Catholic priest says children must be protected at all times

John said children must be protected at all times
John said children must be protected at all times

Roman Catholic Priest, Father Brancker John, has said the role of the Priest is to take care of children at all times.

John, who spoke to the media during a consultation held with religious leaders on child abuse at the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) building on Monday, said the first move in society has to be the protection of children.

“I think that is where we lapse a bit here in Dominica,” he said. “So our role is to take care of children, care for them always and in every way that we can. My job as a Catholic Priest is first, make sure that I preach that word and to encourage families, caregivers, parents, that they can and should take care of those children. We are called as religious leaders to do the same thing and to ensure that our children know that they should be cared for by their parents and caregivers, they have to know that and sometimes that is where the problem is.”

He stated that children get confused as to what is an act of love and what is not.

“What they may perceive to be an act of love might actually be an act of abuse,” he stated. “So we have to learn to teach our children those things…”

John stated further that his responsibility as a Catholic Priest is to preach the gospel and specifically as it relates to taking care of God’s children.

“Jesus was very adamant as to how we should treat children,” he noted. “Let the children come to me, he says, do not hinder them for the Kingdom of Heaven belong to such as these.”

Father John is also of the view that the Sexual Offences Act should be reviewed, “especially as there are lots of confusion in regards to the age of consent.”

“Consent to do what? What are we saying our young people can consent to?” he asked.

He pointed out that the law says a 16-year-old is able to consent to sexual activity, but on the other hand they cannot get a driver’s license.

“So really there is a lot of confusion as to what sexuality is about and the role of sex in the community and what children are supposed to respond to…,” he stated. “So I would like to see that tackled and other things in the law: responsibility of adults, stiffer penalties, not just stiffer penalties but what are we called to do?”

Meantime he revealed that the Catholic Church is under a lot of pressure as it relates to child sexual abuse.

“The Catholic Church has responded, especially in the United States,” he explained.

However, he stated, polices are being put in place by the Church for the protection of children.

“Now we are advised that whenever we meet a minor for counselling, for discussion, for prayer, it is advisable that we do that in a place where an adult would have access to at anytime,” John explained. “Or if the room has to be closed, preferably done in a room where you can see through a glass door, so that there is no time when a minister or priest is alone with the child unsupervised, where an adult doesn’t have access to.”

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28 Comments

  1. Pa Ecin
    May 20, 2015

    Did you not read what was said by Fr. John? “My job as a Catholic priest is first to make sure that I preach the word … and to encourage families, caregivers, parents, that they should take care of those children.” He didn’t mention cuddling anybody’s children so what is Francisco Telemaque’s problem? Father Priest spoke the truth – just applaud him for speaking the truth and leave out the negativity. There are more people out there cuddling versus the number of priests you think are messing with people’s kids. Go find those people and put “the brakes on them.”

    • May 20, 2015

      @Pa Ecin May 20, 2015

      That is why I spoke of man existing in the darkness of their mind–a grave illness of their mind. But a foolish person here, believed that he/she was doing himself/herself a favor by trying to contend against my knowledge. “What is the Light you are speaking about”– the person remarked

      But you have said it right on: “Just applaud him for speaking the truth and leave out the negativity” Yes indeed that stature of “negativity” is the condition of the carnal mind plagued in darkness.

      John 1: 4- 5: tells us : “In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shone in the “darkness”, and the “darkness” did not comprehend it”

      Those people with their negative product, against everything, do not know that they are suffering from the most tragic illness of existence in this world–in fact that illness has already defeated them. Life is about fruitful production. there is no place for the seeds of futility and death.

  2. The Facts
    May 20, 2015

    You are not a Catholic. What do you truly know about it and its teachings except to tell the untruth and exaggerate? I will refute you.
    Priests do not preach the pope’s or bishop’s philosophy. If you think so, I will inform you, the Pope’s philosophy is based solely on the Word of God and according to Holy Scriptures which the priests are obligated to preach. It entails much.
    Prior to writing foolishness which are misleading, first pray to God for discernment. Too many write a lot of crap and what they do not know about. They think they are so smart. You are one of them. You top them. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:
    Matthew 12:35 – 37 – A Tree and Its Fruit – A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil.
    “I tell you, on the Day of Judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

    • The Facts
      May 20, 2015

      This is for Telemaque who loves to make statements as also blabbing his mouth which he knows nothing about.

  3. febrese
    May 20, 2015

    There is a police officer who is on a rampage abusing young ladies, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15…… he has a girlfriend who has two kids who he is abusing.. my wife knows about one of the young girls because she actually saw the child at his house… somebody must help those kids ..

    • The Facts
      May 20, 2015

      If you know about it, that somebody is you and your wife.
      Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “If you know and do nothing about it, it is a sin. You will be severely punished.”
      Therefore, you have the obligation to do something about it. You should be able to do so incognito. Since you know, if you fail to report it, woe to you. You are contributing to and guilty of child abuse and continuation of same.

