(From New York) A third-party independent organisation will be specifically appointed to receive reports on abuse and harassment committed by bishops on adults or children. And such institution will also contact specialist ecclesial and civilian authorities. The Administrative Committee of the US Bishops Conference approved a strict policy against those people who should have led the ecclesial community and who failed, instead, in their role as shepherds, “causing, through their actions, serious damage as much to people as to the Church and using their authority to manipulate and sexually abuse other people”. While those who have been damaged by clergymen are still repeatedly asked to forgive, the Committee firmly states that “the bishops let the fear of scandal replace genuine concern and care for those who had been harassed”.

This body of bishops, chaired by cardinal Daniel DiNardo, are the highest authority within the Bishops Conference and, in this position, they have appointed the commission for canonical affairs and church governance to work out clear policies on the restrictions put on bishops who have resigned or have been dismissed on charges of abuse of adults, including seminarians and priests, and abuse of children. In addition, an extensive review of archbishop McCarrick’s case has been planned, and lay experts, policemen and social workers will work at it. Then, a broad consultation will be held “with lay people and all of God’s people” to launch additional measures, and bishops are asked to pray and fast, without neglecting those who have suffered the most, the victims and survivors of abuse, to whom the Church confirms its assistance, as pointed out in the 2002 Charter on the protection of children and young people.