Dear Editor,

Reuters news agency recently reported that Pope Benedict expressed his shame and remorse “for episodes of child sex abuse, saying ‘serious mistakes’ were made by Irish bishops in responding to allegations”. In a 13-page letter to Irish victims, the Pontiff criticised the way bishops handled the church’s sexual abuse scandal, saying some of them made serious mistakes. He admitted the bishops had “a misplaced concern for the reputation of the church and the avoidance of scandal”. However, in a letter to his victims he noted “You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry”. Reuters also reported that an Australian victims’ group said the Pope should apologise to victims abused in Australia also.

This is the latest episode of sex abuse scandal that Pope Benedict has to be dealing with. According to Wikipedia, the Catholic sex abuse cases are a series of lawsuits, criminal prosecutions and scandals related to sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests and members of religious orders both under diocesan control and in orders which care for the sick or teach children. It noted that although awareness of the widespread scope of these abuses first received significant media attention in Canada, Ireland and the United States, other cases were also reported in a number of other countries.

Jamaica has been known to follow suit, whethr good or bad. Given the close association of the Catholic Church in Jamaica over the years, have there been cases of abuse – unreported or suppressed – and are there adequate checks and balances to address this issue?

Horace Mer Wilson

racewil@gmail.com