54 priests of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia have reaffirmed their commitment to protect minors and vulnerable women against sexual abuse in Liberia.
This was followed by the signing of a compliance form in line with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Liberia (CABICOL) guidelines on Child Protection and Sexual Abuse at the conclusion of a one-day workshop held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Held on Wednesday, the workshop was facilitated by Mr. Joseph Smith, Safeguarding Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Vicar of Priest, McDonald Nah.
Following the signing ceremony, Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe urged the clergy working within the Archdiocese to uphold their commitment, emphasizing the importance of leading by example in protecting minors and vulnerable women.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Monrovia stated that under his leadership, accountability and integrity would be paramount, as in his words “We as a Church, must first hold ourselves accountable and lead others with integrity.”
CABICOL’s mission includes coordinating a unified set of guidelines to provide effective guidance to diocesan bishops and major superiors on childcare and protection.
A statement issued by the Church through the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Fr. Ambrose Dayouga Kroma, emphasized that addressing the grave violation of sexual abuse against “minors and vulnerable adults” by clerics is a primary responsibility for the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Liberia in their respective dioceses.
CABICOL encouraged each bishop to prioritize safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults, committing to creating a “safe environment” for minors within their dioceses, as the guidelines aim to offer hope to all members of the Church, particularly children and the defenseless.
CABICOL affirmed the Church’s life, mission, relationships, and worship; a mission that transforms the values of the world through a commitment to love.
In recent years, the Catholic Church worldwide has become increasingly aware of the crisis of sexual abuse involving some of its members, particularly clerics and in response, the Church has launched a pastoral campaign to address this threat to its nature and mission.
In Liberia, the Catholic Church, with support from the universal Church and in collaboration with global partners, has committed to combating child molestation by approving policy guidelines on child protection and the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults.
