France sets up new clerical sex abuse body

The French Catholic Church is to set up a new commission to advise bishops and help them handle cases of child sex abuse by priests.

Bishop Georges Pontier, head of the French bishops' coference, disclosed the new commission's growing concerns about child sex abuse and the Catholic Church in France. 

The new body will be independent, secular and chaired by a lay person. Members will include former magistrates, doctors, psychologists, teachers and parents, according to AP.

It will be set up soon, said Bishop Pontier, who met Pope Francis a few days ago.

It will include a new website and other measures.

Bertrand Virieux, 44, a victim of a priest when he was a child, said the plans were not enough, however.

"We need strong decisions. And this doesn't necessarily mean units specialised in listening to victims, but rather an immediate reporting to the prosecutor," he told iTele channel.

related articles
Australian church abuse victims dismayed Pope did not meet them
Australian church abuse victims dismayed Pope did not meet them

Australian church abuse victims dismayed Pope did not meet them

Sex abuse victim \'deeply distressed\' by Lord Carey support for Bishop Bell
Sex abuse victim 'deeply distressed' by Lord Carey support for Bishop Bell

Sex abuse victim 'deeply distressed' by Lord Carey support for Bishop Bell

Disgraced Christian minister Paul Flowers in new sex and drugs scandal
Disgraced Christian minister Paul Flowers in new sex and drugs scandal

Disgraced Christian minister Paul Flowers in new sex and drugs scandal

Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England
Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England

Sex abuse public inquiry begins investigation into Church of England

Law professor wins compensation from CofE for clergy sex abuse
Law professor wins compensation from CofE for clergy sex abuse

Law professor wins compensation from CofE for clergy sex abuse

Anne Graham Lotz invites people to pray, assuring them that one prayer can make a difference
Anne Graham Lotz invites people to pray, assuring them that one prayer can make a difference

Anne Graham Lotz invites people to pray, assuring them that one prayer can make a difference

News
A brief history of Christmas bans
A brief history of Christmas bans

These days, Christmas is hard to miss and nearly impossible to avoid. But at various times it has been banned in different countries, including Britain. This is the story …

Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact
Organisers of Christmas evangelistic campaign thrilled with impact

Organisers of this year's Shine Your Light Christmas evangelistic outreach have been "overwhelmed" by the response from local churches.

Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone
Reach out to others, says Salvation Army, as 1.8 million Brits set to spend Christmas Day alone

People are being urged to reach out after polling suggested 1.8 million UK adults will spend Christmas Day alone, even though they do not want to.

Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church
Another Christmas in hardship for Gaza church

For Christians sheltering in the Holy Family parish in Gaza, there will be few comforts this Christmas.