  4. mydominicatradehouse.com
    May 20, 2015

    its great news that the government can be tougher on these criminals, but why is it that the police never arrest any priest when those sexual abuse come about, but rather leave it to the bishop, is he a separate governmental entity in our land..

    Dominicans open you all noses to smell the roses… evil doers since the beginning of that type of christianity

    • The Facts
      May 20, 2015

      The Catholic Church has an internal process. I could elaborate further on this. However, in recent years because one person reported a priest, others heard of the suits which entail money and decided to cash in as well. For those who are adults, it was all because of money.
      We reside in a scandalous society. Think of the many ways that people sin and offend God. Refer to The Ten Commandments of God and The New Testament. Yet, they are after the priests, making evil comments about them, some even telling lies so that they could profit from the Church. Do you not think that God will punish them?
      I was born and brought up in D/ca. I know many priests. I recall those days as a young child when I would go to the Presbytery for medals and pictures. One child would know of it and others did likewise. Today, I think, those poor priests, when taking an afternoon nap, were bothered by children.
      How many priests you know in D/ca who abused children? I know of none.

    • May 20, 2015

      God Almighty has delegated to human governments – and vested in them – the authority to hand down and enforce laws to govern us. We must obey those laws and submit to the civil authorities UNLESS their
      law is contrary to the Word of God. Please read Romans 13:1-7 Now to find an example of how Christians are to respond if a law or ruling from our government is contrary to what God tells us to do in the Bible (the Word of God) please read Mark 16:15 and Acts 5:25-29.

      If a priest commits an act of sexual child abuse (or forces himself upon an adult) it is a violation of a civil law. It is a police matter. The Bible says the police are God’s ministers (meaning servants) to enforce the laws of the land. Please read Romans 13:4. This is a crime. It is the responsibility of the police and should be reported to them immediately.

      The bishop has no right to interfere with a criminal matter nor should he be involved unless he is called to testify.

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill,…

  5. natural dominican
    May 20, 2015

    bra that’s OK; I’ve seen the extent of priest protection our children. NO SIR. I will protect my own

  6. The Facts
    May 19, 2015

    Parents are the primary ones to protect their children and to advise them about the perils that lurk, waiting to pounce on them.
    Parents must be counseled on how best to relay this to their children so as not to put fear into them.
    We do know some parents do not have the ability to counsel their children.
    I do hope, in view of the number of child abuse cases which have surfaced in recent years in Dominica, parents will be wiser to protect their children.
    Children need to be children. They are only a child once. Allow them to be without harming them. May child abuse be eradicated.

  7. truth
    May 19, 2015

    Well said Father John, no time for double standard. Continue to be open and speak the truth, the word of God is truth. You are on the right tract do not turn back on your ministry. May the Spirit of God the Advocate fill you with wisdom

  8. Rabbit
    May 19, 2015

    When Brancher John can answer the question…Where is Cardinal Bernard Law?(a fugitive from justice) & why is he there?then he can speak on the protection of children. Until then neither him nor his church has no moral authority to speak on such matters. Now I have come to the realization that DNO doesn’t allow the criticism of religion I have no clue as to why but being a news organization you all should let people on both sides express their views without prejudice. I think we had enough of the religious bullying

    • The Facts
      May 19, 2015

      Look into your conscience and contemplate how often you have disobeyed God’s Ten Commandments and the religious teaching of the Church, whichever one you attend.
      Our Lord said, “The manner you measure to others it will be measured to you and two-fold.” This means also what Our Lord said, “Judge not that you may not be judged accordingly and twofold.” These are warnings of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
      People as you act as if you are a saintly person. God knows you and how much you offend Him on a daily basis, day and night. Look to yourself. Repent, make penance and sacrifice as a form of restitution to God. Be humble and holy. This is what will also appease our God.

    • May 20, 2015

      The situation with Cardinal Bernard Law is a very sad case indeed. Nothing in recent times reveals the heart of the Roman Catholic Church like this story.

      It also shows that many people would rather live in darkness (ignorance), and die in their sins, than change the direction of their faith journey.

      I encourage you to read your New Testament, especially the Gospel according to St. John, and the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust HIM alone as your Savior
      according to St. John 14:6, and Acts 4:12. This means you must believe what HE did for you on the cross paid the penalty in full for you sins. Please read Romans 5:6-8!

      This is all you need because the Bible says …

      ”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9)

      Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  9. May 19, 2015

    My job as a Catholic Priest is first, make sure that I preach that word and to encourage families, caregivers, parents, that they can and should take care of those children—@News Article

    Mr. Priest, Brancker John, you are right on with that claim of yours. My hope is that you are keeping it steadfast–along with the other priests in Dominica.

