Two-day emergency summit in Texas, Bishops agree new charter
Roman Catholic Bishops in the United States have agreed a new policy to deal with paedophile priests. The policy was overwhelmingly approved by 239 to 13 following a two-day emergency summit in Texas.
Under the policy, which must be approved by the Vatican to become binding, paedophile priests will be barred from acting as clerics, but will not be automatically expelled from the priesthood.
The new Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People makes no mention of any sanctions for bishops who previously provided cover for abusers.
The charter has been criticised by victims' groups and others, who say it falls short of a true 'zero tolerance' approach to priests who molest children.
