And if they do it, will they be turned in by alert lay person?
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati has issued a detailed list of inappropriate behaviors for priests, saying they should not kiss, tickle or wrestle children.
The newest version of the archdiocese’s Decree on Child Protection also prohibits bear hugs, lap-sitting and piggyback rides.
But it says priests may still shake children’s hands, pat them on the back and give high-fives.
A Chicago Jesuit in the early ‘60s, studying in Rome, was given to probably innocent displays of affection. But when a mother saw him hugging a kid in the roadway, she flew out the house and pulled the kid away, spouting fearsome commentary.
He told about it on his return to the States, degreed and ready to teach. I thought nothing of it except to wonder at Italian parents’ worry about us cassock-wearers. Doesn’t look so simple now.
The priest later was credibly accused of displaying unwarranted affection to coeds, telling them it wasn’t a sin because he was a priest. Not simple at all.
Blithe Spirit 
Europeans don’t have the same affection for their priests as Americans do — government-supported religion and oten arrogant priests (maybe even pedophiles) did not cause people to trust them.
In the U. S., those priests who came to the colonies and early states made enormous sacrifices for the people and helped build their churches, schools, and hospitals. They used their literacy to defend their immigrant parishioners. Hence, we trusted and loved them in return.
The creeps among the clergy have made us both sad and suspicious. Now we understand that Italian mother’s response to that hug.
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