What are your thoughts on this very personal story of one man and his family's confrontation with the church that betrayed them?

Dear FRONTLINE,

Catholics always want to say that it was the Church Hiararchy that caused the problem but it has nothing to do with their faith. I disagree. I hold each one responsible who continues to keep these people in power (such as Law in his powerful cushy job in Rome). So every time each individual parishoner puts their seat in the pew and any money in the collection, they are contributing to keeping the abusers in power. Just as the program says. "They are feeding the beast." They are also GUILTY!

Pamela Wilkey
Millis, MA

Dear FRONTLINE,

I loved the film. The problem is not in priests being single but in offering your sexuality as a sacrifice to God instead of just a choice. A huge ego often results. Zen Buddhism in Japan has forbidden vows of celibacy for 100 years, all recorded in Jaffe's Neither Monk Nor Layman from Princeton Univ. Press. Leaders explained, "The subtle function of the universe resides in the power of the husband-and-wife union." Catholics need to realize this and get rid of celibacy as something religious. Ordinary human love -- either straight or gay -- is preferable.

William Cleary
Burlington, Vermont

Dear FRONTLINE,

As the mother of an abused (now 40) boy, I come at this with a different perspective--that of a parent. Like you, he thought and was told he was the only one. This priest came to our house often for dinner and worked his way to my son who was only 9-10 at the time. An individual made a statement "where were the parents when this was going on?" I asked my son why didn't you say something. He said: How can you say anything when the priest is eating dinner in the dining room of our house. Would you have believed me? And besides, I was told to keep the secret and that I was special. How outrageous! These individuals, who apparently have not suffered or don't have the wherewithall to understand the lies and manipulation used to capture these innocent children, have no idea what this did to, not just our son, but the whole family. It is the absolute murder of a soul (on purpose) while the soul is in their formative years. But it always rears its ugly head during adulthood--when they can't function as adults. They don't know who they are. My son will never be the same-ever-in this lifetime. His childhood was taken away; therefore, a very important part of his life was stepped on and crushed. Just like stepping on a flower and killing it. Unless you have been there, no one will ever understand-"And a Sword Shall Pierce Your Heart" and it has. It is finished.

Stoughton, MA

Dear FRONTLINE,

I want to thank the Cultrera's for sharing their story and for helping the healing process of the so many who were affected by the abuse scandal. I grew up in Salem, in fact, my husband was a childhood member of St. James Parish. Thank you for coming forward. Thank you saving other families from this pain. We are deeply sorry for your pain. This film was extraordinary. It will stay with us.

Salem, Massachusetts

Dear FRONTLINE,

I watched your film with deep interest. I cannot say I am shocked by this account it has been heard so many times before. I truly feel for people who are victims of such discusting crimes. Those men should be ashamed of themselves to even act out the role of a spokesmen for God. They have proven that their whole organization does not have God in their midst. Both by their doing the crimes of molestation and their covering it up. The beauty and only comfort that can be extended to people who have been victimized by that religion is in the Bible the very book they claim to follow condemns them for their works. Look up Revelation chapter 18 and you will see just what is in store for that "religious" empire. None of their evil crimes go unnoticed by God and for this they will pay in God's due time. And for any who will defend that sin stained organization they too will share with them in their sins and the conseguences therein. I don't say this to be hateful, rather I state what the true God says in his written word. Apparently the words those "priests" overlook. Your family did a good job at showing the scandalous manner in which the Catholic church acts. Why just today I saw another account like yours in a local newspaper. The sad thing about all this is many may feel there is no true religion because of things like this. I assure you there is a true faith that does worship the holy and clean and pure God. If you want it, it will be revealed to you just don't give up. Now that you have found out where God is not you are one step closer to locating where God is.

