Some time ago I issued an Ad Clerum regarding the confession of sins, particularly focussing on restrictions surrounding the granting of absolution to a person who confesses to child abuse. Because these circumstances can present a moral, theological and legal minefield, the Australian Bishops issued Pastoral Guidelines which apply in Tasmania. At present, the only priest in Tasmania specifically licensed by me for this ministry is the Rev. Canon Doug Edmonds. Doug has recently participated in a training program arranged by the Province of Victoria and so it seemed timely to reissue a slightly updated Ad Clerum as a reminder of the protocols in place for hearing the confession of a child abuser.

You will find the Ad Clerum Number 04/2010 on the Diocesan website under From Bishop John (addresses, letters, reflections, messages). The link is here.