Diocese of Scranton mum on sex abuse policy, cases

[Ian David]

Diocese of Scranton mum on sex abuse policy, cases
BY ROJA HEYDARPOUR, STAFF WRITER
07/13/2008

As it reeled from shocking revelations in 2002 of widespread sexual abuse by priests, the Catholic Church crafted a program to accommodate victims and inject a new spirit of openness and honesty.

Six years later, however, the Diocese of Scranton refuses to share details of how the program is working and declines to explain some apparent inconsistencies.

The national program was created after a newspaper investigation revealed that priests in the Archdiocese of Boston had sexually abused hundreds of victims and were protected by church officials. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops met in June 2002 and drafted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

One of the charter’s requirements is that “Dioceses/Eparchies are to be open and transparent in communicating with the public about sexual abuse of minors by clergy within the confines of respect for the privacy and the reputation of the individuals involved.”

More:
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19848285&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=