A Spanish bishop in Catalonia has told all his staff, including priests and monks, to get a special “anti-paedophile certificate” in order to work in his flock.
Bishop Juan Piris Frígola said staff working within the parish of Lleida must present the certificate, officially called the “Certificate of Sexual Offences” to prove that they are not paedophiles.
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The Local reports:
Anyone in Spain can apply for the certificate – officially called the Certificate of Sexual Offences – a document which proves the holder has never committed a sexual crime.
The certificate can be obtained via a government website and must be carried by those working with children.
The request from the Bishop of Lleida will affect at least 80 priests and around 100 monks as well as at least 400 volunteers who work with children – a number which, the bishop’s office admitted, could be much higher, as it wasn’t sure how many volunteers works on activities in every church, Spanish newspaper El Periódico reported.
The final number will be known in September, the deadline for people to present the relevant documents to obtain the anti-paedophile certificate but parish insiders estimate that “at least 600 people” will be required to obtain the certificate.
The Catholic Church in Spain has been embroiled in a number of sex scandals in recent years.
Niamh Harris
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