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Mon - Thurs: 8:00 - 5:15

Hours

(217) 698-8500

Phone

1615 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702

Office for Safe Environment

“As 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. 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…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.” (pg 1 , Create In Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography)

Sexuality is a beautiful gift given to us through a sacred covenantal relationship. When we engage sexuality through various means, outside of this sacred covenantal relationship, it strips one’s own dignity and their respect for others and prevents them from giving and receiving true intimacy. Pornography binds one to a seemingly autonomous and secret world that is quickly and discreetly available at any time. It makes many people suffer feelings of shame, guilt, hopelessness, depression and anxiety. Fear strikes users and further paralyzes them because they think if someone finds out, they would not be loved, accepted, or wanted.  They may even fear the loss of their job, families, and/or spouses. They may try to stop viewing pornography but discover they are unable to break the cycle of addiction and feel exhausted by “living two lives”, just to fall again and again and again. Please remember that the Church exists to help us, not shame or condemn us (Jn 3:17). There is much hope for those who struggle with sex addictions including pornography. You may think you are alone however, this  affects a significant number of children, women and men in various stages of life. Let’s look at some surprising statistics….

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