-up bishop from an abuse-plagued diocese, and AJ Forsythe, an atheist/scientist and supporter of the Iraq war, arrive at The Lobby the gateway to heaven. Unsettling for both are Gods requirements for access to Her presence: a visceral confrontation with abuse survivors for the bishop; and the witnessing of the death of collateral damage victims for the scientist.

Upon their arrival, both characters are greeted by designated handlers who will guide them through the intricacies of their entrance into heaven or hell. Noonans guide is an everyman Muslim named Mohammed; Forsythes escort is a stunning woman of colour, Gabriella, the archangel. After explaining to their charges that their end of life destinations are yet to be finalized - that heaven or hell is not a foregone conclusion, Mohammed and Gabriella prepare Noonan and Forsythe for the two key encounters required for all who arrive at The Lobby: a face-to-face meeting with all those they have wronged on earth; and a subsequent audience with God.

This first meeting goes as predicted for the bishop; not so much for the scientist. Noonans first witness is Theresa de Delores, a woman he interviewed when he was investigating one of his priests. At that time, Noonan wrongly concluded that Theresa was lying. Forsythe, expecting an esoteric discussion on the virtue of war against a dictator, is confronted by a young Muslim mother and her three children who were among the first victims of Americas Shock & Awe strategy the unnamed collateral damage.

Both men are devastated by this ordeal: Noonan because he feels angry and persecuted for the sins of his priests; Forsythe by the realization that intellectuals like him are rarely touched by the wars they support. Forsythes subsequent meeting with God becomes a conversion experience. He is humbled by an intellect far greater than his own and then astonished by discovering the true nature of the divine as one of love, not power. Noonans anger has hardened his heart for God. He feels unappreciated. All his devotion and lifelong commitment to his church seem to have been for naught.

PRAISE FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

a thoughtful dissertation and a (literally) fantastic invention that drives home some pretty big truths and challenges some pretty common conventions. It certainly makes the reader think - and have a little fun at the same time. - Dermot Nolan

Wow! A hint of C S Lewis, a resemblance to Peter Kreeft and a lot to chew on after reading. I love your image of God and emphasis on hell as free choice. The inclusion of war crimes and the idea that all who support a war are implicated in its horrors were powerful.

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PRAISE FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

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