Bishops’ Conference Results in New Rules
By Tia Carioli and Gregory Chisholm
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2002–New Hampshire Bishop John McCormack says new rules adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will improve the way the church handles sex abuse cases. NHPR Correspondent Tia Carioli reports from Washington.
Under the new rules any credible allegation would be scrutinized in an investigation that could result in a Church Court hearing. If a cleric were found guilty he would be banned from practice and could be removed from office.
New Hampshire Bishop John McCormack says the new guidelines would let Bishops resolve cases that began decades ago.
Rome has given us the opportunity to remove the statute of limitations in these cases, which we didn’t have before. Most of the reports we received, 95% of the reports we received, were about 10, 20, 30 years ago.
But some victims of abuse are concerned the confidential Church Court hearings would allow the church to cover up allegations. The rules will now be sent to the Vatican for approval.
For NHPR News, this is Tia Carioli in Washington.
Broadcast on New Hampshire Public Radio, in New Hampshire.
