Aug 11, 2008 9:15 am US/Pacific
Ohio Church: No Tickling, High-Fives OK
CINCINNATI (CBS News) ―
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The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has issued a detailed list of inappropriate behaviors for priests, saying they should not kiss, tickle or wrestle children.
AP
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has issued a detailed list of inappropriate behaviors for priests, saying they should not kiss, tickle or wrestle children.
The newest version of the archdiocese's Decree on Child Protection also prohibits bear hugs, lap-sitting and piggyback rides.
But it says priests may still shake children's hands, pat them on the back and give high-fives.
Victim advocates who have criticized the Roman Catholic archdiocese for its handling of abuse cases say they support the new measures as a step toward better protection of children.
The Cincinnati archdiocese says it updates the rules every five years. The latest version, issued last week, also mandates background checks for contractors working with children.
Church officials say the list should help eliminate any confusion staff members or volunteers might have about contact with kids, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.
"We try to make it better all the time," said archdiocese spokesman Dan Andriacco.
Andriacco said 266 people have been barred from working with kids because of criminal convictions or misconduct, the Enquirer reported.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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