Tolkien on scandals in the Church

“I think I am as sensitive as you (or any other Christian) to the ‘scandals,’ both of clergy and laity. I have suffered grievously in my own life from stupid, tired, dimmed, and even bad priests.

But I now know enough about myself to be aware that I should not leave the Church (which for me would mean leaving the allegiance of Our Lord), for any such reasons.

I should leave because I did not believe, and should not believe anymore, even if I had never met anyone in orders who was not both wise and saintly. I should deny the Blessed Sacrament, that is: call Our Lord a fraud to His face.” J.R.R. Tolkien, “Letter to Michael Tolkien” (November 1, 1963)