Policies for the Protection of Minors and the Vulnerable in the Institutions of the Church in India

Abstract

This article systematically studies the policies for the protection of minors and the vulnerable in the context of the Church in India. In the light of the teachings of Pope Francis, Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith and CBCI, the study discusses the policies enacted by the Universal Church to deal with sexual abuse cases, which are applicable in the context of India; the policies enacted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI)  to deal with sexual abuse cases in India, especially the cases in which clerics are involved; and the procedures to be followed when a sexual abuse case is reported to the Bishop or the Major Superior. Furthermore, various policies are presented in detail so that they may become a practical guide to follow the procedures of the Church in dealing with sexual abuse cases.