THEOLOGICAL AND MORAL FOUNDATIONS FOR SAFEGUARDING

1. The Foundation of Human Dignity in Catholic Teaching

Creation in God's Image

The fundamental basis for human dignity comes from the biblical teaching that humans
are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This means that every
human being, regardless of age, status, or condition, reflects something of God's nature,
and therefore, is entitled to respect and protection.

◦ Imago Dei: The doctrine of the Imago Dei (Image of God) affirms that all people
are endowed with the ability to reason, choose freely, and have a relationship with
God, which sets them apart from other creatures and places an inherent dignity
upon each human life.

Dignity as Inviolable: The Church teaches that the dignity of each person is inviolable
and must be respected and protected at all stages of life, from conception to natural death.
This principle underlies the Church’s commitment to safeguarding, especially for the
most vulnerable (children, elderly, marginalized

Human Dignity and the Common Good

Catholic social teaching emphasizes that respect for human dignity contributes to the
common good. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1929) states that the
common good is the sum of conditions that allow individuals and groups to reach their
fulfillment more fully and easily. Safeguarding is an integral part of the common good,
as it ensures that individual, particularly the vulnerable, are protected from harm and
exploitation

Implications of Human Dignity for Safeguarding

Human dignity has profound implications for the Church's role in safeguarding children
and vulnerable adults. The Catholic Church holds that safeguarding the dignity of
individuals is not just a moral obligation but a theological one, grounded in the belief
that every person is created and loved by God.

A Duty to Protect
The Church recognizes that safeguarding is an essential part of its mission to protect
those most vulnerable in society. Abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect,
violates the dignity of the person and the image of God in the individual. The Church,
therefore, has an obligation to prevent, address, and respond to abuse wherever it
occurs.

◦ The abuse of children and vulnerable adults in the Church is particularly

egregious because it contradicts the foundational belief in the inherent dignity of
the human person. The Church must be a model of care, protection, and justice,
not only as an institution but also in the lives of individuals who serve within it
(clergy, religious lay leaders, etc.)
 A Call to Compassionate Care

Catholic teaching emphasizes the need for compassion and pastoral care in the wake of
abuse. Victims of abuse are seen as those who need the healing love of Christ, and the
Church is called to be a channel of that healing. The dignity of survivors is to be upheld,
and their pain must be acknowledged with the utmost respect and care.

In the context of safeguarding, this translates to providing not just protection, but also
healing, through pastoral, psychological, financial and spiritual support for survivors

The Church's Pastoral Responsibility in Safeguarding

The Church’s role in safeguarding is not only theological but pastoral. Catholic teachings
call for an active role in the protection of all vulnerable individuals, particularly minors
and those with special needs.

Pastoral Care for the Vulnerable

The Church is entrusted with the spiritual, emotional, and moral care of its members.
This includes responding to allegations of abuse with seriousness and compassion. The
Church's pastoral responsibility is to care for the spiritual welfare of those affected,
and to guide the community in responding to abuse with accountability, justice, and
mercy
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2419-2420)- The Church teaches that a “just society”
is one that “respects the human dignity of each person and promotes the common good.”
Safeguarding is therefore an essential element in building such a society within the Church. The
Church must provide support, prevent further harm, and work to restore the dignity of the victim.

Holy See Guidelines: The Holy See has published various documents that emphasize
pastoral care in the response to abuse, such as Vademecum for the Pastoral Care of the
Person Who Has Suffered Abuse (2018). These documents call for the Church to not only
be a place of refuge for victims but to actively promote a culture of safeguarding that
honors the dignity of every individual

2. The Concept of Justice and Mercy in the Church's Response to Abuse

In the Catholic Church’s response to abuse, the concepts of justice and mercy are central
and intertwined. These principles are not only theological imperatives but also practical
tools for addressing the crisis of abuse, healing the wounds of victims, and reforming
the Church's structures. The Church’s response requires a delicate balance between
holding perpetrators accountable and extending pastoral care and healing to both victims
and perpetrators
 Understanding Justice and Mercy in Catholic Theology

Justice in Catholic teaching refers to giving each person their due, particularly
respecting their dignity and rights. In the context of abuse, justice involves
recognizing the harm done to victims and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators.
The Church’s response to abuse should uphold the dignity of the victim and work toward
restorative justice, ensuring that wrongdoing is addressed, and that both individuals and
communities are healed.

