RULES CHANGE: Church members forced to report alleged abuse in Spain

A GROUP of Spanish bishops have created new rules forcing members of the church to report alleged sexual abuse.

The Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE) announced the rules are, “along the same lines,” of those used to protect children and vulnerable adults in the Vatican.

The new Vatican guidelines state any abuse known or suspected in the church must be reported to a civil court, and establishes a fine of between €1,500 and €5,000 for those who fail to comply. 

Spain’s previous protocol from 2010 only tells church authorities to advise victims of sexual abuse to tell relatives or report crimes to a court.