News • October 12 2003

Paedophile priests will not be reported

The law clearly states that when sexual abuse is perpetrated against a minor the police can proceed with criminal investigations without an official complaint from the victim. But even under these circumstances the church still feels that it cannot report a paedophile priest to the police.
Charles Buttigieg, spokesman for the church’s response team on sexual abuse told MaltaToday that "it is up to the complainant (in the case of minors, their guardian) to decide whether or not to go to the police."
He insisted: "The Church surely does not stop anyone from going to the police. Indeed, the Response Team informs complainants of their right to go to the police if they so wish."
The action taken by the church against paedophile priests is determined by the particular circumstances of the case, Mr Buttigieg told this newspaper.
"The Response Team forwards its report and recommendations to the bishop or religious superior concerned. Persons indicated as probable child abusers are immediately prohibited from having any kind of work that may bring them into personal contact with children. They are also offered the possibility of professional help," Mr Buttigieg said.
Earlier in the week the Archbishop and the Bishop of Gozo issued a joint statement in which they asked for forgiveness from victims of sexual abuse by priests. They also condemned any form of sexual abuse and said that it went counter to the very essence of the Catholic faith.
However, in their statement the bishops saw fit to criticise some sections of the media for sensationalising the story and sidelining ethical principles. The statement did not identify which parts of the media the bishops were referring to.