ADVERTISEMENTKey proposals on the agenda call for compassionate pastoral care for abuse victims, a new abuse reporting system, and a larger role for lay experts in holding bishops accountable. It requires priests and nuns worldwide to report sexual abuse as well as cover-ups by their superiors to church authorities. Advocates for abuse victims have urged the U.S. bishops to go further by requiring that suspicions be reported to police and prosecutors, too. Cesareo said all abuse-related allegations concerning bishops should be reported to civil authorities first and then to a review board. Cesareo said that including the laity is critical if the bishops are to regain public trust.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 11, 2019 21:22 UTC