Sex Abuse Scandals in the Philippine Catholic Church: A Looming Crisis
Introduction
Philippine priests accused of sex abuse remain in active ministry in the Catholic-majority country, a U.S.-based abuse tracking group said on Wednesday, urging the country’s bishops to take action and hold the alleged perpetrators accountable.
The Scope of the Problem
BishopAccountability.org, which tracks abuse in the Catholic Church, said 82 priests and brothers from the Philippines and some who served in the country for a period in their lives had been accused of sex abuse. At least seven of the accused priests continue to serve in parishes across the archipelago, some as recently as last month, the group’s co-director Anne Barrett Doyle said in a press conference on Wednesday.
Philippine Bishops’ Response
Philippine bishops have a "deep sense of entitlement" in withholding information on the abuse of priests in their diocese, Barrett Doyle said. "These are men who fear nothing."
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Philippine bishops conference, the Church’s top policy body, said in a statement that it has put up an office headed by an archbishop and a team of bishops and experts to safeguard minors. "Our mandate from Rome is to take the issue of accountability very seriously, especially those related to alleged abuse cases involving priests," David said.
The Papal Nuncio and Individual Bishops’ Authority
David also explained that individual bishops have authority over the accused priests. The papal nuncio – Pope Francis’ representative to the country – is usually the next level of authority to act on the complaints. "As a conference of bishops, we merely build a consensus among ourselves about common policies to be adopted. Only Rome, represented by the Nuncio, has direct disciplinary authority over individual bishops," he said.
The Church’s Cultural Influence
Catholic institutions have significant cultural and social influence in the Philippines beyond parishes, including schools, hospitals, charities, and politics. BishopAccountability.org’s data is based on news reports, court documents made public, church announcements, and other public sources such as social media posts of local parishes.
Call for Action
Barrett Doyle urged the government to prosecute the alleged offenders, saying none of those accused have been convicted for wrongdoing. "Zero tolerance does not exist in the Philippine church," she added.
The Global Context
For decades, sex abuse scandals have shaken the Catholic Church across the world. Paedophile priests and efforts to cover up their crimes have damaged its credibility and cost hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements. A Vatican child protection commission said in a report last year that the Church must do a better job of handling compensation for victims of clergy abuse, including a broader spectrum of actions that include acknowledging mistakes and public apologies. Critics have also said the Church must do more.
Conclusion
The sex abuse scandals in the Philippine Catholic Church are a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. The Philippine bishops must take concrete steps to address the allegations and hold the accused priests accountable. The government must also take action to prosecute the alleged offenders and ensure that justice is served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many priests and brothers from the Philippines have been accused of sex abuse?
A: 82
Q: How many of the accused priests continue to serve in parishes across the archipelago?
A: At least seven
Q: What is the response of the Philippine bishops to the allegations of sex abuse?
A: Some bishops have expressed a "deep sense of entitlement" in withholding information on the abuse of priests in their diocese.
Q: What is the role of the papal nuncio in addressing the sex abuse allegations?
A: The papal nuncio is usually the next level of authority to act on the complaints, but individual bishops have authority over the accused priests.