Church Report Raises Celibacy Issue

Sky News
December 11, 2014

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2014/12/12/church-report-raises-celibacy-issue.html

The Catholic Church might be challenged by an Australian finding that the practice of celibacy by its priests could have contributed to the sexual abuse of children.

The issue was raised in a landmark report from the Truth, Justice and Healing Council, which is co-ordinating the church's response to the national Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse announced by the federal government in 2012.

The council on Friday released a report about key concerns and issues arising from its engagement with people affected by abuse and with the commission over the past two years.

Under a section on culture and 'clericalism', the activity report looks at how this might have played a part in contributing to abuse within the church.

It notes some church leaders seemed to turn a blind eye to abuse within their orders or dioceses and acted to protect the institution rather than caring for the child.

'Obligatory celibacy may also have contributed to abuse in some circumstances,' it added.

The report recommended ongoing training and development, including psycho-sexual education, for priests and religious.

Council CEO Francis Sullivan agreed church leaders might find the reference challenging but he also noted the council was asked to act and advise independently and 'we have done that'.

'The openness the religious leaders are calling for means that all issues need to be discussed,' he told ABC radio.

Mr Sullivan said it wasn't likely the church would change its rules on celibacy for priests.

The report also proposes reform to the way complaints are handled.

'The starting position should be to believe the survivor and work to assist in establishing the allegation rather than trying to defeat it,' it said.

It also proposes church authorities be open about avenues to sue.

'A church authority which is the defendant in a civil claim should always identify to the plaintiff the appropriate entity to sue,' it said.

'This entity must be backed by assets or insurance and be able to satisfy an adverse judgment.'

Council chair Neville Owen wrote in the report that the church leadership must 'openly and without reservation' accept the failings of the past, treat survivors with compassion and ensure children are protected.

'The Catholic laity demands it and the broader community needs to be convinced that there is a genuine resolve on all of these issues,' he said.

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