Bishop Bosco votes to approve sexual-misconduct policy
Bishop Anthony G. Bosco of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg joined the majority of U.S. Roman Catholic bishops who voted Wednesday in Washington, D.C., to adopt revisions to a policy regarding clergy sexual misconduct against minors. “I believe we have a workable doctrine here,’ said Bishop Bosco, speaking from his hotel in Washington, D.C.
The bishop reported the final vote was 246 in favor, seven opposed with six abstentions. He noted that bishops who were opposed to the revisions mentioned – among other things – that priests had not been included in discussions regarding the policy.
But Bishop Bosco noted, “I can’t think of anything we have ever done in all my years as a bishop that ever made everybody happy. I’m sure some victims groups will say we are not tough enough. Some will say it’s a problem that we have to have a trial (to permanently remove a priest). But I like it. It doesn’t leave the decision up to the bishop himself.’
Bishop Bosco permanently banned three active priests and two retired priests from the ministry this year over old allegations of clergy sexual misconduct against minors that surfaced in the Greensburg diocese.
Two cases involved allegations made this year regarding events at least 18 years old while the other cases were discovered after a file review.
In all, the diocese investigated eight cases of old allegations involving priests. The other three cases could not be substantiated.
In each case, Bishop Bosco acted after an investigation that included a recommendation by the diocese’s review board. Now part of the new policy, a review board consists of at least five people _- one a priest and the others lay people. At least one member is to have expertise in the treatment of sexual abuse of minors. The Greensburg diocese created its review board in 1994.
Bishop Bosco agrees with the idea of a board of justice to make a decision for permanent removal of a priest. He noted, however, a bishop can still place a priest on leave.
If this new policy had been in effect this year, would it have required a trial in the cases involving the Greensburg diocese?
“I’m not sure yet,’ Bishop Bosco said. “I would have to find out. It’s not law yet.’
The policy now goes to Rome for enactment. It will also be reviewed in two years.
Bishop Bosco said other issues concerning the bishops this week include a concern that the United States doesn’t rush to war with Iraq, poverty and the approaching 30th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.