◦ Distributive Justice- This pertains to the Church’s role in ensuring that all
members of society, especially the most vulnerable, have their rights and needs
met. In cases of abuse, this involves providing victims with proper care,
protection, and justice in the form of legal and pastoral support.

◦ Retributive Justice- This refers to the punishment of the offender, holding them
accountable for their actions. It entails the principle that those who commit
serious wrongs must face consequences in order to restore balance and moral
order.
Restorative Justice: The Catholic Church is increasingly turning toward restorative justice
practices, which focus on healing for both victims and offenders, and on repairing the harm done
to relationships within the Church community. Restorative justice involves dialogue, repentance,
and reconciliation, allowing the Church to assist in the restoration of dignity for both parties.

Mercy

Mercy is a key attribute of God, shown throughout Scripture. It is the compassionate

care God extends to those in need, especially those who have committed wrongs. In the
context of abuse, mercy involves responding to those who have sinned with a desire for
their conversion and healing, and also providing compassion and care to victims of abuse.

◦ Mercy and Forgiveness- While justice seeks reparation and accountability,

mercy calls for forgiveness and the opportunity for transformation. The Church
teaches that mercy does not negate justice but complements it, as God’s mercy
leads to repentance, conversion, and ultimately, healing.

◦ Theological Mercy- The Church’s mercy towards perpetrators is framed by the

hope that they may repent, be reconciled with God, and, where possible,
experience restoration. Mercy is not about excusing or minimizing the offense
but about offering a path toward healing and redemption.

◦ Mercy for Victims- Mercy must also be shown to victims, ensuring that they are
offered care, compassion, and support. The Church’s mission to "comfort the
afflicted" is deeply tied to its response to abuse. Mercy also implies that victims
are not only heard but are also treated with justice, where they are given the
proper pastoral, psychological, and legal support they need to heal.
The Church’s Call to Justice in the Case of Abuse

In cases of abuse, justice serves as a crucial foundation for the Church’s response. Abuse
is not only a sin but also a violation of civil law, and therefore, justice must take into
account both the Canon law and the cival laws of the respective country where abuse has
taken place.

Accountability for Perpetrators

◦ The Church must ensure that clergy or church members who abuse are held
accountable, both within the Church and, when appropriate, through civil legal
processes.

◦ The 30 April 2001 Apostolic Constitution (Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela),

guidelines, and later revised in 2021 makes it clear that there is no tolerance for
abuse in the Church. The Catholic Church has implemented a “zero-tolerance”
policy for clergy who commit abuse, meaning that those found guilty should be
permanently removed from ministry.

◦ Legal Accountability: In accordance with justice, the Church calls for the
reporting of abuse to civil authorities and the cooperation with law enforcement in
the prosecution of criminal cases.

Protection of Victims

Justice also involves the protection of potential future victims therefore , the Church’s
response must prevent further abuse by implementing safeguarding policies and
ensuring that institutions have systems in place for preventing abuse and identifying
perpetrators before further harm is done

Preventive Measures- The Church has increasingly focused on preventative measures,

such as training for clergy, staff, and volunteers on recognizing the signs of abuse,
implementing background checks, and creating safe environments for children and
vulnerable adults.

Transparency- The call for transparency is a key component of justice in the Church’s
response to abuse. In recent years, the Holy See has urged dioceses and religious
institutions to be more open in acknowledging past abuse cases and their failings in
responding to them. Acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility is seen as
essential to restoring the credibility of the Church and providing justice

The Role of Mercy in the Church’s Response to Abuse

While justice is vital, mercy plays an equally important role in the Church’s response,
particularly in the healing process for both victims and perpetrators. Mercy does not
absolve or diminish the need for justice but calls for compassionate action that leads to
repentance and healing.
Mercy for the Victim

◦ Mercy must be shown to the victims of abuse by acknowledging their pain,

suffering, and trauma. The Church has the moral and theological obligation
to provide victims with care and to support their healing through pastoral care,
psychological counseling, and community support.

Victims

◦ Healing the Wounds- Mercy involves not just addressing the legal or social
aspects of abuse, but also responding to the emotional and spiritual wounds it
creates. Victims of abuse are often left with deep psychological and spiritual
scars. Mercy calls for a pastoral approach that walks with the victim through their
journey of recovery.

