US bishops’ sex-abuse charter must be followed, says bishop
March 08, 2016
The movie Spotlight and the grand jury report finding widespread abuse and cover-ups in a Pennsylvania diocese are reminders that “we must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect children from the scourge of abuse,” the chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People said in a statement.
“We must never lose sight of the fact that every victim/survivor has personally experienced profound injury, suffering, and betrayal,” said Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau. “These moments are a reminder why the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, adopted by the US bishops in 2002, exists and must be followed.”
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Further information:
- USCCB Child And Youth Protection Chairman Underscores Importance Of Charter (USCCB)
- Pennsylvania grand jury finds widespread abuse, cover-ups in Altoona-Johnstown diocese (CWN, 3/2)
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Posted by: unum -
Mar. 09, 2016 10:38 AM ET USA
The Catholic bishops have not yet learned what many other organizations have learned - establishing directives and rules is not enough to change the culture of the organization. The Church still has a serious problem with the ineffective supervision of its employees and with ordination and hiring of homosexuals. Until management structures are changed and effective oversight is implemented, legal action will continue and many of the laity will not participate in the Church.
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Posted by: skall391825 -
Mar. 08, 2016 7:08 PM ET USA
Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau: “These moments are a reminder why the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, adopted by the US bishops in 2002, exists and must be followed.” I'm sure it just slipped his mind that the Vatican's directive of 2005 must also be followed. On second thought, since the bishops didn't follow the 1961 instruction, why expect them to follow the 2005 instruction.
