Sex Abuse and the Church

The New York Times
December 18, 2013

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/19/opinion/sex-abuse-and-the-church.html?emc=eta1&_r=0



“A Pope’s New Path on Child Abuse” (editorial, Dec. 7) rightly commends Pope Francis for establishing a commission to deal with the sexual abuse of minors. Such abuse is a sin and a crime, one especially heinous when perpetrated by a representative of the Catholic Church.

But contrary to a suggestion in the editorial, the church has been responding vigorously to this crisis for years. In 2002, the American bishops established the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” It draws respect worldwide, as the church in other countries and organizations here address a problem that crosses every level of society and that occurs in families, schools and youth programs.

Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI instituted concrete steps, including declaring the possession of child pornography as possible grounds for exclusion from the clerical state.

Over the last decade, instances of sexual abuse have plummeted, as we instituted a zero-tolerance policy on sexual abuse of minors, background checks, education in how to maintain a safe environment, and removal of credibly accused clerics.

But more must be done. Our goal is to ensure that all children are safe and to support victims on the path to healing.

(Bishop) R. DANIEL CONLON


Joliet, Ill., Dec. 11, 2013

The writer is chairman of the Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.