Massachusetts Catholic Conference Supports Legislation Mandating Clergy Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse

For Immediate Release:  August 7, 2001

Contact:

Gerry D'Avolio, Executive Director, email: gerrydavolio@macathconf.org, phone: 617-367-6060; fax: 617-367-2767

Boston, MA  Today, after further review of the issue regarding mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, the Massachusetts Catholic Conference announced its support of legislation adding clergy to the list of individuals required to report suspected cases of sexual and other abuse of minors to state authorities, while still preserving the sanctity of the Sacrament of Penance as well as the confidentiality of spiritual counseling.

The Conference has asked its Executive Director, Gerald D'Avolio, to work with members of the Massachusetts General Court to achieve this priority during the current legislative session.

The Massachusetts Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Roman Catholic Church in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, speaking on behalf of the Bishops of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Dioceses of Worcester, Springfield, and Fall River.

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