New child protection policy ignored by church

by Feòrag

England: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster has been accused of betraying the trust of worshippers at a Kentish Town church, after a priest was jailed for abusing two boys. Father William John Hofton was allowed to continue as a priest after he was convicted of indecently assaulting a 17-year-old youth, but his new parish was not informed of his history.

The parishioners claim the failure to tell their lay child protection representative casts doubt on the Church's new child protection policy.

The policy is based on a 2001 report by Lord Nolan into sex abuse in the Church, which gives guidelines on how to ensure children's protection.

One such recommendation is the appointment in each parish of a child protection representative.

The Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales insists the guidelines were followed in William Hofton's case.

Parish 'betrayed' over sex priest—BBC News, 17th September 2004.

Tags: child abuse, England, Roman Catholic Church