Polish bishops release tough new sex-abuse policies
June 10, 2015
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The Catholic bishops of Poland have released new policy guidelines for handling charges of sexual abuse by clerics.
The new policies, which went into force in March, call for the immediate suspension of a priest credibly abused of abuse, and psychological aid for the victim. The victim must also be told that he has the right to make a legal complaint to a local prosecutor.
“The Church is interesting in purifying itself,” said Father Adam Zak, a spokesman for the Polish bishops. He said that the policies are being made public to provide a clear picture of the bishops’ plans.
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Posted by: geoffreysmith1 -
Jun. 12, 2015 7:32 AM ET USA
Would someone in the legal profession please give us a definition of the term "credibly accused"? With what evidence, exactly, is a suspect "credibly" accused of the crime of sexual abuse of a child? So many priests have been accused of this offense, and found not guilty or innocent of any such charge, that I am beginning to think that such credibility is non-existent, but merely a ruse to get rid of a priest by accusation and 'prove' his guilt at a later stage.
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Posted by: j.fleming8019 -
Jun. 10, 2015 8:43 PM ET USA
I would still like someone to specify the conditions which would lead to the conclusion that a person has been "credibly" accused. It seems to me to be an exceptionally rubbery concept such that it might lead to gross unfairness either to the the complainant or to the one complained against. This seems to me a matter of justice.
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Posted by: kwonbbl1 -
Jun. 10, 2015 7:46 PM ET USA
Seems like trying to fix the barn's gate after a cow is LONG gone.
