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Topic History of: Catholic Church - new rules Max. showing the last 5 posts - (Last post first)
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Barney
Pope Francis has now introduced sweeping changes into the way the church handles allegations of child abuse, by its clergy
Until now it was covered by 'pontifical secrecy' - allowing the church to take its own action, without informing the authorities.
Now such allegations are to be passed onto the police - or relevant organisation - for the law to take its course.
On the face it it, nothing unusual - just bringing clergy into line with the rest of us. But a big change in approach (and strongly resisted, until now) for the church.
In addition, the imposition of a secrecy obligation on alleged victims has been lifted and abolished; these are now encouraged to contact the relevant authorities.
On every continent - it was common practice for the church to refuse to cooperate with a country's legal authorities, on these matters.