wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Sex-abuse amendments approved

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8418 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Sex-abuse amendments approved
GA04124
July 2, 2004

Sex-abuse amendments approved

Book of Order changes meant to improve disciplinary procedures

by Bill Lancaster

RICHMOND, June - The 216th General Assembly approved 10 of a series of 11
proposed changes to the Book of Order Friday evening.

The proposed amendments have to do with the disciplinary processes of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) and were recommended by the Independent Committee
of Inquiry (ICI) that investigated sexual abuse at a primary school in the
Congo over a period of more than 20 years. Two of the four perpetrators were
Presbyterian missionaries.

The purpose of the ICI, and of the amendments, is "to promote healing for
victims, for their loved ones, for the missionary community, and for the
church as a whole," in the words of the ICI report.

The only proposed change that the Assembly disapproved would have removed the
word "honorably" from "honorably retired" in reference to clergy convicted of
sexual abuse. The Assembly added a long comment to one item, an apology for
the church's failings in its handling of the abuse cases.

This story and many others may have photos, media, video clips that can be
found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga216/.

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