Catholic bishops in Australia reject compulsory abuse reporting, defying new laws
Source: Reuters
AUGUST 30, 2018 / 9:13 PM / UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO
Byron Kaye, Colin Packham
SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Catholic church in Australia said on Friday it would oppose laws forcing priests to report child abuse when they learn about it in the confessional, setting the stage for a showdown between the country’s biggest religion and the government.
Pope Francis, leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, is facing sexual abuse crises in several countries and the stance taken by the Australian bishops reflected the abiding, powerful influence conservatives in the church.
Visiting Ireland earlier this week, Pope Francis begged forgiveness for the multitude of abuses suffered by victims in Ireland, and he has promised no more cover-ups.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC), the country’s top Catholic body, said it did not accept a recommendation from an official inquiry which would force priests by law to report abuse to the police when they hear about it in confession.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-abuse/catholic-bishops-in-australia-reject-compulsory-abuse-reporting-defying-new-laws-idUSKCN1LG057?il=0
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