A Church Plan On Sex Abuse

By MARGUERITE MICHAELS

The nation's Roman Catholic bishops last week adopted a new policy for handling priests accused of sexual abuse. The plan amends the one adopted by the bishops in June but rejected by the Vatican out of concern that it denied clerics due process. How does the new plan work once it gets the expected Vatican approval? A Notebook primer:

What happens when a priest is accused of sexual abuse?

A board composed mostly of lay Catholics and at least one priest advises the bishop privately if there is "sufficient evidence" of abuse. If there is, the priest is temporarily removed from ministry pending a church tribunal.

How do the tribunals function?

They are similar to ones the church has used for such things as marriage annulments. A canon lawyer--a church lawyer--represents the accused priest in front of as many as five judges, all priests who are canon lawyers. The victim is asked to testify.

And if a priest is found guilty?

He can't wear a collar or give Communion, and he may be formally stripped of his status. If he maintains his innocence, he can appeal to the Vatican.

Do bishops have to tell the police of abuse allegations?

Only when state law requires it. Many states don't require it, but most bishops say they plan to tell anyway.

--By Marguerite Michaels