PENNSYLVAINIA
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
November 3, 2012
By Ann Rodgers / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Although clergy are required to report any suspicion that a child in their congregation’s care has been physically or sexually abused, many either don’t know what to do or are afraid to make the report, say organizers of a workshop for clergywomen on child protection.
Although some denominations — notably the Catholic Church since it adopted its child protection charter in 2002 — provide extensive education to clergy and parishioners about child abuse prevention and reporting, in many traditions it’s rarely addressed.
“Some clergy are getting a lot of information and others are getting none. We are trying to bring the two together to expand their knowledge and share their insights,” said Rochelle Sufrin, an organizer.
The workshop, slated for 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in East Liberty, is a follow-up to Pittsburgh’s first Interfaith Clergy Workshop for Women in May. That session was on working with adults who were victims of domestic violence. The 34 participants said they wanted more information on what to do if they suspected a child was being abused or neglected.
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