Abstract

In May 2010 Benedict XVI promulgated a revised version of Sacramentorum sanctitatis tutela (SST) on more serious delicts including clerical sexual abuse of minors. A year later the CDF forwarded a circular letter to episcopal conferences asking them to draw up guidelines to assist bishops in responsibly addressing this delict. The letter was designed to provide some general guidance in drawing up such guidelines. This article examines some key features of the letter to assist ordinaries and their advisors in preparing such guidelines. After noting its structure, the author comments on its three parts: general pastoral considerations, canonical reflections on such sexual abuse, and procedural suggestions for ordinaries. His comments explore some particularly significant issues, largely in relationship to SST and the USCCB Essential Norms with a brief appendix noting some pertinent pastoral obligations of ordinaries expressed in the USCCB Charter.

pdf

Share