I don't think I'm going out on a limb assuming that most of you have probably heard about the recent problems the Catholic Church has been experiencing or by assuming that we all want to see a constructive solution to the problem. Oh, wait a minute, actually I am. After reading Johnny Burn's dissertation Monday, I was reminded why this whole problem has become so noteworthy: people like him want to forget about it and give the Church a rest.

The truth is that this is no small problem to brush away. It is being given massive amounts of media attention for good reason: namely that it is possibly the largest and most well-deserved scandal in the history of the Church. In his rigorous defense of the Catholic faith, however, Burns kindly offers excuses — that's right, excuses — for the Catholic Church.

His defense of Catholicism amounts to listing reasons why it is popular to bash the Church and likens the recent scandal to being just so much wood on the fire. I hate to be blunt, but this is just plain wrong. Comparing the unpopular requirements of a rigorous faith to the molestation of children is tragically misguided, even if it is for the purpose of exonerating the Church.

I contend that there is absolutely, positively no reason for the media to lay off the Catholic Church. As a matter of fact, its recent coverage of the problem has had a positive effect on the Church and is the only way for beneficial change to occur when dealing with an institution such as the Catholic Church.

Since the scandal has broken out, the archdiocese in Boston has suspended several priests from performing the sacraments or identifying themselves as priests. Further, it has actually cooperated with law enforcement agencies by turning over names to them in order to facilitate investigation. Some devout Catholics are certainly outraged that the Church has given up some of its own, but consider this: Men who molest children cannot be any further from God and have no place in the Church. Can you disagree with a clear conscience?

Having established this, we are led to ask why this reflects poorly on the Church. The answer is simple and deeply disturbing. The Church has been sheltering these men for decades, knowing full well the things they have done. Its policy of brushing things under the carpet to prevent scandal has only built the dam higher and higher, and it has finally burst in an immense wave of scandal and shame which will rightly drench the Church for years to come.

And this is a good thing.

It is good because the Church finally admitted there is a problem. It is good because the Church is finally taking steps to see justice done. It is good because the Church cannot afford to and will no longer shelter these criminals. It is good because the Church will do whatever necessary to prevent such men from joining it or being in its ranks in the future.

The scandal has made the Catholic Church a better institution.

Disagree with me. I dare you.

• The benefit of scandal