CINCINNATI (AP) — The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has issued a detailed list of inappropriate behaviors for priests, saying they should not kiss, tickle or wrestle children.
The newest version of the archdiocese's Decree on Child Protection also prohibits bear hugs, lap-sitting and piggyback rides.
But it says priests may still shake children's hands, pat them on the back and give high-fives.
Victim advocates who have criticized the Roman Catholic archdiocese for its handling of abuse cases say they support the new measures as a step toward better protection of children.
The Cincinnati archdiocese says it updates the rules every five years. The latest version, issued last week, also mandates background checks for contractors working with children.
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msnchris70:
Well said.
PAX
This is sad state when you have to go this far. So sad, when 80 Priests nationally were tried and 70% were convicted. Yet, what about the other 447,000 good Priests that break there backs every day to reach people with the Gospel.
Where are the reports about the 477,000 great Priests who do God's will everyday? Let's see 80 Priest charged out of 477,000. I think it is .0002 of a percentage point.
Let us pray that all Priests and Pastors from Protestant Churches will continue to bring Godly men to the Ordained ministry. Every Church has its problems, so let us be on guard.
wiccan, I agree with you 100% and do they really think these rules will stop a real predator? Plus, what ever happened to things such as discretion and common sense. As a Pastor there were several kids I use to wrestle with and toddlers I use to tickle and hug, but these were done with both discretion and common sense to include more specifically with a ton of witnesses to include their parent(s) present. Many of these kids looked forward to these activities and I believe in many cases needed them, plus it allowed them to see that their Pastor was approachable and really did care about them. But now because of some sickos out there you can't hardly even look at a child without being suspected of wrong doing.
It's so terribly sad that the actions of some, and the inaction of the church against them, has limited good priests from basic social interaction with children.
I think that's the point.
What priest with any sense of prudence would kiss, tickle or wrestle with a child?