Vatican Action

The Vatican has asked for changes in the priest sex abuse policy adopted by American bishops in Dallas in response the scandal that was tearingthe church apart. The tough measures had called for a sweeping zero-tolerance policy to quickly remove priest who are accused of sexually
abusing minors and were put into effect immediately, pending Vatican review.

Four months later, Rome rendered its verdict. The two page letter, hand delivered by the Pope to top US Catholic leaders, said the sweeping zero tolerance policy needed to clarify the definition of sexual abuse, and the role of the laity indetermining the fate of abusive priests.

Guests:

John Allen, Vatican correspondent National Catholic Reporter

Bishop William Skylstad

Mark Serrano, member of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

Rev. Robert W. Bullock, a leader of the Boston Priests' Forum