In contrast, the Australian Bishops’ Conference, in its own guideline responding to complaints of abuse of Church personnel, was more direct in dealing with child abusers and sexual cases of criminal nature, regardless of the sexual orientation of the priest. Paragraph 27 of the Australian bishops’ guideline stated: “Serious offenders, in particular, those who have been found responsible for sexually abusing a child, or whose record of abuse of pastoral relationships indicates that they could well engage in further sexual exploitation of vulnerable adults, will not be given back the power they have abused. Those who have made the best response to treatment recognize this themselves and realize that they can no longer return to ministry.”²¹

Paragraph 42.5 of the Australian guideline states that the seriousness of the case shall be taken into account in determining the future ministry of the priest who has admitted or was found guilty of abuse. “It is unfair to hold out to a serious offender any hope of a return to ministry when it is clear this is not possible,” it said.²²

Unlike the CBCP guideline, the Australian one is more preventive in measure; it requires the dismissal of any seminarian or any candidate for priesthood who has been found guilty of sexual assault and other abuse.²³The CBCP version was silent on this matter.

What about financial support to children sired by priests and reparation for those who are victims of abuse?

For those who have fathered a child but are allowed to remain in the ministry, the CBCP guideline relies on civil laws. It mandates the priest to provide financial support until the child reaches adulthood. If the priest is still in the recovery stage, the diocese will, “out of charity,” assist the priest in meeting his financial obligation. But this appears less of a concern for the child but more for the priest. “Whatever financial help the diocese or religious institute extends is a help to save the ministry of the priest-father,” the guideline said.²⁴

As for victims of abuse, the guideline suggests that the offender “should shoulder the expenses attendant to the victim’s therapy.” The diocese, for its part, will try its best, “within its means” to financially assist in the healing process that the victims will undergo, if the offender needs such assistance. “The offender will be required to reimburse the diocese for all expenses incurred in handling the case.”

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