Possible Sexual Abuse by British Clergymen to Be Investigated

Prensa Latina
August 18, 2013

http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1775531&Itemid=1


London, Aug 18 (Prensa Latina) The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, ordered to reopen the files of deceased priests who served in his diocese to determine whether or not they incurred in child sexual abuse, reported British media. Sentamu decided to investigate all priests who worked in his diocese from 1950, an investigation identified as the first of its kind in this religious institution.

In making the announcement, the archbishop acknowledged the immense damage done to children when they are sexually abused, and noted that time does not heal those wounds automatically.

"Where it is established that a child was betrayed by individuals in positions of trust and the institution failed to to protect them, the Church must acknowledge the damage done, provide an apology, and improve policies and practices to ensure that the same mistake will never repeat again", he said, quoted by the Guardian.

The Reverend Malcolm Macnaughton said the priority of the Church is now listening to those who have something to say about it.

Our message is that all stories will be heard, so, anyone with information about possible abuse, please do not hesitate to take the step forward, including with regard to priests currently practicing.

Last July, the governing body of this religious institution, the General Synod, offered an apology for sexual abuse in the past, and the Archbishop of York ordered an investigation on the case of Robert Waddington, late Manchester priest accused of sexually violating several British children.