Priest concerned by clergy sex abuse allegations

There have been a number of cases in Jamaica in which religious leaders have been charged for sexually abusing underage girls.

The most recent allegation is against a Kenyan Roman Catholic priest who has been charged with sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years old, sexual touching of a child, grievous sexual assault, and abduction of a child. In May, a Kingston pastor was sentenced to 15 years for rape, following a 2014 incident, while a MoBay pastor is to stand trial in November for allegedly raping a teen in 2021.

Anglican priest Sean Major-Campbell says that "the abuse and violation of a child is one of the most gruesome and painful acts of violence".

"It also attacks the well-being of the wider community. Clergy sex abuse is most debilitating given the breach of sacred trust and the long-lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences," he said.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force indicated that the alleged offences involving the Kenyan priest were committed on March 19, but reported to authorities on June 23.

"Imagine the trauma, the fear, the powerlessness and the betrayal this 12-year-old is experiencing. Yet, she has gone only 96 days of an event that has marred her entire life," Major-Campbell said.

"The crushing effect on the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of survivors of abuse is so overwhelming. I believe child sex abuse is a pervasive evil that transcends religious institutions. The church always suffers from any action that betrays the sacred trust given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his life for all. Children are the life and future of the church. If children suffer, the church suffers," Major-Campbell added.

"There is often the necessity for much psychosocial support for survivors, their family and the church community," he said.

Major-Campbell said the Anglican Church strictly observes a sexual harassment policy in its Code for Clergy Conduct.

"I do not spend time alone with minors. The exception has been my biological child. I do counselling in an office with a glass window in the door. An adult/guardian must be on the other side of the door and should feel free to look in at any time during the counselling session," he said.

He advised that parents and community members should become more vigilant in sensitising and empowering children with information regarding their vulnerability to sexual predators.