[Steve0113]

The idea of rumors being investigated by the church sounds great to me, but I don't see how they could avoid reporting it to the authorities if they find evidence that it happened.

No one is suggesting that they not report it. Indeed, they would be obliged to report it if they were to find such evidence. The purpose of the investigation is precisely to look for evidence, so as to weed out false charges that would unjustly destroy the priest's reputation.

[Wolfie]

Sounds like a good policy. Would you object to your local Day Care center doing the same?

[Alamo-Girl]

I'm glad the information was helpful to the debate!

The article sounded to me like it was seeking jurisdiction over these types of cases. On rereading the article, I can see the other view - that it must reported to authorities.

But, IMHO, the article adds to the confusion in the second to the last paragraph:

The rules, issued to Roman Catholic bishops by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, instruct bishops and heads of religious orders to open an investigation at a mere hint of paedophile behaviour by a priest within their jurisdiction, and to put the offender on trial behind closed doors in an ecclesiastical court if there is sufficient evidence.

Perhaps it would have been more clear for the author of the article to add a phrase like ", in addition to all other legally required remedies." Or something like that...