Catholic Bishops Commission Safeguarding Review
Tuesday 25th September 2018The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales are to undertake a thorough review of their procedures around dealing with child sexual abuse. The “independent and comprehensive” review will involve survivors in the process.
The following was said in the Ad Limina initial statement:
“As we gather in Rome for our visit ‘ad Limina Apostolorum’, we have spent time together reflecting again on the impact of the recent reports containing stark revelations of child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, including in England and Wales, and of evident failures of local leadership.
These reports make it clear that both bishops and religious leaders, in various places, failed to protect the children in their care from those who have done them great harm. In particular, the failures of bishops to listen or give credence to those who have courageously spoken out about the profound damage they have suffered through childhood abuse, together with the steps some have taken in order to cover up or minimise the abuse that became known, are a great betrayal of the trust placed in them by the faithful and of the responsibilities that come with episcopal office.”
These issues will also be discussed with Pope Francis when they meet with him on Friday.
To read the full statement please click here.
If you would like to access the support on offer to you via the diocesan Healing Through Community project you can call the National Male Survivor Helpline on 0808 800 5005 Or contact Manchester Rape Crisis on 0161 273 4500 or the Diocese of Salford Safeguarding Office on 0161 817 2206.
Tagged | Safeguarding