    We know that children spent their largest time with their parents and family–it is there job to counsel their children, as it is your job to build them to do that counseling, through your knowledge and teachings of the Principles of Life in the Holy Bible

  10. May 19, 2015

    Proud to see you speak up. Do not falter , do not be afraid but speak the truth.GOD’S LOVE

  11. May 19, 2015

    Any government planning to review its laws relating to the protection of children and sexual child abuse
    does well to ask the church leaders of all denominations for their input. On the other hand church leaders must obey the laws and teach their congregations to do the same because nobody is above the law.

    Father Brancker John has shared some valuable insight. He has mentioned several things that probably need to be clarified both in law and in ministry.

    I especially appreciated what he said about a priest or minister using an appropriate place to meet with a minor for counselling, for discussion, or for prayer where they can be seen or if it is a closed in space an adult can walk in at any time. Early in my ministry I was taught this by those who instructed our young pastors in the practice of counselling.

    Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

    • The Facts
      May 20, 2015

      I wish the government would arrest those who participate in same sex relationships, if caught. Two men and two women? Oh my!
      It is still a shock to me that some countries as Canada legislated same sex so-called marriage and some people who call themselves Christians approve it, applaud it and encourage it.. Some churches even appoint them as pastors and bishops.
      Know that the majority of politicians (not all) voted for it. The PM had no choice but to legislate it.
      I often think of Sodom and Gomorrah and what will occur to the world because of homosexuality and so-called same sex marriage, abominations. Most of us never thought that this would ever recur in our world and time.
      Let us not be too comfortable, for as I have thought, when God gets angry enough and cannot stamina this disobedience, sin which is slapping him in the face, as some deny him and ignore him, He will do what He has to do to purge the world of all evil people and their evil activities.

      • May 21, 2015

        I totally agree.

        A genuine Christian would not approve same sex marriages. Obviously some who profess to be Christians approve same sex marriages. They may have religion but they do not have salvation, and have not been born again. (St. John 3:) They have never been made a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

        It is true some mainline denominations ordain homosexual ministers. These organizations are not true churches in any Biblical sense. The Word of God warns us that in the last days such people would arise and deceive many. (Matthew 24:11,12) (2 Timothy 3:1-7) ( 2 Timothy 4:1-5)

        True Christians are called by God to separate themselves from such people and walk in holiness. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) We cannot ”worship” with them nor have any part with them in their so-called ”churches”. (Ephesians 5:11,12)

        Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. International Evangelist.

  12. concerned
    May 19, 2015

    Could not have been said better. age of consent should be raised to 18 years old. Time to revise law.
    Adults stop abusing your children in the name of love.
    Well said brother.

  13. Francisco Telemaque
    May 19, 2015

    The job of a priest is to preach the word, of God as it is written in the Bible, The Church which is the congregation takes care of the poor and needy, and orphan’s if there are any in the congregation. That is the purpose of collecting tithes and offerings collected in church.

    Feed the poor children through their poor parent, you do not have to cuddle anybody child!

    It is the duty of the parent to look after their children, one of the reasons so many children the world over are abused sexually is because of the priest who believe they are duty bound to associate and play around with people’s children. Your duty is to preach the word of God, and not the bishop, and pope philosophy!

    • Views Expressed
      May 19, 2015

      Telemaque, you right on Q up until the point of this statement:

      “Your duty is to preach the word of God, and not the bishop, and pope philosophy”

      I think sometimes you think, speak and write with a vengeance. Please be careful, sometimes the real message gets hidden and lost, a real distraction. Hope this is helpful

    • The Facts
      May 19, 2015

      If we knew you and your lifestyle, past and present, we will know how many times you cuddled women against their will. You are too much of a hypocrite, masquerading as an angel or saint as you give advice which suits you.
      God knows you. Therefore, do not pretend. You do not have to spew your personal life but do not be a hypocrite and pretend that you are saintly and always lived a saintly life. Keep quiet. I detest hypocrites. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:

      • May 20, 2015

        @The Facts May 19, 2015

        This is so, so, very true; I wonder you even know how much!

    • The Facts
      May 20, 2015

      There are times I think you do not know what you state. Are you in your right mind? Tell us, what pope and bishop philosophy you heard the priests preach.
      I am a practicing Christian Catholic. Whatever the priests state are based on The Word of God as contained in Holy Scripture. There is the religious teaching of the Church, the latter “1 Timothy 6:3 – Teach and Urge These Things.”
      St. Paul also wrote, “Hold on to your tradition that you were taught.” It is in the Holy Bible!
      You need to study the Holy Bible. You are not well-versed in it, if not at all.
      Be careful not to speak ill of the Catholic Church for you will condemn yourself.

  14. Bertilia
    May 19, 2015

    Well said Fr John. That is why I love this guy, not a hypocrite and never afraid to speak the truth!

  15. straped
    May 19, 2015

    I will protect my lil sister .

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