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	Choose Priests Wisely, Vatican Advises Sun.star June 6, 2011 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2011/06/06/choose-priests-wisely-vatican-advises-159536 CEBU CITY – Aspiring priests who move from one seminary or diocese to another must be brought to the attention of church leaders, as part of a screening process to prevent sexual abuse by the clergy. That's one of the guidelines the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of the Holy See in Rome has issued, to guide bishops worldwide in dealing with cases of abuse of minors by priests. The document contained suggestions on how to deal with the victims of abuse, protection of minors, formation of future priests and religious, support of priests and cooperation of church officials with civil authority. Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma pledged to follow the guidelines and see to the protection of the rights of both the perpetrators and victims. "First, we should be humble and honest to admit that indeed it has happened and for that we apologize. We strike our breast in contrition. We should not deny it," he told Sun.Star Cebu. "Second important point, we should find a way to help the victims. Third, we should also find a way to help the priest for some kind of rehabilitation," he added. The Vatican Information Services published the letter addressed to episcopal conferences of groups of bishops last May 16. Palma, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) vice president, said the letter was not yet discussed during a meeting held last month. He issued a statement based on the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI on such cases. "The Pope says that we should bear in mind, sometimes the fault is magnified to some extent and that these are examples of realities but we must also remember they are more the exceptions than the rule," said Palma. All governmental functions associated with the papacy are performed by the Holy See. The congregation's task is to promote and safeguard the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world. The guidelines issued by Vatican City stated that "candidates should be formed in an appreciation of chastity and celibacy" and that there should be exchange of information among dioceses and religious organizations on candidates to the religious life "who transfer from one seminary to another, between different dioceses or between religious institutes and dioceses." Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal explained that "this is a must in the screening of candidates." He also said the CBCP has already submitted its protocol on sexual misconduct committed by priests a few years ago. Vidal was referring to the "Pastoral Guidelines on Sexual Abuse and Misconduct by the Clergy" approved by the CBCP Permanent Council in September 2003 and sent to Rome. "We will examine if what we have is sufficient, if it matches today's needs," said Cardinal Vidal, who is a member of the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Clergy Formation. Palma, a former seminary formator, said a strict screening process is observed because "we may be recommending one who is not suitable for the priesthood." He also admitted that there is a "culture of escaping and hiding from some realities (of the candidate)." This provision is "a call for formators to be cautious." Palma said he will endorse the case to an investigating committee, composed of Canon lawyers. He said this group will study the case and then issue a recommendation on the proper course of action to take. On the perception that all church investigations on misconduct committed by priests are veiled in secrecy, Palma said this is a means to protect the victim and the perpetrator. "Secrecy is actually an expression of charity," he said. "The priest may be innocent, he may be a victim of trial by publicity. If he is found to be innocent, it is difficult to restore the honor due him. If proven not guilty, he loses his dignity, acceptability of people. We should say people are presumed innocent until proven guilty," said the archbishop. "Even if people are guilty, they are subject to a certain degree of charity," he added.
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