Personal Statement
Bishop Driscoll apologizes again for his part in Orange cases

By Most Rev. Michael P. Driscoll, M.S.W., D.D.
Idaho Catholic Register
May 6, 2005

http://www.catholicidaho.org/CYAP/BishopStatement.htm

Three years ago, in June, 2002, I shared with all of you that while serving as a priest in the Diocese of Orange, 1976–1987, and working on behalf of the Bishop of Orange as chancellor, I was involved in a number of clergy sexual abuse cases. I shared with you my apology at that time for the way those cases were handled.

Earlier this year the Diocese of Orange reached a settlement with abuse victims. Part of this settlement is that soon the courts are expected to release personnel documents, including those related to cases I was involved in.

At this time I once again want to apologize to the victims who were harmed by priests in the Diocese of Orange and for my role in these cases. I am ashamed that this happened. I am deeply sorry that the way we handled cases at that time allowed children to be victimized by permitting some priests to remain in ministry, for not disclosing their behavior to those who might be at risk, and for not monitoring their actions more closely.

It is hard for me to understand today how we could not have seen what was happening to the children. People who know me well know how much I love children. They know that I would never hurt anyone intentionally, especially children. Yet, the focus at that time was to provide help to priests so they could continue in their vocations. I know now that our priorities were horribly misplaced. First and foremost we should have done everything to protect the children.

The abuse of one victim is one too many. The abuse of multiple victims is intolerable. I certainly wish that our approach to these issues today had been the approach in the 70’s and 80’s.

I am completely and wholeheartedly committed to the safety of children. I am committed to the Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children. I have established an office dedicated to the protection of children. I have developed strict policies, strengthened our Review Board, and have mandated that every church employee and volunteer who has regular contact with children submit to criminal background checks. The Diocese has developed abuse prevention education programs for clergy, staff, children and parents. We have placed brochures in parishes and on our website inviting anyone who may have been abused to contact my office. Our policy prohibits ministry by anyone guilty of child sexual abuse, and prohibits transferring clergy who have abused. In short, we are doing now what I profoundly wish we would have done years ago. Our goal is to do everything humanly possible to assure that no children are hurt by sexual abuse in the Catholic Church of Idaho.

I pray for the victims each day and intend to continue to do so. I pray that they will heal completely from the horrors that were inflicted upon them. I also pray for your support for our continuing effort to learn from the past to protect our children.