Clergy trained in abuse prevention

A group of Catholic priests has completed Poland’s first child protection training programme, amid attempts to end clerical sex abuse, writes Jonathan Luxmoore.

“Pope Francis has called exposing and reacting quickly to sexual abuse by priests a service of love, so we are not allowed to waste time,” said Archbishop Wojciech Polak, the Primate, or honorary leader, of the Polish Church. “Everything which leads to violating or trampling on human dignity demands a clear and unambiguous reaction. The Church seeks to show an example of best practice both in protecting children and youngsters and repairing hurt inflicted by clergy.”

The Gniezno-based archbishop was preaching to the 28 priests delegated for training by Catholic dioceses and religious orders. He said the Church recognised that abuse required firm disciplinary action, as well as acts of penance by “both perpetrator and the whole church community”.