PRIESTS FORCED TO REVEAL SEXUAL PAST

By James Murray

The Australian

April 1, 2004

Priests in Australia’s largest Anglican diocese (Sydney) must now complete an 8-page questionnaire about sexual history—including relationships outside marriage—as part of a child-abuse crackdown.

Also asked: involvement in the occult, cruelty to animals, internet/porn use, driving offenses, gambling, homosexual relationships, or charges involving minors.

Required for new priests, transfers, and license renewals. “Yes” answers could lead to rejection.

Some bishops criticize it as too intimate—precluding repentance and healing—and fear it may encourage dishonesty.

A national debate is planned in October to seek unified standards. Meanwhile, 60 leaders from 12 denominations recently met in Canberra to discuss abuse, aiming to “develop a positive culture in which abuse and misconduct will not take place.”