BishopAccountability.org
	Church's Improved Action on Child Abuse Times of Malta July 19, 2010 http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100719/opinion/editorial New Norms Concerning The Most Serious Crimes, published by the Holy See's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith late last week, include improved measures regarding sexual abuse committed by a priest against a minor under the age of 18. As explained by Holy See Press Office director Fr Federico Lombardi SJ, the vast public echo this kind of crime has had over recent years has generated intense debate. It is therefore right to move on to full clarity with regard to the regulations and procedures in force to judge and punish such acts while, at the same time, facilitate better the work of the people who deal with these matters. The new norms, which follow an initial clarification provided with the publication of a brief titled Guide To Understanding Basic CDF Procedures Concerning Sexual Abuse Allegations, provide an official and updated legal text. The novelties introduced include measures intended to accelerate procedures or that of presenting, in particular circumstances, the most serious cases to the Holy Father with a view to dismissing the offender from the clerical state. Moreover, the statute of limitations for pursuing a case of sexual abuse against an alleged abuser was in-creased from 10 to 20 years after the victim's 18th birthday, with the possibility of further extension on a case-by-case basis. The new norms also establish parity between the abuse of mentally disabled people and that of minors and the introduction of a new category: paedophile pornography. This is defined as "the acquisition, possession or disclosure" by a member of the clergy "in any way and by any means, of pornographic images of minors under the age of 14." On the other hand, the regulations dealing with the secrecy of Church trials have been maintained, "in order to safeguard the dignity of all the people involved". The given explanation is that the norms "are part of the penal code of canon law, which is complete in itself and entirely distinct from the law of states". Even so, the Holy See's stand regarding collaboration with the civil authorities, as explained in the recent Guide To Understanding Basic CDF Procedures Concerning Sexual Abuse Allegations, remains untouched. This guide lays down that "Civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities should always be followed". In the practice suggested, this means "that it is necessary to comply with the requirements of law in the various countries, and to do so in good time, not during or subsequent to the canonical trial". The Holy See acknowledges that many other measures and initiatives are required from the various ecclesiastical bodies. In fact, the Vatican is considering how to help bishops formulate and develop, coherently and effectively, the indications and guidelines necessary to face the problems of the sexual abuse of minors either by members of the clergy or within the environment of activities and institutions connected with the Church. This will be another vital step on the Church's journey as she translates into permanent practice and continuous awareness the fruits of the teachings and ideas that have matured over the course of the painful events of the crisis engendered by sexual abuse by members of the clergy.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.