August 2003 Creating a Safe Environment October 18, 2002 Bishop Clark Addresses Delay of Vatican Approval of Charter June 14, 2002 Bishop Clark Issues Statement on USCCB Meeting in Dallas June 11, 2002 Bishop Clark Expands Role of Lay People on Advisory Panel May 4 2002 Bishop Clark's letter to the community
Jan.
6, 2004 -- Independent review
finds Diocese of Rochester in full compliance with the USCCB’s Charter
Diocese
provides statistics on allegations for national study
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -Most Rev. Matthew H. Clark, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, announced today that an audit by an independent firm has found the diocese in full compliance with the provisions of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The release of this information is being made simultaneously with the nationwide release of audit results from all Catholic dioceses in the United States. "The finding
of full compliance by an independent body is a clear indicator that we
are taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe and holy environment for
all children, youth and vulnerable adults," Bishop Clark said. The Charter, which the Catholic bishops of the United States adopted in 2002, requires that each diocese of the United States initiate specific actions to create safe and environments, among them background checks of employees, volunteers and others, awareness training and public outreach. The Charter also directs action in the following areas: healing and reconciliation of victims and survivors; prompt and effective response to allegations; cooperation with civil authorities; disciplining offenders; and providing for means of accountability for the future to ensure the problem continues to be effectively dealt with through a national Office of Child and Youth Protection and a National Review Board. "I am confident we
are taking the right steps to accomplish our mission of prevention through
such measures as criminal background checks of all employees and volunteers
who work with minors and vulnerable adults, through a new Pastoral Code of
Conduct, and the extensive and multi-layered awareness training we are providing.
We simply will not tolerate any other course," Bishop Clark said. [The
Pastoral Code of Conduct is available online at www.dor.org] A former FBI agent and a former Illinois state trooper working for the Gavin Group of Boston, the private firm contracted by the bishops of the United States to conduct the audits, reviewed records and policies and conducted interviews with key diocesan officials and others over a one-week period in September. At the request of the auditors, the Diocese revised and distributed a pamphlet on procedures for filing a complaint, updated existing priest personnel policies to be consistent with the Charter and provided an implementation plan for “safe environment” training pertaining to parents and children. Information about the results was withheld until all dioceses had been audited and a national report could be issued today. The Diocese of Rochester has had a sexual-abuse policy in place since 1993, and was among the first in the nation to initiate specific programs designed to raise awareness and prevent abuse. Over the past two years, the amount of training of employees was increased, and all of the steps required by the Charter were initiated. In addition, a special volunteer training video created by the Diocese of Rochester, with the help of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, has been requested for use by several other dioceses. In addition to the audit results and in keeping with Bishop Clark’s policy of openness and candor concerning this issue, the diocese also released today local statistics pertaining to the number of clerics accused of
sexual misconduct and abuse involving minors dating back more than one-half
century -- to 1950 -- and the amount of financial assistance provided to
alleged victims and clergy over that same period. The Diocese of Rochester
reviewed such records as part of a national study on the scope and nature
of the problem that was commissioned by the National Review Board, the group
that has been asked to monitor the process for the Roman Catholic bishops
of the United States. The results of that national study of every diocese
in the United States, conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice
in New York City, are to be issued next month. The Diocese of Rochester findings: A
total of 114 allegations have been received in the past 53 years. It is
interesting to note that of those complaints, more than two-thirds, dating
back decades, were received in year 2002, at the height of media coverage
and public awareness surrounding the issue. Over
this more than half-century, 1,706 clerics served within the Diocese of
Rochester. Of those, 36 diocesan
priests were the subject of allegations, or approximately 2 percent. As
a result of the complaints, 18 clerics were suspended or resigned. Six of the clerics who were the subject of complaint(s) were deceased. Allegations involving six clerics were determined to be unfounded. Six cases had insufficient information or were not substantiated. No priest ordained after 1980 has been the subject of a complaint, which diocesan officials believe owes to more rigid screening and training, increased awareness and other changes imposed in that time period and since. The Diocese has provided a total of approximately $1.51 million in financial assistance and other payments relating to sexual misconduct on the part of clergy. Of that figure, approximately $1.24 million was for treatment, compensation or payment to victims. Legal fees totaled approximately $270,000. Insurance paid approximately $831,000 of the total. For perspective, it is noteworthy that the diocesan insurance program paid a total of $12.5 million in one 10-year period (1992-2002) for property damage, personal liability, workers compensation and related items. No Partners in Faith money has been used. Money raised through the Partners in Faith capital campaign has not been used for any such payments as stipulated. A
pledge from Bishop Clark "I have communicated to you many times over the past years on the issue of sexual abuse by clergy," Bishop Clark said in an open letter to be published Thursday in the Catholic Courier and on the diocesan website. “In all my communications, both directly and through our local media, I have tried to express the enormous degree of my own personal sorrow and disappointment over
