CHICAGO (IL)
Sauk Valley Newspapers
CHICAGO (AP) — At the peak of the clergy sex abuse crisis, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops adopted a policy of permanently barring offenders from church work, prompting concern among some church leaders that the punishment violated a belief in redemption.
But the bishops are expected to preserve that rule — the core of their abuse-prevention plan — at a meeting today. A committee of bishops overseeing a review of the plan has spent months soliciting comment from church leaders.
"Overall there was definite expression that the 'one-strike' policy needs to be retained for now," the Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse wrote in its recommendations, which the bishops are set to take up today.
Still, the committee concluded that "many, perhaps a majority" of bishops hoped they could eventually allow men who are truly rehabilitated back into ministry.
"However, most also see the rationale for continuing it," the panel wrote.
The bishops adopted the discipline plan, called the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, in June 2002, with the mandate it be revisited after two years. The policy remained in effect though the review concluded later than planned.
Posted by kshaw at June 16, 2005 05:10 PM