An advocacy group for Catholic religious has urged major superiors of women’s congregation to ensure that their members are protected against sexual harassment. The Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace, in a press release on February 3, also asked the superiors to report to “appropriate civil and ecclesial authorities” any crime against their members.
This was the advice given by the Union of International Superiors General (UISG) as well as various papal documents; the Ranchi-based forum reminds the superiors. The press release was issues in response to the guidelines issued by the Permanent Synod of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, through a circulated dated January 18, to ensure “discipline” within the Church.
“There is a legitimate apprehension among the faithful that with such diktats, the concept of the Church as the People of God is gradually being eroded,” regrets the press release that was endorsed by 78 priests, nuns and lay persons in India.
It underscores that the Church is the body of Christ where freedom, fraternity and equality among members as well as servant leadership are cherished values.
“Sadly, the recent happenings in the Church and the present attitude of the Bishop’s Synod do not reflect this self-understanding of the Church as seen in the teachings of Vatican II and explicitly shown by Pope Francis through his prophetic words and example,” the press release says. The forum also asserts that “religious vows are not bonds of slavery as the circular seems to convey, but are diadems signifying freedom and liberation from human limitations.”
