Polish bishops apologize for clerical abuse, criticize media
October 11, 2013
The Polish bishops’ conference has apologized for the sexual abuse of children by clergy, according to multiple media reports.
“The pedophilia problem is appearing in schools, sports clubs and facilities for education and upbringing, but also, it pains us to admit, in Church circles,” the bishops said in a statement, as translated in a Catholic News Service report.
“We apologize for those clergy who have harmed children and are doing everything in our power so such situations are not repeated in future,” the bishops added. “We offer and will continue to offer pastoral and therapeutic help to harmed children and young people, and we stress there is no tolerance for pedophilia.”
In a separate statement, the bishops criticized media coverage of the abuse scandal.
“Given the media campaign now being conducted, the bishops do not agree to sins of certain clergy being exploited to stigmatize the whole Church community,” they said.
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Further information:
- Bishops in Poland apologize to sex abuse victims (AP)
- Polish bishops apologize for clergy sexual abuse of children (CNS)
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Posted by: John J Plick -
Oct. 12, 2013 3:11 PM ET USA
Bishops continue to amaze me. Don't they think that, considering who they are and what they are called to do, that they have a certain corporate responsibility for maintaining standards within their ranks? And why are they so surprised that when one of their number "falls" the the Devil does not exploit the "sin" to the maximum?
