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The apostolic succession doctrine makes valid ordinations and institutional affiliation the prime concern in clerical status. As long as the officiant has been validly ordained, his personal sins do not affect the validity of the baptisms, absolutions or masses he administers.
Which is not to say Catholic priest abusers attack children in the name of The Lord, but they do enjoy some of the benefits that go with the position. They have been having sex with young boys correctly understanding - through Catholic doctrines - that their work for The Lord remains unaffected.
Traditional Catholics have also charged the Second Vatican Council with fostering a climate that encourages priests to abuse children (Time Magazine, January 2003).
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