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File complaints vs abusive priests, says CBCP head Cardinal David

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Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David tells Rappler that Filipino bishops ‘welcome initiatives’ holding people in power accountable

MANILA, Philippines – The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged Filipino Catholics on Thursday, January 30, to file complaints against abusive clergymen as bishops push for greater accountability in the Catholic Church. 

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David made this statement a day after a US-based watchdog, BishopAccountability.org, launched an online database listing dozens of Filipino priests accused of sexual abuse. 

“We welcome initiatives intended to hold people in whatever form of authority, including the Church, accountable,” David told Rappler.

A bishop known for his defense of human rights, David said this is part of Pope Francis’ call for a more synodal church — one that puts a premium on listening to people. 

“The Church, being a human institution, is not exempt from sin and corruption. Admittedly, lack of accountability compromises our moral and spiritual authority,” the 65-year-old cardinal said. “Please don’t hesitate to file complaints against abusive clerics whether in the civil or church forums.”

The CBCP head said the Catholic Church has made proactive efforts to address the sexual abuse crisis and create “safe spaces for minors and vulnerable adults.” The Pope himself “has been more decisive in his moves to impose disciplinary action on us bishops if he finds evidence that we’re not even lifting a finger to discipline our erring priests.”

“Of course, we’re not always successful in this regard, and we need the help and participation of our lay people, including our professional journalists, who are our allies in the quest for truth and fact-checking and the battle against disinformation. Let’s keep the bridges open among ourselves,” David added. 

The CBCP said they have put up an Office for the Safeguarding of Minors, led by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando, Pampanga, with a team of bishops and experts. 

It is the bishop of each diocese “who is responsible for acting promptly on complaints of abuse against priests” attached to their diocese, said David. If the alleged perpetrator comes from a religious congregation, it is the religious superior who takes charge of the case.

Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org, said in a Quezon City press conference on Wednesday that the problem is “the deep sense of entitlement by Philippine bishops to withhold information from the public.”

“Philippine bishops feel entitled to their silence,” Doyle said. “These are men who fear nothing.” – Rappler.com

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Picture of Written by <span>Paterno R. Esmaquel II</span>
Written by Paterno R. Esmaquel II
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Preda Foundation Inc.

The work of Preda Foundation is focused on alleviating the physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse and suffering of children and preventing abuse through community education and social media.

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