Tagle shares Asian Church’s experience with sex abuse

Leading theologian Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila presented delegates and officials of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin with a view of clergy sex abuse problem in Asia.

Tagle explained to clergy, religious and laypeople packed in the workshop hall Tuesday the Asian bishops’ perspectives and approaches to developing deep appreciation of and a comprehensive response to the problem of sex abuse by priests and religious. The workshop covered the theme “Communion in Marriage and Family.”

Tagle said deeper issues underlie explicit sexual behavior. Asian bishops developing guidelines for addressing cases of sexual abuse must examine and appreciate spiritual, theological, anthropological and pastoral dimensions of abuse, he added.

Tagle, chairman of the Office of Theological Concerns of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, said Asian bishops are concerned about pastoral care of victims and their families, of the wounded community, of the priest offender and his family, and of the rest of the clergy.

Bishops and superiors of priestly congregations need help also, he added, noting the fury and hostility that allegations of sex abuse have generated.

Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet, papal legate to the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, opened the gathering with a Mass on Sunday. The congress, which closes June 17, seeks to promote awareness of the centrality of the Eucharist in the life and mission of the church, improve understanding and celebration of liturgy, and attend to social dimensions of the Eucharist.

Report from National Catholic Reporter