I am trying to understand the Catholic Church’s side here. At first blush, this sounds bad because the only real accountability is done via civil authorities because if it’s handled only within the Church then the only penalty are things like defrocking or banning from the church. But the Church isn’t a legal authority.
I also know that the Church is supposed to encourage the reporter to self report to civil authorities and seek help.
The church also lack the ability to prevent abusers from harming vulnerable people.
At the same time I understand their position on clergy-parishioner privilege.
I also know that the Church is supposed to encourage the reporter to self report to civil authorities and seek help.
The church also lack the ability to prevent abusers from harming vulnerable people.
At the same time I understand their position on clergy-parishioner privilege.