this issue, which I have said is certainly one of the most difficult issues
of my four decades of priesthood and nearly 25 years as your bishop. "In those attempts
and in other ways, such as the recent diocesan-sponsored Day of Reconciliation
in Canandaigua with victims of clergy sexual abuse and their families, our
diocese has sought to reach out to those who were hurt in the past by the
behavior of some of our priests. We have offered then, and I offer again
now, my sincere apologies on behalf of our local church, and a personal pledge
to each and every one of them and to all our faithful: everything within
our power will be done to ensure that we will work tirelessly to prevent
such incidents now and in the future. This we promise." Further, Bishop Clark
advised that it would be an equally tragic mistake for the community to think
that, because of extensive media attention nationally, the issue is solely
a “Catholic Church problem.” In American society,
the problem of sexual abuse of children is widespread,
very real and very disturbing. According
to the well-respected National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,
1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys in America will be sexually abused by the
time they reach adulthood. A 1990 study stated that 27 percent of women
and 16 percent of men were sexually abused by age 16 and some studies put
that figure even higher. Many experts agree that the ratio for boys is
likely higher, but that a higher percentage of males are reluctant to report
the abuse. "One of the reasons that the other Catholic bishops of the United States and I sought this national study was to better understand the causes, frequency and context of this issue not only within the Church but in the larger American context," Bishop Clark said. "While the issue in the Church is tragic, I also believe the numbers we have reported locally and that the USCCB will report nationally have no framework that allows a fuller understanding of the national problem in the larger society. Few, if any, institutions, to my knowledge, have undertaken such a comprehensive study. I encourage these institutions to conduct similar research and to act accordingly to institute programs of prevention and awareness, if they have not already done so. "As a society,
we must act together and with zeal to take whatever steps are necessary
to grapple with this problem and create a safe environment for all. And
please rest assured: we will make every effort to achieve that goal in
the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester." To report a case of possible sexual abuse, contact the victims’ advocates that have been appointed by Bishop Matthew Clark. They are: Ms. Barbara Pedeville: (585)328-3228, ext. 1215 or (800)388-7177, ext. 1215 or Fr. Robert Ring, (315)730-0882 Creating
A Safe Environment
" Catholics have experienced extraordinary anguish at the revelations of
sexual abuse by trusted ministers. Church leaders, hoping to learn from any past
mistakes and fully aware of the lasting pain caused by the actions of those who
abuse, have worked at all levels to ensure that minors and vulnerable adults
will be protected in the future. In the Diocese of Rochester, Bishop Matthew
Clark and other leaders have begun several initiatives to bolster existing protections
in response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (www.usccb.org)
that the bishops of the United States adopted last year. Bishop Clark expressed
his own sentiments about this crucial work in a letter to all employees of
the diocese and its affiliated organizations earlier this year as he announced
his “Safe Environment” initiative. "I am ever mindful
that the issue of sexual abuse of our most innocent and vulnerable has caused
great pain and sorrow within our Church,'' he wrote. "I continue to pray
that any individuals harmed by a person in a position of trust and authority
within our Church receive the spiritual and emotional healing they so rightly
deserve. With that, I pray that you will join me in this firm commitment
to reduce the possibility of such grievous and painful events occurring as
we move forward." Accordingly, the
Diocese of Rochester has initiated:
The Diocese of Rochester sincerely welcomes comment and questions. "I remain proud of our prior policies and procedures related to the issue of sexual abuse, and of our firm, sincere commitment to bring healing to victims of such grievous crimes," Bishop Clark told members of the news media in May as he announced the new Code of Pastoral Conduct and other steps. "These initiatives will serve to further strengthen our efforts and help ensure that our children and young people are ministered to in a safe, loving and appropriate environment. As always, I encourage anyone who has ever been abused by a person of the church in a position of trust and authority to please contact our victims' advocates [Barbara Pedeville, (585) 328-3210, ext. 1215, or Rev. Bob Ring (315) 730-0882] so that we can begin to help them achieve the healing they so very much deserve." BISHOP CLARK ADDRESSES DELAY OF VATICAN APPROVAL OF CHARTER Leader of local Catholic Diocese reassures faithful of Church's strong stand on sexual abuse Bishop Matthew Clark today expressed his full confidence that the Vatican remains in support of the American Bishops' efforts to deal with the issue of clerical sexual misconduct. Bishop Clark's comments followed today's announcement that a Mixed Commission, comprising representatives of four Vatican Congregations and four United States Bishops, will convene to clarify and refine some elements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People drafted by the United States Bishops in June. "I think that it is very important to remember that this is not a rejection of our Charter and the accompanying Norms," said Bishop Clark. "Rather, it represents an opportunity for the Holy See and our Bishops to work together to ensure that a workable document is in place to address our mutual concerns about the protection of our young and vulnerable." "As expressed in Cardinal Re's letter to Bishop Wilton Gregory, the Holy See remains very supportive of our efforts," Bishop Clark continued. Cardinal Re is the Vatican prefect for the Congregation for Bishops, while Bishop Gregory heads the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In his letter to Bishop Gregory, Cardinal