It is imperative that the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart adapt a clear and transparent policy on cases of sexual abuse. What path has been taken toward that goal? In late September, the superior general and his council instructed the general procurator to prepare a draft protocol on sexual abuse.
The text of the protocol was presented in early November to the superior general and council; it was then decided to convene a group of canonists from the congregation to study and possibly revise the guidelines. That meeting took place at the General Curia from November 26-27. It was attended by Fr. Signe Jean Marie (Cameroon), Fr. Johnny Lí (Chile), Fr. David Szatkowski (United States), Fr. Marek Stokłosa (Poland), Fr. Saturino da Costa Gomes (Roman Rota), Fr. Célestin Tshimbundu (vice procurator general) and Fr. Celson Altenhofen (procurator general).
Mons. Stephen Doktorczyk of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) also took part. The CDF welcomes the fact that we want to work in harmony with the Holy See. It is not mandatory that the protocol be approved by the CDF, but the fact that we have sought to be in collaboration with it has been well appreciated. The protocols for the bishops conferences must be approved by the CDF.
The work is now complete and awaits the approval of the superior general and his council, and then the translations to various languages.
The document contains concrete guidelines to help understand the severity of the problem in the Church and the need to prevent and address sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults.
