Belated apology to abuse victims

THE apology, offered here in Yorkshire on behalf of the Catholic Bishops in England and Wales, will be heard by victims of child abuse around the world.

It was heartfelt and absolute and should serve as an example to leaders of this faith all the way to the Vatican. Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, offered both spiritual and practical leadership by calling for four Fridays next month to be devoted to special prayer, while also vowing to ensure the Church remains open, transparent and committed to the safeguarding of children.

The many incidents of child abuse, and the extent of the subsequent cover-up, have been shocking. In the past 12 months, victims have emerged from Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and the United States. Locally, the Diocese of Middlesbrough is under pressure to accept its obligations following incidents of child abuse at a Market Weighton children's home.

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No organisation, religious or otherwise, can entirely legislate for the failings of an individual.

However, what is equally shameful is the way all too many senior figures within the Church have sought to protect the institution rather than expose such evil crimes.

It is surely such a culture of secrecy which has allowed such widespread child abuse to take place. The Church has not only let down its victims, but also the values that underpin its faith.

To his credit, Archbishop Nichols's apology acknowledges this and expresses genuine sorrow for what he calls the sins of the past. The question remains, however, whether this statement will repair the Church's tarnished worldwide reputation.

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Pope Benedict XVI's weekly address in St Peter's Square pledged to take action to confront the clerical sex abuse scandal but nowhere until now

has there been an apology of the force and regret which was expressed in Leeds yesterday.

Catholic leaders the world over must follow this example to allow the Church, albeit belatedly, to move forward. If not, the Papal visit to the UK will be overshadowed by this scandal. In short, its pastoral and community work means that it must be beyond reproach at all times.

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