AUSTRALIA
Radio Australia
Child sex abuse inquiry: Catholic church concedes celibacy may have contributed to child sex abuse
The Catholic Church concedes its vow of celibacy may have led to the abuse of children at the hands of the clergy and says ongoing training, including psychosexual development, is necessary for priests.
The Catholic Church has conceded that its vow of celibacy may have led to the abuse of children at the hands of the clergy.
The church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council to respond to the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse today released an activity report conceding that “obligatory celibacy” may have contributed to decades of child abuse involving the clergy, and that ongoing training was necessary for priests.
The council’s CEO Francis Sullivan said the training should include “psychosexual development”.
“The proper training, formation, the proper understanding of psychosexual issues for individuals has been raised, and it’s a no-brainer,” Mr Sullivan said.
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