Introduction to the Child Protection Manual (Tutela Minorum)

On 12th April 2025, 27 members from the Catholic Lawyers Society Kuala Lumpur attended a training session titled ‘Introduction to the Child Protection Manual (Tutela Minorum)’ . This training session was presented by Rev Fr Gregory Chan in his capacity as head of the Professional Standards Office.

The session focused on the Universal Guidelines Framework for Tutela Minorum, a document issued by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. Over the course of the session, Fr Gregory detailed these guidelines in the context of canon law and Malaysian law, specifically provisions of the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008.

The participants were actively engaged in robust discussion and debate throughout the session. Apart from practical issues and concerns, deeper philosophical matters relating to the need to make the Church a safe place for the vulnerable were also discussed. The session left participants convicted of the importance of the mission to protect children in the Church. They also discussed the necessary next steps in fulfilling the requirements of the guidelines to better protect the most vulnerable and voiceless among us.

To quote the late Pope Francis who unwaveringly advocated for the protection of minors, stating that it is a fundamental aspect of Christian testimony, “Where there is a child or a vulnerable person who is safe, there Christ is served and honored” .