David L
Clinton, NJ

Dear FRONTLINE,

I thought I was watching a film about my life last night. My abuse happened the same year as Paul's only in a small west coast mill town. I was forced to deal with it @ the age of 49. I had spent the bulk of my life thinking that I was the one responsible for something that was horrible and devious. Only after intense therapy did I get the courage to confront the church. A legal battle insued that required defeating an appeal by the church. The files that were eventually released were staggering. Sadly like so many other cases, the priest in my case had a long history of abusing young boys well before (and after) my abuse with the churches full knowledge. You would think that I was making it up if I took the the time to tell in detail the things that are in his file. But sadly it was only compounded by the way I was treated by the legal staff representing the church. I know that there are many caring people within the Catholic church but my faith in it as an instition is lost forever. Thank you Paul and Joe for being a voice for all of us who have suffered in silence all of these years. May your willingness to expose your families pain so openly provide some comfort to those who can't.

, Oregon

Dear FRONTLINE,

Many thanks to Joe and Paul for telling their story. While I was aware of some of the abuse scandal details, I was not as aware of the level of arrogance of some of the Catholic priests involved in the abuse scandal as shown in the movie. I am still angry today as I was last night after watching the movie.

I am quite amazed at the few anti-Catholic comments directed at this documentary and at Frontline. The documentary exposes the hypocrisy of the Catholic church. The abuse scandal is not just at the level of the individual priest. The Catholic hierarchy knew of the abuse and used their authority to shield the priests and cover up the abuse. The priests, in some cases, deliberately lied (what ever happened to the sin of "bearing false witness"?). For example, Cardinal Law transferred a priest known to have abused children to San Diego with a glowing letter of recommendation. The priest went on to abuse children in San Diego. Cardinal Law's reward? The Pope appointed him to a prestigious position at one of the four basilicas in Rome. This is why Joe and Paul's mother ripped up Cardinal Law's picture. This abuse scandal rises all the way to the Pope.

The fact is the Catholic Church is now a corporation with the Pope as CEO. The church was just trying to protect their bottomline. And, for the record, I am Catholic and I do understand the power and control priests can have over the laity.

M Novak
Pasadena, CA

Dear FRONTLINE,

The film last night left me with tears running down my face and a feeling of deep grief. It is difficult to put into words, but there was so much in the film that spoke to me and I related too, even though I am younger and a woman. But I too, came from a large Italian family where priests and the church were revered and had to undergo Catholic school as our family were northern transplants to the south!. It is something that you don't get over and there are feelings...like guilt and shame and submissiveness and fear (of nuns or priests) that linger for decades. The film left me very very sad. Sad and angry. I still have a lot to think about. Thank you for airing it.

burnsville, nc

Dear FRONTLINE,

I caught "Hand of God" last night on Frontline and decided to watch and see what this documentary had to say. I am a happy product of 13 years of Catholic schools and an active parishioner in my church, but I always think it's important to be informed on all sides of an issue.

While I am deeply saddened by the crimes committed by priests in the Church, I cringed through a large portion of the documentary because of the hurtful portrayal of the Church, my Church, one of the things in my life that I love dearly.

I'm so sorry to Paul Cultrera and his family because I think that every member of the Church is a part of the same family. It is just as if my own brother or father had done this to you. But I don't see that as an excuse to portray Church members as superstitious sheep, or the beliefs of Church members as a bunch of magic. I was also deeply bothered by the sacreligious symbolism of the wine and hosts. These things are not only sacred, but beautiful and important to millions all over the world. I thought that particular cinemagraphic techinque was simply a pot shot at the piety of others.

I also take exception to the strong criticisms of the Catholic school system evidenced most specifically by the use of an "I survived Catholic schools" sign in a background shot. Catholic schools gave me a stable, nurturing environment to learn and to also be comfortable with spirituality. I believe I am better educated and more successful BECAUSE of Catholic schools, not in spite of them.

I also want to note that the film completely failed to portray a religious figure in a sympathetic light. I have known countless nuns and priests who know nothing of the "power" of which this film speaks, who are servants of Christ, who love their work and the people who they serve.

God bless the Cultrera family. I am praying that you find the therapy and love and comfort that you need to survive this trauma.

