When Pope Francis announced on December 17 that he had abolished pontifical secrecy for cases of clerical sexual abuse, some observers compared the move to a regime opening its secret files, bringing to light years of testimony and documents.
The new protocol will transform legal proceedings and the lives of abuse survivors, those accused of abusing them, and bishops in charge of exercising oversight.
A United Methodist clergyman has retired “under complaint” after facing formal accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse from four women.
Under a resolution with the West Ohio Conference, Donald “Bud” Heckman can no longer represent himself as under appointment by the church nor perform ministerial activities in the name of the United Methodist Church. The agreement also states that Heckman “publicly acknowledges in writing his personal regret” for sexual misconduct, harassment, and not being celibate in singleness and faithful in marriage.