KUCHING — In support of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, Kuching Archdiocese has initiated a series of talks organised throughout its parishes to raise awareness and a sense of responsibility among the clergy, religious and laity as a proactive effort by the church in creating a safe environment and protection of children and the vulnerable under its care.
Concurrent to the above, the Priests in October 2018 and the Archdiocese Pastoral Council Board Meeting on 8 December 2018, have agreed to proceed with implementing the declaration of good behavior by all those who are ministering to children and minors in Sunday schools, mission schools, parish ministries such as youth, and altar servers. This is an initial step by priests, religious, parish councillors, lay leaders and youth leaders to safeguard and protect the young and vulnerable
On 23- 24 March 2019, the Archdiocese of Kuching organised a seminar on ‘Safeguarding our children and setting up of Professional Standard Office (PSO) protocol’ which was facilitated by Rev. Fr William Michael, Raymund Jagan and Christopher Kushi Kotska, the PSO Team from the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. The seminar was attended by priests, seminarians, religious, parish councillors, educators/teachers, youth ministers from Kuching, Sibu and Miri Diocese. Topics covered included Canon Law on Child Protection, Malaysian Child Protection Laws covering sexual offences against children, the national support networks and ministries that provide expertise in handling of cases. Kuching Archdiocese PSO interim committee was also formed to work with Kuala Lumpur in the setting up of PSO.
Later this month in July, the Archdiocese of Kuching will be initiating the signing of a Declaration of Good Behavior. Archbishops and priests will take the lead in their monthly Priests’ Meeting on 17 July, to be followed by Parish Pastoral Councillors, Sisters, Catechists, Sunday School Teachers, Campus and Youth Leaders as our commitment towards safeguarding our young and vulnerable and creating a safe environment in our Church and ministries.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