◦ Pastoral Care for Survivors- The Vademecum (2018) provided by the Vatican
emphasizes the importance of pastoral care in the Church’s response to abuse,
focusing on the healing and restoration of the victim. The Church should be a
place where survivors feel safe, supported, and understood. Through prayer,
sacramental care, and ongoing support, the Church helps guide victims toward
healing and reconciliation.

Restoring Dignity- Mercy in the context of abuse involves not just protecting victims
but also restoring their dignity. Victims must be assured that they are valued, respected,
and loved by God and the Church community

Mercy for the Perpetrator

The Call to Repentance- The Church’s understanding of mercy includes the hope for
repentance and conversion for the abuser. While justice demands accountability and
appropriate punishment, mercy provides the opportunity for the abuser to seek
forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and a process of personal transformation.

Restorative Justice-In some cases, the Church adopts restorative justice approaches,
offering perpetrators the opportunity for rehabilitation, spiritual renewal, and
accountability, in hopes of healing the individual and the community affected by the
abuse. This does not mean minimizing the seriousness of the abuse but focusing on the
possibility of personal reform and the restoration of justice.

A Path to Redemption- The Church believes in the possibility of redemption for all
sinners, including those who have committed grave offenses. The concept of mercy
extends to offering the opportunity for the perpetrator to confront their wrongdoings,
express remorse, and undergo the process of conversion and reintegration into
society in a way that upholds the dignity of all parties involved.

________________________________________
Balancing Justice and Mercy-A Delicate Tension

The tension between justice and mercy is an ongoing challenge for the Church as it
responds to the abuse crisis. The Church must strive to uphold both principles in ways
that honor the dignity of all individuals involved.

Justice Protects the Community- Justice serves to protect the Church community and
ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, while also preventing future harm. The
Church’s commitment to justice is vital for safeguarding and for rebuilding trust with the
public.

Mercy Heals the Individual- Mercy serves to heal those who have been hurt by the
abuse, offering them the care, support, and hope of the Gospel. It also provides a path for
the abuser to repent, seek forgiveness, and ultimately be restored.

A Call for Comprehensive Reform- The response to abuse requires a commitment to

both justice and mercy, ensuring that victims are cared for and perpetrators are held
accountable, while at the same time offering the possibility of healing and
transformation for everyone involved.

A Balanced Response to Abuse

In the Catholic Church’s response to abuse, justice and mercy must be seen as
complementary, not contradictory. Justice demands accountability, the protection
of victims, and the pursuit of fairness in legal and ecclesiastical processes. Mercy, on
the other hand, calls for compassion, healing, and a pathway to redemption for both
victims and perpetrators.

The Church must always maintain a balance between these principles, and ensure that its
response is rooted in a deep commitment to human dignity and guided by the pastoral
care and teachings of Christ. As the Church continues to address the abuse crisis, the
integration of justice and mercy will be key in restoring credibility, rebuilding trust,
and ensuring that all members of the Church community are protected and cared
for in ways that reflect the love and justice of God

3. Pastoral Care and the Need for Compassion in Addressing Abuse

Pastoral care refers to the spiritual, emotional, and practical support that the Church
provides to its members, particularly in times of crisis. In the context of abuse, pastoral
care involves walking with victims, offering them comfort, healing, and support.

It also includes addressing the needs of the abuser in a way that encourages
repentance and transformation while ensuring accountability and justice

Approach to Pastoral care

A Holistic Approach- Pastoral care is more than just spiritual or psychological support,
it is an integrated approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual
dimensions of an individual’s suffering. This care is rooted in the belief that the Church
is called to offer healing and mercy to all, especially to those who are hurting.

Theological Foundation- Catholic pastoral care is grounded in the belief that Christ
came to heal the brokenhearted and to restore those who have been wounded. Pastoral
care acknowledges the depth of human suffering and the need for compassionate, Christ-
like responses to trauma. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2447) emphasizes
that the Church’s mission includes caring for the poor, the suffering, and those in need,
reflecting God’s love and mercy.

