Priests urged to behave prudently amid scandals

A HONG KONG diocesan official has warned priests to be careful that their behavior not give rise to wrong impressions in light of the clergy sex abuse scandals in various parts of the world.

“Watching movies alone with a laywoman should be avoided in order not to create misunderstandings, even though you regard her as a younger sister,” said vicar general Father Michael Yeung Ming-cheung.

The priest was speaking at a Sept. 25 seminar on pastoral ministries and social values organized by the Chinese diocesan weekly Kung Kao Po.

The diocese has guidelines for clergy, such as not being alone with a layperson in a room, especially a child or teenager. However, “it depends on the priests themselves to comply,” Father Yeung said.

Sex scandals do not happen only in the Church, he said. However, they get the media’s attention more easily, so priests should be cautious about their words and deeds, he added.

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