Bishop McAreavey welcomes new Vatican guidelines on abuse cases

17 May 2011

PRESS RELEASE

16 May 2011

Bishop McAreavey welcomes Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s new guidelines in cases of sexual abuse

Bishop John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore and co-chair of the Bishops’ Council for Communications, today welcomed the publication by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith of new guidelines in cases of sexual abuse.

Bishop McAreavey said, “I wholeheartedly welcome today’s important initiative by the Congregation. These new guidelines offer assistance on preventing sexual abuse and on reporting allegations to the police.

“In the Irish Church we have an independent and high quality regulatory agency – the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church – which supports dioceses, religious congregations and missionary societies. Today’s document refers to the importance of creating a safe environment for children and young people and we in Ireland are fortunate to have safeguarding volunteers in every parish and Church organisation committed to this work.”

Bishop McAreavey concluded, “Today’s publication underscores the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to addressing the very serious issue of child abuse.”

ENDS

Further information:

Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678