Pastoral Care for Victims of Abuse

Victims of abuse experience profound trauma that affects their spiritual, emotional, and
physical well-being. Pastoral care must offer a safe and supportive space for survivors,
where they are treated with dignity, respect, and empathy. The pastoral response should
involve the following:

A Safe Environment
The first priority is to ensure that victims feel safe. Abuse survivors need to know that
they can speak about their experiences without fear of judgment, retaliation, or further
harm. The Church must establish safe spaces where victims can express their pain and
begin the healing process. This might include setting up confidential counseling or
spiritual direction services, offering anonymous support groups, or providing outreach
ministries for survivors.

Acknowledging the Suffering

Pastoral care for abuse victims must begin with acknowledging the depth of their
suffering. Survivors often experience feelings of shame, guilt, anger, and fear. The
Church’s response should be to listen to their stories with compassion and without
dismissing or minimizing the gravity of their experience. The Vademecum (2018) issued
by the Holy See emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the pain of the victim and
providing the necessary resources for emotional and spiritual healing.

Spiritual Healing and Support

The Church must offer spiritual healing to those who have been spiritually wounded by
abuse. This can include providing access to the sacraments (e.g., Reconciliation,
Eucharist), prayer, and counseling. The Church also has a unique role in offering victims
the opportunity to experience God’s love and mercy, helping them find strength and hope
in their faith.

Psychological and Emotional Support

While pastoral care includes spiritual care, it also involves referring victims to trained
counselors or therapists for psychological healing. The Church must recognize that
abuse causes significant psychological trauma that requires professional support.
 Many dioceses and Catholic institutions now collaborate with mental health
professionals to provide survivors with trauma-informed care. The Holy See stresses that
the Church’s response should integrate professional therapeutic services alongside
spiritual care.

Ongoing Support and Advocacy

Healing from abuse is often a long-term process. Pastoral care is not a one-time
intervention, but an ongoing process of walking alongside the victim in their journey
toward healing. The Church must continue to advocate for the rights and needs of
survivors, ensuring they are not re-victimized by neglect or indifference. This advocacy
also involves ensuring that victims are provided with the necessary financial and legal
support and that they have access to compensation when appropriate

Pastoral Care for Perpetrators of Abuse

While the focus of pastoral care is often on victims, it is also essential that the Church
provide appropriate pastoral care for perpetrators of abuse, with a focus on
repentance, conversion, and restoration. This does not mean excusing or minimizing the
seriousness of the abuse but offering a path for transformation and healing.

Encouraging Repentance and Accountability

The Church must help perpetrators confront the reality of their actions and guide them
toward genuine repentance. Pastoral care for the abuser should focus on acknowledging
the harm they have caused, understanding the impact of their actions, and taking
responsibility for their deeds. This process includes both spiritual guidance (e.g.,
confession, penance) and personal reflection,

Spiritual and Psychological Support

Just like victims, perpetrators may also suffer from emotional, psychological, or spiritual
issues that contributed to their actions. Pastoral care can address these underlying issues,
offering guidance and therapeutic support to help the individual heal and change
their behavior. However, this care must never overshadow the need for legal and
disciplinary measures to ensure the safety of others and to prevent further abuse.

Restorative Justice
In the context of abuse, restorative justice focuses on the healing of both the victim and
the perpetrator. The Church must offer a path for the perpetrator’s reintegration into
society (if appropriate) but only after ensuring that they have genuinely repented,
undergone therapy, and committed to change. This is a delicate process and involves
close monitoring and safeguards to prevent re-offending. Here the offender needs to be
monitored by trained professionals

The Church's Compassionate Response to Abuse

Compassion is at the heart of the Church's response to abuse. Compassion involves

recognizing the suffering of others and taking action to alleviate that suffering in a way
that respects their dignity. In the context of abuse, compassion entails:
Understanding the Impact of Abuse
The Church’s response must recognize that abuse has profound and long-lasting effects
on victims, both emotionally and spiritually. Compassionate care requires a deep
understanding of the trauma experienced by survivors, including the psychological and
social effects of being abused.

Offering Unconditional Love

Compassion involves offering unconditional love to those who have been wounded by
abuse. This means supporting victims, not just in the immediate aftermath of the abuse,
but throughout their recovery. It also means offering forgiveness and support to those
who are seeking to change, such as abusers who are truly repentant.

Empathy and Active Listening

The Church’s response to abuse should involve active listening, where victims are given
the space and opportunity to tell their stories without fear of judgment. By empathizing
with the victim’s experience, the Church can better understand the pain and emotional
toll that abuse inflicts. Listening actively demonstrates the Church’s commitment to
being present with the victim and offering genuine care.

