Gozo bishop stands by ‘alleged’ victims of sexual abuse

Malta Today
August 20, 2014

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/42495/gozo_bishop_stands_by_alleged_victims_of_sexual_abuse#.U_TQIPm-3LQ

Bishop Mario Grech

Gozo bishop Mario Grech today said that he will abide by canonical and civil laws in dealing with priests accused of sexual abuse. In a brief statement, Grech said that in his role as “spiritual leader,” he stands close to the “alleged victims” and their families.

Yesterday, a Gozitan priest was charged in court with sexually abusing a number of underage girls. Today it emerged that the police intend to file an appeal against bail, after the young priest was released on bail against a €5,000 personal guarantee and €1,000 deposit after pleading not guilty to charges of child molestation, in what is understood to have been criminal acts taking place over several months and involving a number of minors.

Grech added “I acknowledge that I have a duty towards all priests, including those who err and towards God’s people, especially children.”

While saying that all cases of sexual abuse on minors are a cause of pain to the church and society, the Gozo bishop reassured that as with this case, “I will adhere to my canonical and civil laws in other similar cases.”