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	Cruz Bill Would Require Clergy to Report Abuse By Dionesis Tamondong Pacific Daily News April 15, 2010 http://www.guampdn.com/article/20100415/NEWS01/4150331 A bill that specifically requires Guam bishops and priests to report suspected child abuse to authorities was introduced yesterday by Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz. Guam law already requires anyone who has reason to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected to report the matter to police or Child Protective Services. The law lists health professionals, school employees and law enforcement officials as among those required to report such cases. Bill 372 adds church officials and employees to that list, from the archbishop and priests to ministers and clerics. The measure was introduced a day after the Archdiocese of Agana reiterated the church's policies on investigating claims of sexual abuse by clergy and its commitment to protecting children. A few days earlier, the Vatican issued an edict stating, "Civil law concerning reporting of crimes to the appropriate authorities should always be followed." Cruz said he was pleased with the Catholic church's statement, adding that his bill clarifies Guam law and reiterates the church's edict. "Bill 372 makes it clear in Guam civil law that clerics cannot claim privileged communications as a basis for failure to make such reports," Cruz said. "As a former family court judge, I was always frustrated by priests' refusal to report alleged abuse, especially sexual abuse, because they were prevented by Church rule. I hope that this move by the Vatican signals an end to the decades of church secrecy regarding sexual abuse by the clergy," he added. Local church officials have repeatedly stated their doors are open to hearing about such allegations.
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