The United State Conference of Catholic Bishops speaks out against Child Sexual Abuse. The Catholic Church has been taken to task, but seems to have learned, and grown, and humbled themselves, unlike the Jehovah's Witness religion. Come on Watch Tower Society, your arch-enemy, the Roman Catholic Church has even got its act together. Where are you oh leaders of the Watch Tower?
The following is an excerpt from a LONG discussion on Child Sexual Abuse at http://www.nccbuscc.org/laity/walk.htm. This represent the Roman Catholic position on this issue in the USA, and I expect around the world:
What Can We Do Together?As a community of Christians we have the means to shatter the walls of loneliness, shame, and fear that isolate those who are sexually abused and those who have survived abuse. They need us, and we need to hear their stories of pain, endurance, and courage. We also need to let abusers know that while we hold them accountable for their behavior, they can be forgiven.
Some practical suggestions for developing simple action plans at the local level:
For parishes (many of these suggestions can be adapted for use by dioceses)
Create an atmosphere of welcome, trust, and safety in your parish that encourages people to come forward: the abused, abusers, and all those affected by abuse, such as mothers who suspect that a friend or family member is abusing their child, as well as family members who may be in a position to offer support and security to the abused person.
Establish a procedure to respond when someone approaches a staff member about sexual abuse. Have available a list of referral agencies and resources to give to people who request help.
Become familiar with state reporting requirements as well as diocesan policies concerning sexual abuse.
Develop a network of people with expertise in dealing with sexual abuse.
Regularly publish a contact's name and phone number in your Sunday bulletin.
Mention of sexual abuse within a homily, when appropriate, lets people know that the preacher is aware of the issue. This sometimes opens the door for people to seek assistance.
Many abused persons and abusers turn to their parishes to find healing and reconciliation.
Abused persons need justice and compassion; abusers need accountability, repentance, and support.
A prayer service or special liturgical ceremony can help people as they set out on renewed lives.Develop programs to teach people about sexual abuse issues.
For children, programs should discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior and include suggestions on where to go if they think they are being abused. Programs for parents should help them to talk with their children about their bodies and the right to privacy, as well as about personal safety and self-protective strategies.Raise the questions of violence and the roles of men and women within the family as part of marriage preparation. Delicately introduce questions about how each prospective spouse was treated growing up, how their parents treated each other, and how they expect to act toward their spouse and their children.
Promote the use of language in parish programs and materials that reflects the equal dignity of women.
Share information and resources with other parishes and dioceses that are also trying to address sexual abuse issues.