Belgium’s Catholic bishops say they are learning from their errors after an independent report highlighted hundreds of cases of sexual abuse by clergy.
The bishops said the church would work with the government to prevent abuse and bring past cases to light.
They said church officials would honor victims’ demands to be personally involved in new “healing initiatives.”
They pledged to set up a “center for recognition, healing and reconciliation,” staffed by four experts who would work with church and state institutions and draw up plans for financial compensation.
They also pledged to establish guidelines for all church personnel working with children and young people.
The report recounted sexual abuse in most Catholic dioceses and all church-run boarding schools and religious orders.
SIC: CS/EU