WORCESTER (MA)
The Catholic Free Press
WORCESTER – The diocese is in compliance with all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Bishop McManus announced today.
An audit of the diocesan policies in regards to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy was conducted in December by the Gavin Group as part of a national audit of Catholic dioceses. The Gavin Group is an independent auditing firm whose auditors have years of experience in law enforcement. The audit reviewed actions the diocese has taken through the Office for Healing and Prevention since the last audit which was in June 2003.
“I am pleased to see that this audit has once again confirmed the commitment our diocese has made to healing for those who seek the Church’s assistance and restoring trust to the faithful community as a whole,” Bishop McManus said in a statement issued by the diocesan Office of Communications.
“A great injustice was done to these victims of sexual abuse by members of the Church. While there is no simple answer on how to foster healing in their lives, we join with the rest of the Church in expressing our sorrow for the pain which was inflicted upon them and their families. We will continue to work with those victims who have approached us to address their individual needs. The sincerest response we can make to the community as a whole is to continue to strengthen the policies, procedures and spirit of our local policies and the national charter. This audit recognizes that commitment.”