English House of Bishops Moves to Protect Children
Episcopal News Service. September 21, 1995 [95-1245I]
(ACNS) The Church of England's House of Bishops recently issued strict new rules aimed at preventing child abuse and screening out abusers in church groups. The new rules require everyone who works with children, from clergy to casual volunteers, to sign forms declaring whether they have ever been subject to criminal or civil proceedings, caused harm to children, or put them at risk. The guidelines are contained in a House of Bishops report, "Policy on Child Abuse," which was published in August. Forms signed by ordinands, clergy and paid workers will be checked against a register of known abusers held by the government's department of health. The guidelines also give advice on how to reduce the possibility of abuse and recommend that each diocesan bishop appoint a paid representative to ensure that good practice is followed. The policy stresses God's requirement for the church to foster relationships of the utmost integrity, truthfulness and trustworthiness and stated that the exploitation of any relationship for self-gratification will not be tolerated.