Catholic diocese in SC updates abuse policy

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston has signed an updated policy for dealing with allegations of church personnel abusing children.

Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone (goo-yell-MOH’-nee) signed the 69-page document for the statewide diocese on Monday in Charleston.

It includes new rules for using social media and prohibits church personnel from using platforms like Facebook and Twitter to make personal communications with children.

Four years ago, the diocese spent millions to settle dozens of abuse claims brought by those who suffered abuse at the hands of priests from the 1960s through the early 1980s.

But since the abuse policy was last updated eight years ago, the bishop says there have been no new cases of abuse against church personnel in the diocese.