Tokyo, Japan, Apr 13, 2019 / 05:01 am
Catholic bishops in Japan have said they will investigate reports of clergy sex abuse of minors dating back at least as far as 20 years, and they believe many victims might still be reluctant to come forward.
Committees have been established in all 16 dioceses to receive claims and consultations about abuse, the Japanese bishops' conference said April 8, announcing the decision of the conference standing committee. The specifics of an inquiry are not yet decided, but it will revisit previous reports for an "in-depth investigation," the Japan Times reports.
The bishops are considering seeking help from external bodies.
In 2002 an internal survey made inquiries with the leading priest in each diocese. This resulted in two reported cases of sex abuse.