Restoration of Dignity:
One of the most important aspects of compassionate care is the restoration of the victim’s
dignity. Abuse shatters the sense of self-worth and dignity in a person. The Church must
restore this dignity by treating victims with respect and showing them that they are loved
by God and the community. Compassionate care involves helping victims to rebuild their
lives, find healing, and regain their sense of self-worth.

4. The Role of Pastoral Agents in Safeguarding

Pastoral agents are those individuals or groups within the Church who are entrusted with
the care, guidance, and protection of others in the community. This includes priests,
deacons, religious, lay ministers, catechists, youth leaders, volunteers, and others who are
involved in direct interaction with children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The role of pastoral agents in safeguarding is critical in ensuring a culture of safety and
protection within the Church. They are responsible for promoting an environment where
abuse is prevented, victims are supported, and the community is safe for everyone.

The Core Responsibilities of Pastoral Agents in Safeguarding

Pastoral agents are called to take an active role in creating and maintaining safe
environments by being vigilant, responsive, and proactive in addressing safeguarding
issues. The following responsibilities guide their role:
Promoting a Culture of Safeguarding
Pastoral agents must actively promote and maintain a culture where safeguarding is a priority.
This involves fostering a climate of respect, trust, and transparency, where abuse is not tolerated,
and the dignity of every person is upheld.
 They must be role models of appropriate behavior, always maintaining professional
boundaries and creating environments where all individuals feel valued, safe, and
respected.
 The Church has emphasized that safeguarding is not simply a matter of policy, but
of lived practice. Pastoral agents are instrumental in demonstrating the Church’s
commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.

Education and Awareness

Pastoral agents must be educated about the signs of abuse, the Church’s safeguarding
policies, and their own role in protecting vulnerable individuals. This requires regular
training and staying up to date with current best practices in safeguarding. Training
should focus on recognizing signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and maintaining safe
practices in ministry.

◦ Lay ministers, sisters , catechists, and youth leaders, PMC Animators for
example, must be equipped to identify warning signs of abuse in children or
adults under their care and know how to act if they suspect any harm.

Ensuring Safe Practices and Boundaries

One of the key tasks of pastoral agents is to establish and maintain clear boundaries
within their pastoral work. They must understand the importance of appropriate
conduct, especially when interacting with children and vulnerable adults. This includes
maintaining physical, emotional, and psychological boundaries in all ministerial contexts.

Conti.. Safe boundaries

It also involves respecting personal space, avoiding situations where there is a risk of
inappropriate contact, and ensuring that one-on-one interactions are transparent and safe.
Pastoral agents must follow the safeguarding policies regarding supervision, and when
interacting with minors, they should ensure that there are multiple adults present whenever
possible.

Accountability and Oversight

Pastoral agents are responsible for monitoring the safeguarding practices in their
particular ministry or area of the Church. They must ensure that the safeguarding
procedures are followed and report any concerns or breaches of protocol. Their role
includes regular checks on the status of safeguarding practices and policies within
their areas, creating a system of accountability for all involved in Church activities.
This may involve making sure that all volunteers undergo background checks, that
appropriate records are kept, and that any incidents are documented and appropriately
handled.

Pastoral agents are also involved in reporting concerns to the designated safeguarding
coordinator or diocesan child protection officer when necessary.

The Role of Pastoral Agents in Preventing Abuse

The prevention of abuse is one of the most critical functions of pastoral agents. They
play a proactive role in minimizing the risk of abuse by establishing safe, welcoming, and
respectful environments. This includes:

Creating Safe Spaces for Ministry

Pastoral agents are responsible for ensuring that all ministry environment, whether
religious education classes, youth group meetings, liturgical events, or retreats, are safe
for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This involves assessing spaces for
potential risks, ensuring that there are clear rules for behavior, and that all adults and
children understand these expectations.

◦ For example, in youth groups or catechesis classes, pastoral agents must establish
a clear set of guidelines regarding appropriate conduct, the necessity of open
communication with parents or guardians, and the importance of transparent
interactions.

Training and Empowering the Community

Pastoral agents must not only be trained themselves, but they should also help educate the
wider Church community about safeguarding. This includes empowering parents,
teachers, and volunteers to recognize potential signs of abuse and understand their role in
preventing it.

