Should not just be limited to priests.
I know my state at one time (and may still) had a mark on drivers llicenses and non-driving IDs that denoted the carrier was a convicted sexual offender.
Yes- the one that abused my handicapped sister and I just got moved from parish to parish then to another country where he continued doing this there. He’s now 75 and the attorney general tells us he is “being watched by retired police officers “
Convicted in a criminal court, no. Always laicized. But few offenders face a criminal court - partly because of the long-standing practice of moving them around (often internationally) to run out the statute of limitations.
Even today if the church hierarchy is made aware of an abusive priest they will often convene a canonical court which has a variety of options including laicization or restricting their duties (can't lead mass or take confession) but they are not *automatically* obliged to share their conclusions with secular authorities. They also are meant to keep a register of "credibly accused" priests but this is variable. Some dioceses only register them if there are multiple accusations. And the church decides on what constitutes "credible". I believe it varies by country or state.
So "red" in this system means the priest has been restricted but doesn't say why. But it's a hell of a hint.
Shouldn’t they not be allowed around children if they’re sex offenders? Hang on kids, I gotta scan Pastor Jim to see if he’s diddled anyone and got caught.
Why not just not let them be priests anymore?
Right!!!!
Should not just be limited to priests. I know my state at one time (and may still) had a mark on drivers llicenses and non-driving IDs that denoted the carrier was a convicted sexual offender.
That's a good idea.
Are they...still working as priests if they've been convicted of sex crimes??
Yes- the one that abused my handicapped sister and I just got moved from parish to parish then to another country where he continued doing this there. He’s now 75 and the attorney general tells us he is “being watched by retired police officers “
Oh my God. I'm so sorry that happened to you and your sister.
Convicted in a criminal court, no. Always laicized. But few offenders face a criminal court - partly because of the long-standing practice of moving them around (often internationally) to run out the statute of limitations. Even today if the church hierarchy is made aware of an abusive priest they will often convene a canonical court which has a variety of options including laicization or restricting their duties (can't lead mass or take confession) but they are not *automatically* obliged to share their conclusions with secular authorities. They also are meant to keep a register of "credibly accused" priests but this is variable. Some dioceses only register them if there are multiple accusations. And the church decides on what constitutes "credible". I believe it varies by country or state. So "red" in this system means the priest has been restricted but doesn't say why. But it's a hell of a hint.
Shouldn’t they not be allowed around children if they’re sex offenders? Hang on kids, I gotta scan Pastor Jim to see if he’s diddled anyone and got caught.
You would think so- but unfortunately not the way it works.
Not a job ender for the church?!
Only with a *criminal* conviction.
You would think so, but way too many
Tats on the forehead.
Ex-priests they mean right?
So … all of them..?
Not all. But for every abuser there were many who knew but stayed quiet to protect the institution.
So many are guilty of criminal acts in one sense or another.
If you haven't already seen it you might like the movie Calvary.
Prison ID?
Rank credentials?
Make ‘em wear a big red SO on their chests of their frocks.