2010-03-31 16:25:28

Swiss Bishops Urge Victims to Come Forward


(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.

Freiburg, March 31, 2010
The Swiss Bishops








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