Swedish government rejects bishop’s informal request for abuse probe
April 30, 2010
The Swedish government has rejected a call from the nation’s sole bishop to conduct an independent investigation of clerical abuse claims.
“We need to shed light on this matter by someone who does not have any ties to the Church,” said Bishop Anders Arborelius in an interview with a Stockholm newspaper.
The nation’s culture minister responded that although the government would consider a formal request for an independent investigation, “I think the Church should handle this matter itself” in cases that can no longer be brought to trial under the statute of limitations.
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Further information:
- Government should probe abuse claims, says Swedish Catholic church (Deutsche Presse Agentur)
- Swedish bishop ‘ready to resign’ over handling of abuse allegation (CWN, 4/16)
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Apr. 30, 2010 10:04 AM ET USA
It's not about conducting criminal investigations. The Bishop could "shed light on this matter" by visiting his priests frequently. Do they pray daily and reverently? Who are their friends? What do they do in their free time? What cable channels do they subscribe to? How often do they go to confession? Do they take to heart the teachings of the Church, especially those regarding self-control and family life? These are things that any serious Catholic parent should know about his children.
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Posted by: adamah -
Apr. 30, 2010 8:18 AM ET USA
One of the difficulties for the Church here is that conducting criminal investigations is beyond its scope of expertise.
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Apr. 30, 2010 8:08 AM ET USA
Who has more sense here, the Bishop or the culture minister?
