Cri Hails Efforts to Counter Clergy Sexual Abuse of Women, Conference of Religious India Bulletin, September 21, 2011

Cri Hails Efforts to Counter Clergy Sexual Abuse of Women

Conference of Religious India Bulletin
September 21, 2011

http://www.religiousindia.org/2011/09/21/cri-hails-efforts-to-counter-clergy-sexual-abuse-of-women/

Saldanha is conducting a five-week online seminar which examines clergy sexual abuse

The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has appreciated the initiative taken up by Virginia Saldanha, former Secretary of women's Commission of CBCI as well as the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference, to examine and prevent clergy sexual abuse of women.

Saldanha is conducting a five-week online seminar which examines clergy sexual abuse of women, its history and dynamics and also offers resources to aid seeking of justice and healing for victims.

Bro. Mani Mekkunnel, National Secretary, CRI said"this initiative of hers should be appreciated and made known. What has happened and what is proposed for the future are significant.

" I appreciate the efforts of Mrs. Virginia Saldanha and recommend the program for the religious sisters across the country. It is only by empowering ourselves we can prevent abuses. Awareness and preventive measures can go a long way in taking care of our witness of life and commitment to the kingdom of God."

The seminar includes a 90-minute online chatroom discussion once each week for five consecutive Thursdays at 1830 hours India time and 180 minutes of study/writing/exchanges at times convenient to the candidate.

All that is required is a good internet connection.

Says Saldanha, "If you join the virtual classroom, you can discuss the issue with women like you from across the country/world. If enough awareness is raised then we can be prepared to handle situations."

In July, seven young priests took the seminar with other lay women and men. Their rector recommended the course to others too.

Sisters are being offered a full scholarship for the October term to take the seminar. However, only a maximum of 20 persons will be enrolled to facilitate optimum interaction, she added.