The Church’s Response to Sexual Abuse of Minors by Clerics

The crime of sexual abuse generally and of minors in particular has tainted the reputation of the Catholic Church as a teacher of good morals. The involvement of clerics in this unwholesome act makes the matter even more grievous, since they are the pastoral agents through which the church accomplishes her salvific mission. The church’s efforts to hold offenders responsible and the effort to balance the tension between the interest of the victim and the right of the accused have been interpreted differently by different groups. The attempt to resolve this dilemma has resulted in litigations, financial compensations and apologies on the part of the church. Documents have emanated from the Holy See giving not only instructions and directives but have shaped the church’s penal laws to discipline offenders and restrain others, reaffirming the church’s defence of human right.