AMERICAN CATHOLIC bishops meeting in Washington this week are saying that revisions to their tough child sexual abuse policy won't compromise the safety of children. They further say that changes under consideration won't diminish efforts to bar from ministry sexual predator priests.

But the hierarchy of the American Catholic Church has a credibility problem. For decades, cardinals and bishops shielded accused clergy from the law and, worse, transferred them to new parishes where they could abuse again. When those actions came to light this year, many Catholics reacted with outrage at the behavior and perceived cover-up. Recognizing the brewing crisis in confidence, bishops moved decisively to address the issue and repair relations with their congregants: At a June meeting in Dallas, they adopted a tough stand on sexual abuse by clergy and swiftly began removing offenders from ministry.

The Vatican, however, found fault with the policy. It characterized aspects as vague and in conflict with church law. A review panel proposed changes to ensure the due process rights of accused priests, provide for secret church tribunals to try priests who fight accusations and restrict the time period in which the church will act on allegations.

But the proposed revisions to the "zero tolerance" policy suggest a "three steps forward, two steps back" scenario. The bishops have had to retreat from aspects of the Dallas policy to reconcile it with church law, provisions that had begun to restore parishioners' faith in their leaders. Priests accused of this crime -- and child sexual abuse is a crime -- certainly are entitled to their rights. But, for example, church officials would no longer have to report allegations of abuse to civil authorities. The new policy requires only that church officials "comply with all applicable civil laws." Nearly half of the states don't require clergy to report these allegations.

Also, the return of a statute of limitations means victims must report the abuse within 10 years of their 18th birthday. Victims' groups argue that the trauma and shame of sexual abuse often prevent the abused from coming forward until well into adulthood.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is expected to vote on the revisions today. Church leaders are trying to assure the public that they remain committed to protecting children. Bishops, they note, retain ultimate authority over priests serving in their diocese. The Baltimore Archdiocese is expected to maintain its strong stance.

But many American Catholics will again be relying on their prelates to do what's necessary to protect children and not hide behind church law to do otherwise. Laity groups that have formed in the wake of the scandal can help ensure church leaders do the right thing by lobbying states to include clergy in mandatory reporting laws.

And, if church leaders want to strengthen their relationship with parishioners, they should encourage lay groups and congregants to participate in church life, not vilify them for speaking out on controversial issues. The church isn't a democracy, but it would do well to practice diplomacy and foster dialogue between priest and parishioner.