The diocese recently filed its revised policy for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse charged against clergy and other church personnel with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The new policy was developed in collaboration with the other dioceses of the state, and in compliance with the requirements set forth last year by the USCCB’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing With Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons. It follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December by all five dioceses and the state attorney general, but also addresses the question of what happens from a canonical standpoint to a priest or deacon who is found guilty of the charge of sexual abuse.

According to Ronald C. Rak, general secretary for administrative and legal services, the revised policy was the result of a working group established by the state’s bishops. The group, which included civil and canon lawyers, looked at the requirements of the USCCB charter, the Memorandum of Understanding and canon law, writing the policy that reflected all three.

Rak explained, "The new policy mirrors, in part, the reporting protocol the diocese has had in place with the state attorney general and the individual county prosecutors. The policy goes beyond that reporting protocol in that it sets forth procedures under canon law to be utilized in disciplining those found guilty.

"In sum, the policy outlines step by step how claims of abuse will be handled from our receipt of a claim; through the investigative process by the civil authorities and the diocese, and ultimately to a final determination of guilt or innocence under canon law."

Among the areas addressed by the revised policy are the requirements to report all allegations to the civil authorities; the make-up and scope of responsibility of the Diocesan Review Board; the diocese’s obligation to offer assistance to those who claim to have been abused; evaluation and screening of all parish and diocesan personnel, as well as those who are being considered for ordination; the establishment of "safe environment" programs and clear standards of conduct for clergy and other church personnel, and the requirement that any priest who has committed even a single act of sexual abuse be removed from ecclesiastical ministry.

Referring to the publication of the policy in this newspaper and, in the coming weeks, on the diocesan website, Rak stated, "We encourage all people of the diocese to familiarize themselves with this policy, to stay informed about the many initiatives the diocese has taken on this issue and to come forward to the diocese without hesitation if they have any suspicion that abuse has occurred."

Rak continued, "The adoption of this policy is a further advance in our efforts to protect all individuals from sexual crimes. Our work in this regard continues. New initiatives will be announced shortly."