(31 Mar 10 - RV) On Wednesday the Swiss Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a declaration
regarding sexual abuse in pastoral activity. Below we publish a Vatican Radio translation
of the bishops’ declaration:
Sexual abuse in Pastoral Activity Declaration
of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Switzerland
Members of the Conference
of Swiss Bishops are mortified and appalled at cases proved true of sexual abuse
in pastoral activity.
2. We must acknowledge that we had underestimated the
scale of the issue. Those in positions of responsibility in Dioceses and religious
orders have made in error. We ask for forgiveness for these errors.
3. We
encourage those who have suffered abuse to register with victim support centres and
the corresponding diocesan centres and to report all eventual cases. We feel it is
important that past facts are fully brought to light.
4. We ask all those guilty
of abuses among pastoral workers, religious, employees of parishes, schools and other
institutions under the responsibility of the Church to take full responsibility for
their sins before God and men, by presenting themselves to their direct superior.
5. We thank all those who faithfully live their vocation and also encourage
them strongly in this period of crisis in the service they perform.
6. In
2002, the Swiss Bishops Conference issued special directives, which focus on interests
of victims, prevention of abuse and the subsequent action against those deemed guilty.
We will apply these guidelines, updated in 2009, with force.
7. Cooperation
between dioceses and religious orders should be improved, also on an international
level. The respective leaders must be confident that their employees are persons of
integrity. We will discuss such issues and others during the June meeting of the Conference
of Bishops.
8. The Lenten season urges us to recognize our faults, correct
our erroneous behaviour, find a way to improve and ask the forgiveness of God and
men.
We thank all the faithful who are now contributing so that our Church
may find a path towards greater credibility.