'Zero tolerance' is controversial cornerstone of sex abuse policy

Published: 2004-06-04

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A controversial cornerstone of the U.S. bishops' policies to prevent child sex abuse is the permanent removal from ministry of any priest or deacon who has committed at least one act of child sex abuse. The policy has strong support among victims' groups as a sign that the church is serious about protecting children, but has been received less warmly by some priests and canon lawyers who are critical of the idea of having one penalty for a wide range of sex abuse activities. Known as the "zero tolerance" or the "one-strike-you're-out" policy, it is based on a 2002 statement made by Pope John Paul II to a group of U.S. church leaders that "there is no place in the priesthood or religious life for those who would harm the young." The U.S. bishops are expected to discuss zero tolerance in November as part of their required two-year review of their sex abuse policies as contained in the 2002 "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People." It may also come under preliminary conversation when the bishops meet June 14-19 in Denver for a special assembly.

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