| |
I, TOD BROWN, BISHOP OF ORANGE, CA AND
MY BROTHER BISHOPS OF THE DIOCESE PLEDGE
THE COVENANT WITH THE FAITHFUL
consisting of seven theses
| (1) |
We will continue to do everything possible to help the healing process
of the victims of sexual abuse. |
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| (2) |
We will implement in every respect the American Catholic Bishops’
The National Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People and our own diocesan policies for the prevention of the
abuse of children and young people. |
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| (3) |
We will endeavor to heal the hurt among the clergy, religious and
laity, who have been humiliated, scorned and disgraced by the actions
of those priests who sexually abused children and young people and
the leaders who failed to appreciate the severity of these actions
and failed to respond appropriately. |
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| (4) |
We will work collaboratively with all members of the Diocese to
promote an atmosphere of openness and trust, and empower them as partners
in parochial affairs and thereby create a new era for our Church in
Orange County. |
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| (5) |
We will be open, honest and forthright in our public statements
to the media, and consistent and transparent in our communications
with the Catholics of our Diocese. |
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|
| (6) |
We will restore confidence in our role as Bishops. |
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| (7) |
We will lead the rededication of the Diocese of Orange
as an Ambassador of God’s Love that cares about the welfare
of the entire county, especially the disenfranchised and the poor.
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[January 18, 2004]
[From http://www.rcbo.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=197&Itemid=44]
[See also a PDF
of the Covenant and the USCCB's
Charter and Norms.]
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