The Catholic Church in the United States is planning to open a hotline to receive complaints against bishops and priests, those responsible for children (or adults) to sexual violence.
«The people who did it, harmed injured and the Church, — reads the statement of the Catholic bishops Conference of the United States (USCCB). — They used their power to abuse and manipulation. They also let the fear of scandal take precedence over concern for those who have been the victim of tyrants».
A hotline is one of the attempts to restore confidence in the clergy after the recent scandals in the Church. So, in July after allegations of sexual abuse resigned Archbishop of Washington (D.C.) Theodore, Maccari. And in August the Prosecutor’s office of Pennsylvania has published a report showing that from 1940-ies of the bishops of the state covered crimes about 300 priests rapists.
This week the Brooklyn diocese agreed to pay $27.5 million in compensation to 4 men, which was a child abused by teacher of Catholic school.
Complaints hotline will be sent at the same time and in civilian law enforcement, and appropriate Church structures.
