Church office reports 52 cases of sex abuse in England, Wales in 2003

Published: 2004-07-20

MANCHESTER, England (CNS) -- The Catholic Church in England and Wales received 52 reports of sexual abuse in 2003, according to figures published by a church agency charged with child protection. The Catholic Office for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults said there were 62 allegations of abuse reported to statutory authorities during 2003; they included 52 involving sexual abuse, five involving physical harm and two involving emotional abuse. The office's annual report, released in mid-July, said the statistics probably understated the actual prevalence of abuse. The report said four priests were removed from active ministry as a result of concerns expressed, while four others were allowed to continue their ministry under supervision. Two priests were laicized and one resigned following investigations. The report said 10 lay volunteers within the church had been removed from their roles, and two had resigned. The total number of allegations and concerns raised within dioceses in 2003 was 110, down from the 2002 figure of 148.

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