Re affirms that the Holy See "would like to convey full solidarity with the Bishops of the United States in their firm condemnation of sexual misdeeds against minors.". Cardinal Re also writes that "before Recognitio (formal Vatican approval) can be granted, a further reflection on and revision of the 'Norms' and the 'Charter' are necessary." Bishop Clark emphasized that the work of the Mixed Commission, which is expected to complete its task before the next Plenary Session of the USCCB in November, will not stop the Diocese of Rochester from moving forward with plans that are consistent with the spirit of the Charter. "I know that the Holy See shares our view that acts of abuse against minors are reprehensible and a violation of criminal and Canon law. We will continue to treat allegations of abuse as such and will continue to report credible allegations to local criminal authorities. The further discussion of the approval of the Charter and Norms will not change that." "Many of the provisions of the Charter, such as the establishment of a lay review board and appointment of victims advocates, have been part of our diocesan policy for nearly a decade now," Bishop Clark stated. "We have always kept the healing of victims as our top priority and will continue to do so." Bishop Clark and members of the advisory review panel that examines cases of alleged sexual abuse are developing policies pertaining to the screening of candidates for the Diaconate and Presbyterate, as well as policies related to background checks on those who have contact with children. Bishop Clark and the advisory board are also implementing two new processes to aid in the investigation of abuse allegations and promote further healing of victims: * Investigation of allegations of sexual abuse will now be handed over to independent, qualified investigators, meaning staff members have been removed from the process. Previously the two diocesan victims' advocates conducted investigations. * The diocese is also forming a support group for victims of clerical sexual abuse, led by a certified counselor who specializes in that area. Any victim interested in joining the group can contact Barbara Pedeville at (585) 328-3210, ext. 215, or Rev. Robert Ring at (315) 730-0882. "I cannot stress enough that the Charter remains a living document, the spirit of which I am quite confident the Holy See supports." BISHOP CLARK ISSUES STATEMENT ON USCCB MEETING IN DALLAS Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester Bishop Matthew Clark tonight issued the following statement that reflects his feelings on the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's Charter to Protect Children and Young People: "At the conclusion of the work of the USCCB General Assembly in Dallas, I commit myself to the provisions of the Charter and norms we bishops adopted to protect our children from sexual abuse by members of the clergy. "I believe that our diocesan policy is substantially in accord with what we approved today in Dallas. To ensure that such is the case, I will ask our Advisory Panel on sexual abuse to recommend to me any further changes in our policy that would align it with the Charter adopted by the USCCB. "Much remains to be done to promote the healing of victim survivors of abuse and to restore trust in the pastoral ministry of our bishops. In addition, we need to attend to the pain and grief of our parish communities who have suffered the loss of their pastors. I will be seeking the advice of our panel in these matters as well. "I want to praise and thank the vast majority of our priests who, day after day, serve the people of our diocese with loving generosity. My deep hope is that they will continue, in peace and with confidence, their ministry to our young people, helping our children to come to the full stature to which God calls them. "Finally, as I ask our priests and all the people of our diocese to hold me fully accountable to do all in my power to protect children, I also ask their prayerful support in this essential work."
BISHOP CLARK EXPANDS ROLE OF LAY PEOPLE ON ADVISORY PANEL Noted authorities in law enforcement, child advocacy added to group dealing with issue of sex abuse Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester leader Bishop Matthew H. Clark today announced that he has invited several individuals with extensive backgrounds in law enforcement and child advocacy to join the advisory panel that investigates allegations of sexual abuse by clergy and makes recommendations to him. Joining the Bishop's Advisory Panel are: Andrew Meloni, former Monroe County Sheriff; Bill Dillon, a former FBI agent who led the regional office; Tom Roche, Town of Gates Chief of Police; and Margaret Joynt, an attorney and child advocate who has represented many victims of abuse. They will join current panel members Timothy Sheehan (therapist), Jeff Munson (therapist), Adrian Burke (attorney), Elaine Yudashkin, Ph.D. (licensed psychotherapist), and Rev. Daniel Condon (diocesan chancellor). Four members of the current panel will now serve as staff liaisons to the panel. They include victims' advocates Rev. Robert Ring and Barbara Pedeville, Human Resources staff member Sr. Elaine Englert, and attorney Richard Chapman. The new panel, with the exception of Father Condon, almost exclusively comprises lay people. The Bishop also announced that Bill Mayer, a retired Major from the Rochester City Police Department, will provide assistance by reviewing the diocese's process for handling allegations of sexual misconduct by clergy and making recommendations to further improve and strengthen them. A 21-year veteran of the RPD, Mayer led the Criminal Investigation Division, which included Internal Affairs and the Juvenile Unit. He is also a board member for the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "I am delighted and extremely grateful that these talented individuals have so generously agreed to share their time and gifts to serve the people of our diocese," said Bishop Clark. "While I am so very thankful for the work of our panel over the last nine years, I think these changes position us to deal even more effectively with the difficult challenges we face. There is no doubt that the expertise they can offer in relation to investigative procedures and an enhanced level of understanding of victims and abusers, as well as an increased level of care for victims, will be a tremendous benefit to the Diocese of Rochester." |
