It is extremely painful and disconcerting, that more and more revelations emerge from different countries, of how over the years Priests and even Bishops have sexually abused children.
This, for me is not merely an act of impropriety but a serious breach of trust and in fact, a criminal act. Paedophilia is nothing new! It takes place constantly in several families and societies across the globe. In most countries it is a very serious crime with severe punishments meted out to those found guilty.
Priests, in most places, are looked up as ideals, and are trusted thoroughly. Sadly, however, more and more cases have come to light of how this trust is betrayed. Priests who indulge in paedophilia are definitely sick persons. They do need treatment and have definitely to be shifted from the scene/persons where these acts are committed. But since paedophilia is also a crime, the laws governing child sex abuse must also be applied to the Priests who have committed such a crime. This part is non-negotiable.
The Church authorities should not in any way try to "shield" or "protect" a Priest who has indulged in such acts; besides, any attempts 'to sweep under the carpet' such horrific acts, are bound to boomerang. Church authorities, must be upfront, transparent and truthful in acknowledging such acts, whenever proved. Only then, the shaken faith of her followers will be restored and perhaps deepened.
(Fr Cedric Prakash SJ is the Director of PRASHANT, the Ahmedabad based Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace.)
