Church stuck in Dark Ages

IT would be difficult to exaggerate the sense of dismay following claims that the Church has no obligation to bring cases of clerical child abuse to the notice of the garda authorities.

The Church contends such obligation lies with the victims or their parents.

In line with Vatican policy, the contention that the Church should not be the prime mover in bringing these crimes to light will further heighten fears of possible cover-ups as the scandal of abuse continues to rock the institution.