Japanese bishops vow for stronger response to sexual abuse cases

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan (CBCJ) has renewed its pledge to respond more appropriately and adequately to sexual abuse cases, primarily those wherein clergy and Church leaders are involved.

In a statement, CBCJ President and Tokyo Archbishop Isao Kikuchi said that they will spend more time with young people to further improve their response to such confidential matters.

“We will listen to the voices of youth who bear the weight of our time and those of the entire the Church as we consider… how to reorganize our structures to do so, and how to enlighten the clergy and community leaders,” he said.

The CBCJ’s statement was released in line with the annual Day of Prayer and Penance for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse, commemorated in Japan every second Friday of Lent. This year, it will fall on March 21.

Archbishop Kikuchi pointed out that under the legal structure of Japan and the Church’s current organizational design, each diocese and religious order is independent “and cannot work together to address transparency, accountability, and evaluation.”

The prelate further pointed out that collaboration with third-party experts “from inside and outside the Church” is necessary to appropriately support the victims of sexual abuse.

According to a survey conducted on 16 dioceses, 40 men’s communities, and 55 women’s communities in Japan, a total of 16 sexual abuse allegations by priests or religious were reported.

The Japanese faithful have been urged to fully report such cases to their respective diocesan bishops or the headquarters of the religious congregation involved.

In addition, Archbishop Kikuchi revealed that the CBCJ, together with the Council of Religious Orders of Men and Women, has been “hurrying to build a framework for a collaborative relationship that transcends existing frameworks” with the Pontifical Committee for the Protection of Minors.

The archbishop also echoed the final document of last October’s Synod, which vows to promote “a culture of safeguarding” for minors and vulnerable people among all ecclesial environments.

“The reception and support of victims is a delicate and indispensable task, which requires great humanity and must be carried out with the help of qualified people… Safeguarding processes must be constantly monitored and evaluated. Victims and survivors must be welcomed and supported with great sensitivity,” the document elaborated.

Furthermore, Archbishop Kikuchi asked for forgiveness on behalf of the Church to the many people who have been affected by sexual abuse, which he described as an act that undermines human dignity and puts the blame on the victims.

“I sincerely apologize for the sins of the Church, including indifference, cover-up, and secondary harm,” he said.

Since 2025 is a Jubilee Year, the prelate encouraged everyone to reflect on the past and seek forgiveness for sins.

“A Church that invites us to walk together in this Holy Year cannot be a witness to hope unless it reflects on its past, admits its sins, and is determined not to repeat them,” said the archbishop.