BishopAccountability.org
	In the Open Daily Nonpareil [Council Bluffs IA] February 7, 2007 http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17820300&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555110&rfi=6 Our Position: Diocese, school react properly to alleged abuse. A Catholic priest who has served the St. Albert Catholic School System in Council Bluffs for the past 12 years was placed on leave late last week in the wake of allegations of sexual abuse by a former St. Albert student. Bishop Joseph Charron of the Diocese of Des Moines announced the action against the Rev. Phillip Hobt on Friday. Hobt, who has been with the school since the fall of 1995, taught religion and delivered Mass for the junior high and high schools. The priest also delivered some weekend Masses at St. Patrick's and St. Peter's Catholic churches in Council Bluffs. Hobt is not allowed to function as a priest while on leave. While such allegations are not unheard of and have been mishandled in other dioceses in the past, we think the handling of this unfortunate situation by both the diocese and local school officials has been exemplary. The allegation currently rests with the Diocesan Allegation Review Committee, which is composed primarily of lay volunteers who investigate the credibility of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. Pottawattamie County District Court Judge Kathleen Kilnoski chairs the committee, which also includes a child psychologist, a police detective and an attorney. Anne Cox, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of Des Moines, emphasized that the actions of the diocese have not determined if Hobt is guilty or innocent, but follow a process designed with the primary concern of protecting children. St. Albert students were immediately told of the situation and counselors were made available. Many are using them, St. Albert President Brian Osborne said. Parents were informed through e-mail and a letter. In addition, the parish provided opportunities for parents and children to ask questions, and Bishop Charron asked that a press release be read at weekend Masses. The diocese went even further, encouraging people who think they might have been abused by clergy to contact law enforcement and the office of the victim assistance advocate for the diocese in Des Moines. There was a day when allegations of this nature - and we would hasten to add they remain allegations, not proven fact - would have been hidden from the public. Instead, the Des Moines Diocese has adopted a procedure to protect the children it serves, inform the parents of those who entrust not only the education but also the well-being of their children to the diocese and the rights of those who stand accused. The openness and the forthrightness of both the diocese and the school district are a crucial first step toward resolution of the allegation. The diocese and the school are to be commended.
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