MEDWAY, Mass. -- For the first time in more than six months, Cardinal Bernard Law Tuesday held a formal meeting with hundreds of area priests to address the sex abuse crisis.

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NewsCenter 5's Rhondella Richardson reported that priests were allowed to express their concerns to Law about the church's handling of the crisis. While the meeting was behind closed doors, priests who attended it said that the conversation was frank, with some priests thanking Law for his leadership and at least one saying it might be time for Law to step down.

"We are in the process of preparing a revised policy and procedures for this whole area of protection of children -- how cases, how allegations are handled from A to Z," Law said.

Those who attended the meeting said that the discussion was valuable as civil and criminal cases continue to move forward against priests accused of sexually abusing minors.

"I was very encouraged by the cardinal's approach to the dialogue with the Voice of the Faithful," said the Rev. Dan Riley, of St. Williams. "There's no definitive decisions, but there seems to be a real positive dialogue going on."

Some of the priests also expressed concerns about Law's health, but he said that he was doing fine and any weight he has lost recently has been intentional.