Santiago, Chile, Sep 27, 2018 / 14:10 pm
Amid the crisis facing the Church in Chile regarding sexual and other forms of abuse, the Archdiocese of Santiago has created the Bishops' Delegated Commission for Truth and Peace.
This body will integrate the functions carried out by the Pastoral Office for Abuse Complaints and the Department for the Promotion of Safe Environments with the goal of addressing the harm done by clerics of the archdiocese, responding to current needs and establishing ways to restore trust.
Their functions include coordinating the efforts of the archdiocesan entities aimed at promoting safe and secure environments, as well as receiving and accompanying those making accusations and the victims of abuse in ecclesial contexts.
They will also monitor canonical procedures in abuse cases, provide the necessary monitoring but also pastoral care of the clergy involved and the pastoral care for the communities and persons affected. They will inform the communities "in a duly and timely manner" and collaborate with civil institutions.