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CBCP prepares diocesan protocols to address pedophilia issue

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), addressing the raging issue of pedophilia and other moral cases involving a number of priests in the United States, announced that it is in the process of developing a working paper leading to diocesan protocols on possible cases in the Philippines.

A statement, released last April 21 by CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Hernando M. Coronel, reads in full:

"On this Good Shepherd Sunday (April 21), as the Church worldwide prays for vocations, the Philippine Bishops are keen in noting developments regarding the issue of pedophile priests abroad.

"The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its Episcopal Commission on the Clergy, is developing a working paper leading to diocesan protocols on pedophilia and other moral cases involving priests.  Studies on diocesan procedures from other countries are being utilized for this working guide paper to be applied to the Philippines situation.

"Aware and saddened by sin within the Church, specifically the clergy, the Bishops' will face this reality squarely.  Sex scandals are grave sins.  The shepherds do seek the truth, will cooperate in justice, and will work for healing.  More praying priests and not preying priests lift up the local Church."

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