Report cites accomplishments, challenges in church response to abuse

Published: 2007-12-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Although the church has taken positive steps in its response to the clergy abuse crisis, more needs to be done, according to a five-year report on the crisis released Dec. 13 by the National Review Board, the lay group that oversees the U.S. Catholic bishops' compliance with child protection policies. The report, addressed to U.S. Catholics on the fifth anniversary of the board's establishment, called the church's response to the abuse crisis "impressive" but also noted that its "work is only beginning." It said church officials must do a better job of providing victims with the help they need and should also help Catholics at the parish level understand how best to respond to victims and their families. It also recommended church leaders provide "protection and restoration" for priests accused of abuse who are later found innocent and called for "greater speed" in investigating and responding to abuse allegations. The full report may be accessed online at: www.usccb.org/nrb/nrbreport2007.pdf.

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