Boulder, Colorado

Dear FRONTLINE,

Heartbreaking, disturbing, disheartening - but not enlightening unless one has been living under a rock. I felt that the message, which I would hope is NEVER AGAIN, was diminished by the montage element -- communion wafers, wine, chalice, statues, relics, etc., juxtaposed over photographs, was distracting and a cheap shot, unworthy of the film's goal to expose the hubris, hypocrisy, and intimidation of some of the Church's hierarchy. Understandably, it must have been cathartic for the brothers and many other victims and families of victims. However, I can't help but think it was somewhat hurtful to the parents, although dear and sweet as they are they would never add insult to injury by criticizing their sons' efforts. I also thought that to tie in the closing of the family's home parish to "The Hand of God" was unfair and self-serving on the part of Joe Cultrera, who so obviously had an agenda over and above helping Paul and others work through this awful stuff. He took advantage of his father's raw emotion at a very vulnerable moment. All in all, the film was necessary -- to be made and to view -- but not unbiased. I pray that someday Joe will have a change of heart, using his talents as a film maker to bring folks back to the Church rather than drive them further away. For now, I guess it's safe bet that the Church will not be retaining the services of Joe Cultrera in the future.

Kate Gile
Ellsworth, Maine

Dear FRONTLINE,

It is disturbing to see the patterns in how the priests were handled in this film. Someone knew that Fr. Birmingham was a troubled priest and yet he is promoted pastor. I think someone knew Fr. McCormick was moving the priest-abuser Fr. Birmingham from parish to parish and yet he is promoted to bishop. Someone certainly knew Cardinal Law's diocesan leadership had shuttled priest-abusers from parish to parish when he, Cardinal Law, was promoted to his position in Rome.

Lord help my church.

Mary Mills
Anchorage, AK

Dear FRONTLINE,

Thank you Joe and Paul for your story. It really saddened me the way that you were both treated by the Catholic Church. Paul I commend you on your courage to come forth with your deep rooted pain and suffering that you had kept hidden for the many years that you did. The healing process is a long and difficult one. I guess the saying "don't ask, don't tell", really was deeply embedded in you mind.

My partner of 10 years, went through the painful ordeal of coming to terms with his molester a preist for whom he thought the world of until he realized it was wrong. He relived all the painful experiences over and over again during his many depositions that he had with his molester in the same room. He is still strugling with the issues and takes one day at a time as well as he can.

I was appalled at the comments of all the Bishops and priests in the interviews during your film. Especially Bishop McCormack for his lack of heart and compassion, and Bishop Lennon during your confrontation in front of the school. I wish you and your entire family the best.

Charles
New Britain, Connecticut

Dear FRONTLINE,

Dear Frontline, I have praised you for years! Your positions have been validated from various perspectives. Your search for truth has been determined and sincere. Your choice of subjects always pertinent. The "Hand of God" is an exception. The title has nothing to do with the content for God is not guilty. While the subject is certainly pertinent and needs discussion, the perspective was from one angle. A single viewpoint does not yield a true picture. Are some of the accused innocent? Where was the recognition of all the countless "good" priests and nuns who have devoted their lives to God? The Catholic faith is also rich in love and forgiveness yet this reality was totally excluded. Those of us who believe in the real presence of the Eucharist were deeply troubled to see these wafers in a basket with money or "effervesced" into Alka-Seltzer. The victim of this heinous crime certainly has my sympathy. But we are all exposed to evil and we all do sin. Recognition of this painful fact leads to humility and forgiveness. "Let him that is without sin cast the first stone." All victims and priests remain in my prayers.

d. neubecker
New, CT

Dear FRONTLINE,

Who is going to hold the nuns accountable for their sadistic treatment of some of the millions of students enrolled in the Catholic schools throughout the United States? The priest pedophilia crimes have been exposed. Now the focus needs to be turned to the sisters who physically and sexually abused their students. They spent more time with the children and had an even greater influence over the students' lives.

dallas, texas

Dear FRONTLINE,

It was time for bed, but I could not make myself turn "The Hand of God" off. Being raised very WASPy in the American west, this was a very eye-opening experience for me. Thank you for having the courage to make such a blatantly honest film. I will never forget it.

laveen, az