CBCP to adopt protocol in sex cases

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) stressed yesterday that unveiling the truth and coordinating with civil authorities is essential in dealing with erring priests, particularly those involved in sex scandals.

In its fortnightly publication CBCP Monitor, the bishops’ group said these two principles are among the rules it would likely adopt from the protocols that have already been drafted by the episcopal conferences of other countries.

The "comprehensive" protocols spell out the principles and procedures the Church would adopt in dealing with complaints of abuse by priests as well as preventive strategies.

The CBCP said much work remains to be done in formulating its own protocol in dealing with errant priests but it hopes to finish the protocol by the end of 2003.

One of the foreign protocols under consideration emphasizes that coordination between civil law and church procedure is absolutely necessary, the CBCP said.

The protocol said concealing the truth of priestly sexual abuses was unjust to victims, a disservice to offenders and damaging to the whole Church community.

Also essential, the protocol stressed, is the need for humility in acknowledging that some of the clergy, religious and other Church personnel have indeed committed abuses.

The protocols also stress the moral obligation of the Church to care not only for the reprobate priest but, more importantly, for the priest’s victim.

The protocols under consideration are products of several years of study and consultation with experts from various fields, including victims and offenders, the CBCP said.