Canadian Bishops Seek to Halt Sex Abuse of Children by Priests

OTTAWA —  Canada’s Roman Catholic Church said Friday that it is time to break the “wall of silence” and confront the sexual abuse of children by priests that has brought scandal and shame to the nation’s clergy.

Accusations of sexual abuse of boys by priests in Canada have resulted in criminal charges against at least two dozen church officials in the last two years.

“We must move beyond sterile scandal and break the wall of silence which until now has surrounded abuse,” Archbishop Roger Ebacher told a meeting of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. “We must collaborate with all those who condemn abuse.”

The conference of bishops has created committees to study clerical training, counseling after ordination and even the issue of celibacy in its search to stamp out abuse.

“There must be zero tolerance when it comes to the sexual abuse of children by priests or religious (officials),” he said.

Ebacher told bishops that the clergy must cooperate fully with police when allegations of sexual abuse are raised.

The church has set up committees in dioceses nationwide to hear allegations of abuse from victims.

“We try to receive them as warmly as we can and try to provide the healing that is needed by way of counseling, therapy and other supports,” Archbishop Adam Exner said.

“We’re definitely determined to face reality as it is with the firm belief that truth always brings freedom, healing and reconciliation.”

Courts have heard testimony that some priests beat boys if they do not agree to perform sexual acts.

Exner said church committees were studying the issue of celibacy, but he said that research had not established links between abstinence and abuse.

In a poll last year, 77% of Canadians said they believed that Catholic priests should be allowed to marry.

The opinion of Canada’s majority conflicts directly with the view of Pope John Paul II, who has upheld the centuries-old tradition that priests must remain celibate.