February 03, 2006

Molestation Investigations May Be Revised

CHICAGO (IL)
The New York Times

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 3, 2006
Filed at 11:36 a.m. ET

CHICAGO (AP) -- The leader of Chicago's Roman Catholic archdiocese vowed to revise a molestation investigation process that ''wasn't adequate,'' saying he should have removed a priest charged with abusing three boys much sooner.

Cardinal Francis George indicated Thursday the archdiocese will announce changes as early as next week to remove priests immediately after allegations are made. Under the current policy, allegations are investigated before priests can be removed.

George said he wants to consult with the state Department of Children and Family Services on how to make sure communities are notified of suspended priests.

''I thought that we had the process ... to take care of these things,'' he said. ''Now it turns out it wasn't adequate, that I wasn't adequate.''

Posted by kshaw at February 3, 2006 12:44 PM