AUSTRALIA
ABC News
The Catholic Church has conceded that its vow of celibacy may have led to the abuse of children at the hands of the clergy.
The church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council to respond to the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse today released an activity report conceding that “obligatory celibacy” may have contributed to decades of child abuse involving the clergy, and that ongoing training was necessary for priests.
The council’s CEO Francis Sullivan said the training should include “psychosexual development”.
“The proper training, formation, the proper understanding of psychosexual issues for individuals has been raised, and it’s a no-brainer,” Mr Sullivan said.
He said in the wake of the report even the most sacred traditions were up for discussion, but was not recommending that celibacy no longer be a requirement for priests.
AUDIO: Australia’s Catholic Church admits link between celibacy and child sexual abuse (AM)
“When we have a public inquiry into the sex crimes in the Catholic Church, you need to address how sexuality is understood and acted out by members of the clergy,” Mr Sullivan said.
“You need a very clear understanding about your own sexuality, your own sexual development, your own way of relating as a person to others.
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