Move to fight paedophiles

MORE than 8,000 clergy and members of the Church in Wales have signed a child protection declaration that they will agree to police checks designed to weed out paedophiles.

Child protection panels have been set up in each of the dioceses, and later this month the Church in Wales governing body will hear a report which says that clergy who hear confessions should make the welfare of children paramount.

"Matters of conflicting loyalty or responsibility, such as the seal of the confessional, should be clarified, in discussions with the bishop if necessary," says a report prepared for the governing body.