Church should address sex scandals more vigorously

May 01, 2010

EMMANUEL Cardinal Wamala has said the Church should not hide any cases of sexual abuse involving priests. In an interview, the cardinal referred to these acts as individual weaknesses. <br>

EMMANUEL Cardinal Wamala has said the Church should not hide any cases of sexual abuse involving priests. In an interview, the cardinal referred to these acts as individual weaknesses.

He also pointed out that Christians have a role to not only pray for priests, but also point out their wrongdoings using appropriate means.

Whereas sex scandals have been present in different religious faiths, an established institution such as the Catholic Church should set an example.

This is a problem that the Church has been living with, but which has not been openly discussed in the past.

By living in denial, the Church has missed an opportunity to address the problem and some priests have abused the trust put in them by Christians.

It is good that the Church is now becoming more open about the problem, but Christians expect more. The problem needs to be addressed more vigorously.

The Church should come out with a strong programme of action to prevent sex scandals. Sexual abuse is clearly against the principles and foundation of the Church. Religious leaders found guilty should be dismissed and handed over to the authorities.

Predisposing factors, such as entrusting priests with the responsibility of looking after a girl, need to be revisited.

The bishops should set an example and speak about it.

The Church should also set up psycho-social support mechanisms for victims of sex scandals. The Church should also set up a transparent mechanism for preventing and handling sexual scandals.

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