Catholic Bishops in the United States have planned a hotline for complaints against bishops sexually assaulting children or adults.
The goal of this hotline is to regain trust in the US church hierarchy after accusations of bishops had abused children and covered up sex crimes by priests for decades. “Some bishops, by their actions or their failures to act, have caused great harm to both individuals and the Church,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) administrative committee said in a statement.
“They have used their authority and power to manipulate and sexually abuse others. They have allowed the fear of scandal to replace genuine concern and care for those who have been victimized by abusers.”
A Pennsylvania grand jury report in August alleged bishops tried to hide accusations that about 1,000 children and adults were abused by 301 priests over 70 years.
The hotline will allow people to report sexual abuse of children or adults and direct the complaints to civil and church authorities.
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