Abuse bill includes state clergy

by Seven 5 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse

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  Seven

  Abuse bill includes state clergy

  MICHIGAN The Detroit News
  
  By Kim Kozlowski / The Detroit News

  Catholics hailed a bill passed Wednesday by state senators that would require clergy to notify civil authorities of any suspected child abuse that comes to their attention.

  The bill is expected to be approved by representatives before they recess today, which would add Michigan to the growing list of states that require clergy to report suspected mistreatment of children.

  Under the law, if someone reports a suspected child abuse case to any minister, priest or bishop, the church representative would be legally required to contact state child protective services -- even if it involves another clergy member. That reverses a policy that contributed to one of the worst crises in the American Catholic Church.
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  Elsewhere

  There are 50 states, most of which have not passed any such law.

  It is time for there to be a federal law.
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  Kenneson

  Elsewhere,

  I agree. Hark! Hark!
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  Jourles

  Right on Michigan! I will be sure to keep my ears open to any suspected abuse and will make damn sure the elders report it immediately without consulting Legal first.
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  i_wanna_know

  Yeah, sure, until ya read the fine print and see that the exeption includes confesions. Everyone knows that this is gonna be the loophole since elders claim confesion rights in their dealing with molesters--and they wont have to report to anyone under this law. Folow that link and see it with yer own eyes. This changes nothin.

  I_wanna_know and the sooner the better!
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  Seven

  Follow that link and see it with yer own eyes. This changes nothing.

  The positive change I see regardless of whatever loophole will be used is that clergy members were added to the list of professionals required to report. It is in writing. Is this not a good thing-a start at the very least?

  seven