CONCORD (NH)
Herald Tribune
By J.M. HIRSCH
Associated Press Writer
CONCORD, N.H. —
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester on Monday announced an aggressive new sexual misconduct policy that includes safeguards to ensure clergymen accused of molesting children aren’t reassigned.
The policy, which takes effect March 19, also creates a lay council to help oversee its enforcement, requires all church personnel to report suspicions of abuse and forbids anyone who molested a child from serving in ministry.
Diocesan spokeswoman Diane Murphy Quinlan said the policy “provides an opportunity for all of us, especially parents, to promote a safe environment and to restore trust in the church.”
The bulk of the policy stems from recommendations made by a study group appointed by Bishop John McCormack in fall 2002. McCormack was not bound by the suggestions.
