ERIE (PA)
Erie Times-News
The Catholic Diocese of Erie is complying with the rules established by bishops to prevent and respond to sexual abuse of children, according to an annual audit.
A self audit determined that, for the third year in a row, the diocese was in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, according to a news release.
The charter, established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002, calls for yearly audits to ensure that dioceses are meeting its provisions. The charter contains procedures for addressing abuse allegations, for reconciliation, healing and accountability, and to prevent future abuse.
The Erie diocese's first two audits were done by an independent team from the Gavin Group Inc. of Boston, which directed the process this year. The diocese was allowed to do the self audit because of successful findings the past two years, according to the release.