Child Abuse Prevention Expert Calls on Catholics for "Zero Tolerance" of Sexual Abuse in the Church

By Stephanie Sadowski
Penn Live
August 1, 2018

https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/08/child_abuse_prevention_expert.html

The Diocese of Harrisburg's decision to name 71 priests and personnel accused of child sexual abuse since 1940 goes a long way toward reconciling the actions and statements on treatment of both clergy and victims, according to a state leader in child abuse prevention.

"Despite the cost, the Church now must focus on being an example of zero tolerance for the maltreatment of children and that requires a level of honesty and transparency not before demonstrated by this institution," Angela M. Liddle, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance, said in a statement Wednesday.

The group also called for other Pennsylvania dioceses to take steps toward transparency.

"PFSA views the release of names today, along with a public apology to those who were sexually abused as children, and those who have been faithful to the Catholic Church, as one step in realigning the Church's behavior with their verbal commitment of care and concern for children and families.

"PFSA calls upon each diocese in Pennsylvania to be vigilant with obtaining child abuse clearance on staff and volunteers, establishing strong child protection policies that limit one adult with one child, and comprehensive training for leadership, staff, and volunteers on child abuse identification and reporting," Liddle said.

The diocese published a list of clergy, seminarians and church personnel accused of sexual abuse of a child since the 1940s, making sure to stipulate that "the term 'accused' is emphasized to note that the list includes summations of accusations; the list does not include assessments of credibility or guilt.'"

The list includes 37 Diocese of Harrisburg priests, three deacons of the diocese, six seminarians, nine priests from other dioceses and 16 from religious communities.

None of the individuals on the list are currently in ministry or in service in the diocese.