Every
effort must be made to protect children
Broad-based
approach to problem is welcome
U.S.
bishops have made great strides but still more to be done
December
5, 2013
WASHINGTON—Archbishop
Joseph E. Kurtz, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed
the decision of Pope Francis to establish a commission on the protection of
minors. The move was urged by the Council of Cardinals, an advisory group to
the pope that met at the Vatican, December 3-5. Archbishop Kurtz praised the
effort in a December 5 statement.
The
statement follows.
The
decision of Pope Francis to establish a commission for the protection of minors
is a most welcome initiative. Abuse of minors is a sin and a crime, and every
step must be taken to eradicate this blight. Such abuse is especially grave
when committed by anyone in ministry in our Church.
The
problem of sexual abuse of minors exists throughout society and every effort
must be made to protect children, particularly within the Church.
The
announcement of this initiative reflects a broad-based approach that considers
changes in Vatican procedures in dealing with clerics accused of abuse,
seminary training for future priests, and other pastoral efforts to address
this horrific problem. This international effort is particularly welcome as we
have come to learn that this tragedy affects many, if not all, parts of the
world.
As
president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I promise full
cooperation of the U.S. bishops with this commission and look forward to more
information on its implementation. In the United States, we have learned of the
importance of background checks, education of children and adults on child
safety, the swift removal of offenders, and the need for the Church and civil
authorities to work together. While these efforts have resulted in a dramatic
reduction in abuse cases, much work remains to be done.
Our
prayers are with Pope Francis and this commission, and we are grateful for this
effort.
December
5, 2013
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