British report sees greater church vigilance on sex abuse

Published: 2003-10-27

LONDON (CNS) -- A new report by a church-established child protection office suggests a "culture of vigilance and greater awareness is developing" within the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Cases reported in 2002 "may indicate a growing confidence in the willingness and ability of the church to respond promptly, sensitively and appropriately to reports" of sexual or physical abuse, said the report by the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. In his foreword to the report, Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham, England, chairman of the Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults Management Board, said the report "tells a story of astonishing change and deserves wide and sympathetic attention. The determination of the Catholic community to overcome the tragedy of the abuse of children, especially within its own life, is clear for all to see." The Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults was set up following an independent review of church policies, chaired by a senior Catholic judge, Lord Nolan. The agency's first report, covering the period from January 2002 to January 2003, was launched Oct. 27 at a press conference in London.

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