Catholic child abuse scandal sparks outrage in Hong Kong

HONG KONG - Allegations that three Roman Catholic priests who worked in Hong Kong were involved in child sex abuse cases had many here demanding a fuller explanation and questioning Friday why the church never told police.

"If the church can tell us how to behave, but would trivialize such a serious crime, I would find it very difficult to carry on proclaiming my faith in the church," said a radio call-in guest, identifying himself as a Catholic surnamed Hui.

Hong Kong's No. 2 government official, Chief Secretary Donald Tsang, who is a devout Catholic, called the abuses "unfortunate and against the law."

The news of the abuse in Hong Kong came amid an unfolding pedophile priest scandal in the United States. Many in Hong Kong were shocked that something similar could happen here.

Newspaper editorials questioned whether church officials had attempted a cover-up or had in effect condoned the abuses.

"Covering up for these priests who have breached the law is to give them an opportunity to continue harming other children," said the Chinese-language Ming Pao Daily.

The Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong said three priests who worked in Hong Kong were accused of molestation during the past 27 years, although it said one of the cases had occurred when the priest was stationed in a different country before coming to Hong Kong.

Two others were suspended from public ministry and one later left the priesthood, the church said Thursday. It pledged a "zero tolerance policy" to remove any priests from public ministry if they are caught molesting children.

The church has declined to identify the priests or to comment in detail on the matter.

Police have said they are investigating, and the vice chancellor of the Hong Kong church, the Rev. Francis Tse, said Friday the church will cooperate.