◦ Educating the congregation about healthy relationships, boundaries, and the

importance of mutual respect in all interactions is a key part of prevention.
Pastoral agents can organize workshops, talks, and initiatives aimed at increasing
awareness.

Building Trusting Relationships

Pastoral agents are often in positions where they have regular contact with children and
vulnerable adults. Building relationships based on trust and respect is essential.

Pastoral agents must show care, empathy, and compassion, ensuring that vulnerable
individuals feel safe to share any concerns or experiences of abuse. It is important that
pastoral agents listen attentively to the voices of children and vulnerable adults, always
taking their concerns seriously.
Encouraging open dialogue is essential, and pastoral agents should be trained to listen
and respond appropriately to any disclosures of abuse or mistreatment, offering support
and ensuring that proper procedures are followed

The Role of Pastoral Agents in Responding to Allegations of Abuse

When abuse occurs or is suspected, the immediate response is critical in ensuring the
safety of the individuals involved and facilitating a proper investigation. Pastoral agents
have the following responsibilities:

Immediate Action
If an abuse allegation is made or a suspicion arises, the pastoral agent must act swiftly,
following the appropriate procedures. This includes removing the alleged abuser from
positions of responsibility, ensuring that the victim receives immediate support, and
reporting the concern to the safeguarding authorities, both within the Church and, when
applicable, to civil authorities.

Pastoral agents must be familiar with diocesan, Congregational and National Episcopal
Conference safeguarding policies and adhere to the guidelines for handling such
situations. They are responsible for ensuring that the appropriate legal and pastoral

Support for Victims

Pastoral agents are instrumental in offering immediate emotional and spiritual support to
victims of abuse. Their role is to listen to the victim, offer comfort, and guide them
toward the appropriate resources, such as counseling, legal assistance, and spiritual
care. While pastoral agents cannot provide specialized therapeutic support, they should
ensure that the victim is connected with professionals who can help.

◦ In the case of minors, pastoral agents must ensure that the child’s parents or
guardians are immediately informed (unless they are the perpetrators of the abuse)
and that the child’s safety is prioritized.

Working with Safeguarding Coordinators

Pastoral agents should work closely with the diocesan safeguarding coordinator or
relevant authorities to ensure that all safeguarding protocols are followed. This includes
ensuring that reports are made in a timely and thorough manner, that the
investigation process is transparent, and that the pastoral care for all individuals
involved is handled with sensitivity and respect.

◦ Conclusion: The Integral Role of

Pastoral Agents in Safeguarding

Pastoral agents are critical to the safeguarding process in the Church. They play an
essential role in creating safe environments, preventing abuse, responding to
allegations, and supporting healing and reconciliation. Through their leadership,
compassion, and vigilance, pastoral agents help ensure that the Church fulfills its
mission to protect the vulnerable and provide care for all members of the community.
Their commitment to safeguarding is not only a pastoral obligation but also a moral and
theological imperative that reflects the Church's mission to be a place of love, healing,
and justice for all.

Sources

Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World) –

Vatican II, 1965

◦ Key sections to focus on: Chapters 1 and 2 on human dignity, the Church's
mission, and societal responsibility.

Vademecum for the Pastoral Care of the Person Who Has Suffered Abuse – Holy
See, 2018

◦ Entire document for understanding how the Church provides healing, care, and
accountability in cases of abuse.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People – USCCB, 2002

◦ Focus on the introduction and key principles of the Charter, especially those
related to transparency, zero tolerance, and victim support.

Additional Reading (optional for deeper exploration):

Doyle, Thomas. The Church and the Abuse Crisis: What We Have Learned. 1st ed., 2006.

◦ The Church and the Abuse Crisis: What We Have Learned by Fr. Thomas Doyle

◦ The Church’s Response to Sexual Abuse: A Global Crisis by David Gibson

Catechism of the Catholic Church, Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, USCCB, 2002.

Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World), Vatican II,
1965.

O’Malley, S. Pastoral Response to Abuse: Theology and Practice, Paulist Press, 2017.

Smith, T. Priests in the Service of Safeguarding: Integrating Moral Theology and

Pastoral Care, Routledge, 2019.

McMullin, S. "Justice and Mercy in the Catholic Tradition: A Framework for Response
to Abuse," Theological Studies Journal, 79(3), 2018.
International Guidelines for Child Protection, UNICEF, 2020.