Chilean Church apologizes after issuing guidelines saying priests shouldn't touch kids' genitals
The Catholic Church in Chile, which is embroiled in a widespread sexual abuse crisis, faced more criticism this week after it published guidelines for priests' behavior on the Santiago archdiocese’s website. Critics slammed church officials for the obvious nature of the recommendations and for not getting to the root of the abuse crisis plaguing the church internationally.
The document suggested, for example, that priests should not “touch the genitals” of children or sleep with or beside them. It also said priests should not photograph minors while naked because such photos could be “misinterpreted.” Clergy should also avoid “giving massages to or kissing children, adolescents or vulnerable people on the mouth,” the guidelines said.
... the document did not explicitly mention sexual abuse, instead describing certain behavior as “painful acts” or “equivocal signs.”
The sex abuse crisis in Chile has rattled the Vatican, prompting Pope Francis to send investigators to look into the allegations. More than 30 Chilean bishops have offered their resignations, and about 120 cases are being investigated for abuse and for covering up the allegations of abuse.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/10/04/chilean-church-apologizes-after-issuing-guidelines-saying-priests-shouldnt-touch-kids-genitals/?utm_term=.f3f46fff5b2f
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