Pax Romana Ghana petition Catholic Bishops over Some Priest Sexual Relations with Students
Pax Romana Ghana Federation has petitioned the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference to address cases of sexual exploitation involving some priests and Catholic youth.
This call was made in a petition presented to the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference during the Federation’s 75th Anniversary Celebration activities, which included a Peace Float and petition presentation at the National Catholic Secretariat.
The Federation’s petition highlighted instances where vulnerable youth and students have reportedly faced inappropriate advances from clergy members.
“Some priests taking sexual advantage of the youth and students,” the petition said.
Amidst calls for increased pastoral care and support for Catholic students, Pax Romana Ghana Federation emphasized the importance of safeguarding young people within the Church.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the Bishops’ Conference on June 29, Fr. Clement Kwasi Adjei assured the group of making the petition available to the Bishops. Adding that, he will ensure it is laid before the Bishops for discussion at their upcoming meeting in August.
Although sexual abuse by clergy of the Church in Ghana has not been topical, there have been rumours of same with many victims lacking the confidence to speak out according to checks by Catholic Trends.
Addressing a delegation of the Latin American Research and Training Commission for the Protection of Minors (CEPROME), in December 2023, Pope Francis highlighted the progress made by the Church in eradicating the scourge of child sexual abuse, and called for continued action to safeguard vulnerable people.
The Holy Father noted that child sexual abuse should be a concern of the entire society and not only a concern of the Church.
“The abuses that have affected the Church are but a pale reflection of a sad reality that involves all of humanity and to which the necessary attention is not paid,” Pope Francis said.
He invited everyone to pray through the intercession of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, so that those who commit these crimes may be converted and see in their victims “the eyes of Jesus.
Source catholictrends.com
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