Paedophiles in the clergy: Break the silence

by Editor · May 2, 2001

Cardinal Wilfrid Napiers condemnation of what he termed “a certain culture of silence” surrounding the question of sexual abuse inside the Catholic Church signifies the profound shift in the Churchs approach over the past few years. Less than a decade ago, the Church appeared to exercise a blanket denial of abuses, especially the molestation of children, by its personnel. Today, the Church is determined to face the problem with honesty and vigour.

As we report this week, 21 of the 5000 Catholic priests in England and Wales have been convicted of child abuse between 1995 and 1999. Critics of the Church have not been slow to present these figures (and those from other countries, notably Ireland and the United States) as a manifestation of institutionalised abuse in the Church. Such perceptions may not be an accurate reflection of reality, but they do exist. And they exist in great part owing to the documented history of inaction, even denial, when the Church has been faced with allegations of child abuse.

Of course, the harm done by child abusers in the Church should not be reduced to its impact on the Churchs reputation. Our primary concern must be for the victims of child abuse. Sexual assault on minors is nauseating under any condition; when committed by people a child implicitly trusts on account of their position, the injury becomes even greater. It is self-evident that a child should be nowhere safer than in the care of the Church. Clearly, in many cases, this has not been so.

For this reason, the bold step by a Church-appointed committee in England and Wales to recommend police checks on all clergy, religious and Church staff is entirely warranted.

Likewise, the bishops of Southern Africa a region thus far not blighted by public allegations of child abuse are to be commended for their pro-active policies in addressing this problem (as we reported last week).

As we pray for vocations this Sunday, let us also ask God that the Church will find ways of rooting out perpetrators of sexual abuses before they can do any harm.