Gediminas Kvietkauskas, who abandoned the church: It became a legal shelter for perverts

Gediminas Kvietkauskas, a Lithuanian public figure, has publicly declared his departure from the church, citing profound disillusionment with its practices and perceived corruption. Kvietkauskas, who received his first communion at age five and was deeply influenced by religious figures in his youth, stated he made the decision at age 14.

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I said goodbye to the church when I was 14. Although the backstory looked different. In the 80s, the Catholic Church was a weapon against the Soviet Union. Monsignor Sladkevičius, Cardinal Audrius Juozas Bačkis were sources of inspiration for a young man. My grandmother strongly pushed me, I received my first communion at 5, I received the sacrament of confirmation at 7. I sincerely believed I would be a priest. They convinced me so much. but as I grew up, I started asking questions. And with questions come answers. And my spiritual path as a Catholic ended.

His decision comes amidst a growing pedophilia scandal in Lithuania, where a priest faces charges for alleged sexual abuse of minors over two decades across multiple parishes. Kvietkauskas sharply criticized the church, calling it a "legal shelter for perverts" and a "business model" that has existed for 2,000 years. He contrasted this with his personal belief system, which he described as "Love" for his wife, son, and daughter, emphasizing that his children will independently choose their religious paths.

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I don't believe in the church and I'm angry. I have that right. My children are not baptized. They will decide for themselves if they need religion. My religion is Love. Love for my wife, son, daughter. Faith in imaginary beards in the sky is not faith!

"God never lived in churches. The church is manipulation, speculation, a business model," Kvietkauskas wrote on Facebook. He acknowledged respecting believers but asserted his right to question. He also mentioned a personal experience of being rescued from drowning as a teenager, highlighting a complex relationship with faith and survival. The scandal has prompted further testimonies, including one from former basketball player Paulius Skomantas.

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The church has become a legal shelter for perverts, child abusers. Checkmate for the church. P.S., Wash your sins, saints...