Overview
- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted to update the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, approving the revisions on Thursday, June 11, by more than a two-thirds majority.
- The new text adds an explicit presumption of innocence for accused clergy, a glossary of terms, permission for electronic Letters of Suitability, and a clause protecting information covered by the seal of confession.
- Archbishop Shawn McKnight and about 73 bishops sought more time for diocesan consultation and broader changes that would address adult abuse and trauma-informed care, but a motion to postpone the vote failed.
- Survivor groups and watchdogs said the revisions fall short because they do not expand protections for adults and they worry the changes reduce survivor-centered accountability at the national level.
- The charter dates to 2002 and established national procedures and the National Review Board; bishops say a separate document from the committee on clergy and vocations will address standards for clergy and laity working with adults.