(ANS - Rome)– On Thursday 3 April the Assembly of GC27 approved the creation of a commission for the specific issue of "the protection of minors and the prevention of violence against them."

The Commission has the task of preparing "a policy from GC27 on the prevention of violence against minors, the protection of minors and the promotion of a pedagogy for the protection of minors. This policy should confirm the lines of protocol established by the congregation if ever cases of ill treatment or violence against minors should arise within Salesian educational institutions."

Even without an ad hoc committee, this issue would certainly have been present in the operational guidelines of the GC27, especially in reference to the service of young people. With the establishment of a specific Commission, greater importance is given to the issue and it draws more attention. This will most probably lead to the approval of a Chapter deliberation.

According to the Regulations , the President of the Assemblydecided on the composition of the commission, which is already at work. It consists of the following members chapter members:

Fr Fabio Attard and Bro. Jean Paul Muller, General Councillors; Fr Gregory Chamber, Provincial of Australia; Fr Marcelo Farfan, Provincial of Ecuador; Fr Ajoi Fernandes, Delegate from India–Mumbai.              

Published 04/04/2014